Ordinary or light tubes

izumi
izumi Posts: 15
edited May 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
How does a tube weight affect the sturdiness of a tyre? I have Schwalbe Smart Sam 2.25 tyres with light Impac AV14 tubes (about 120g each). Is there any sense in installing ordinary tubes instead (about 200g each) or will I just increase the weight of my bike?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    does nothing to the tyre.

    why would you want to change?
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  • izumi
    izumi Posts: 15
    Thanks for clarifying that. I got a puncture a week ago, I thought that maybe thickier tubes can make tyres more resistant to punctures.

    By the way, I have a related question. How long can I keep a tyre with a small puncture from a sharp stone? Will this puncture get bigger with the passage of time?
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Depends how big and where.
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    izumi wrote:
    Thanks for clarifying that. I got a puncture a week ago, I thought that maybe thickier tubes can make tyres more resistant to punctures.

    By the way, I have a related question. How long can I keep a tyre with a small puncture from a sharp stone? Will this puncture get bigger with the passage of time?
    A hole in th tyre has little relevance to anything. It is the tube that holds the air in.

    And maybe.
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  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    In my experience, a thorn or nail can go through a normal tube very easily. So fitting lighter tubes should make no difference. Pinch flats may be different but since I’ve never had one I can’t say. I’m actually planning to install extra light tubes which save almost 100g per wheel and also install sealant, which will add up to 50g per wheel. Result is a lighter wheel with puncture prevention.
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  • izumi
    izumi Posts: 15
    In my experience, a thorn or nail can go through a normal tube very easily. So fitting lighter tubes should make no difference.
    Ok, thanks!