[rola643]

So I did a nice 40 miler today, started later than I wanted and paid heat wise, and got a flat bout 5-6 miles from home. Luckily there was a spot to pull off and get under some trees for shade. Anyway the wfiee(yes the spousal unit-wifee) and I had some things to do today and I added a stop to the LBS to get a couple new tubes. Burned through three in the last few days.

I went to a shop on the other side of the water since we were over that way and and asked for the specific tube I was looking for and they were out. He made me an offer an a set of tubes a step up from what I was using, LATEX was what he was offering up! I was like yea I've heard a little bit about them and asked home much. Answer:$17.49 per tube! He was quick to point out latex rolls 10 % faster! Course I said I'm not that fast and after blowing 3 tubes in as many days wasn't in any hurry to lay down 35 bux just to change it again tomorrow, I need to get over this roll I'm on.

Anyway he handed me a printed article to read over and I was actually quite surprised at some of the info in the article.

He had mentioned (and I know this guy and he can ride!) he was riding a pretty course tire a 60 tpi with latex tubes and felt it was much better and faster. Compared it to riding tubulars.

I manged to find the article on line and will post it here for your review

Tech Feature: The Work Of Wheel Energy | Cyclingnews.com

All this to say my next tubes will be a set of these when I get over this little tear everything up spell I've been rolling on If the body can tell a 5% change I'm game to try for 10% and it could be the cheapest 10% reduction in rolling resistance I can buy!

[M_Wales]

What shop did you shop at?

[rola643]

BikeBeat in Kiln Creek and talked with Chris.

[M_Wales]

Thats about 4 miles from my house.. Chris is a great guy... I visit the store a couple of times a week...

Good info in that link you posted.... I have been looking at Latex tubes myself, but forking out that much for a tube is a little high...

[Gandalfe]

Have you ever used puncture resistant tires?

[wild]

Good read tnx

[Weav]

go with those latex tubes Rola but I'd say also put on a pair of gatorskins or something like that for your tire, sounds like you have some bad luck with road debris (glass, rocks, etc.). I think the latex loses air quicker so you'll probably be pumping tires for each ride, not a big deal though. Do you think maybe you are pinch flatting?

[rola643]

Originally Posted by Weav

go with those latex tubes Rola but I'd say also put on a pair of gatorskins or something like that for your tire, sounds like you have some bad luck with road debris (glass, rocks, etc.). I think the latex loses air quicker so you'll probably be pumping tires for each ride, not a big deal though. Do you think maybe you are pinch flatting?

No pinch flats, on one of them the presta valve came out and shot off like a rocket while I was getting ready for a ride, same with the other, except it just broke. The last was road debris....glass I could not avoid it all!

I air up before every ride as it is so that won't be an issue.

I had gone prolly 2-2.5 years without a flat and now it seems I can't avoid them

[worthlees]

Thanks for posting, a good read.

[rola643]

Happened to think about this this morning. Had a ride cancelled for rain this morning and so I ended up with LOTSA extra time. I'm getting ready for a couple centuries and thinking about what I need. The need for new tubes came to the top of the list, and think since I have new tyres I will try the latex in them for the upcoming events .