Guy du S

I had a concern about a 23mm tube to be fitted in a 25mm tyre. The max size for the Michelin Latex tubes is 23mm yet there seems to be a move towards wider tyres and I am running a 25mm tyre on my rear wheel. I did a little research and found that some people actually recommend using the slightly narrower tubes compared to the tyre size. https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=119073 Any advice or experience in this regard?

I eventually fitted my new latex tubes yesterday. I haven't cycled on them yet. I had to be super cautious not to pinch them, especially with the new tyres I installed with them. I hope they live up to their puncture resistance reputation because I wouldn't like to have to change one on the side of the road. I'm thinking I'll keep a Butyl tube for a spare... I noted that the foldable Conti GP4000SIIs did not recommend use with Latex Tubes. I have installed them anyway and will hope that they hold out... any ideas why this is? I still have a few extra Michelin Air Comp Latex Tubes with 60mm Presta valves available if anyone one want some.

I have bought some Michelin Air Comp Latex tubes. Looking forward to trying them. I'll post feedback on how they ride... I bought a few extras if anyone wants any @ R160 each. They are 700 x 22-23c with 60 mm Valves.

I'll have to see once they have landed and I've paid the vat and import duties.

I found this article for an interesting result. https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/specials/schwalbe-one-tubeless-clincher I like the scientific way they approach the testing, and their results agree with the general sentiment of the posts in this thread. I will be ordering a few Latex Tubes, a couple for me and some extras for anyone interested. I'll post here and in the classifieds when they arrive.

I'm thinking of placing an order, I'm leaning towards latex after the last few posts... Any suggestions which ones to go for?

Thanks for all the responses... As usual, this has taken me down the Rabbit hole of more options and questions rather than clearing things up. What I have taken from this thread and some further research is the following... Weight saving for 2x Race 28 Supersonic tubes vs normal race 28 Tubes is 110 g (Continental website). Price difference from CRC as an example for 2 tubes is R 178.00 (Comparing 60mm valve option). Tubbies would cost approx. R15000 including 2 tyres for a saving of 530g. So, there is a big weight saving to be made with tubbies, for a significantly higher price. Similarly for seat posts and handle bars and saddles, (although these weights are not rotating so the effect is perhaps less pronounced...?) The value proposition for TuboLito Tubes is an interesting one since the puncture resistance is unquantified as yet. If they are as good as they claim to be, they could be worth it. Looking at CWC prices for Tubolito, they come in at about 3x the price of Race 28 Supersonic tubes from CRC (Estimated including Delivery and duties). So they basically need to last 3 times longer to make them worthwhile. (not taking the weight saving into account) As for having a good crap... I can go lightweight on the tubes and still have a good crap...

I have noticed that SA bike shops seem to only stock regular tubes. It seems like there are a lot more options available from international online vendors. Within the Continental range there are a few different specs. Some reviews have stated that the Continental Race 28 Supersonic is the cheapest and easiest way to reduce the total weight of a bike by 100g and, considering this weight is on the extremity of the wheels, it should make for a significant improvement in acceleration too. What are the pros and cons of lightweight tubes?