Alastair_S1D Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 So I recently built myself a new Fuji Transonic and been learning a lot while I was at it. And part of this build wasn't just to build a fast aero bike but also to try and keep the weight down (without totally blowing the budget.) So with that in mind, out of sheer curiosity,I recently weighed the tubes that I am currently using. Just plain off the shelf Kenda butyls with 60mm valves. They came out to what I thought was a whopping 144g per tube. I was shocked. I thought tubes were really light and that they were just a basic component where any tube will do. But a bit of poking around on the interballs showed me that you can get some pretty light tubes out there. I have some off the shelf Giant 700c tubes 48mm valves that came in at 74g. So I looked around. And it looks like decent tubes can shave around 125g off of a bike for relatively little financial outlay. I know some people would drop thousands for 150g. I have been eyeballing the Continental super sonic tubes for my race only wheels (50mm Prime RP-50 clinchers). I figured as a race only (maybe the odd long distance training ride) tube these would make a good choice. How will the conti supersonics hold out on SA roads? Any of you have experience with em? But I want to hear what you all think? Do you just buy whatever happens to be on the shelf in front of you? Are you one of those that swear by latex? What tubes do you swear by?
s14phoenix Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 Maxxis welterweights - 85g - 60mm valve orMichelin Latex - 60mm valve - 80g orVittoria latex - 60mm valve - unknown - didn't weigh.
Sidmouth Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 I used the bontrager lightweight tube at 65Grams just difficult to get hold of these day, are the latex tubes recommended I have no experience.
Alastair_S1D Posted October 31, 2017 Author Posted October 31, 2017 I dunno Sid. I've heard people say latex is really great in terms of ride quality. Not necessarily as light as some light butyl tubes. But supposedly it's a bit more pliable which gives a bit more dampening when things get bumpy. And also they are said to roll easier. 5 watts per wheel I've heard figures like that thrown around. But the trade off is they bleed of air quite quickly. Which means that latex tubes would be relegated to race day duty only.
dave303e Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 there are certain things in life you don't always want to go with the lightest option-Tubes, Condoms, Climbing ropes, seatbelts, helmets- you catch the drift?Things where it is better to be safe than sorry...
Mongoose! Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 ...say latex .... And also they are said to roll easier. 5 watts per wheel I've heard figures like that thrown around. But the trade off is they bleed of air quite quickly. Which means that latex tubes would be relegated to race day duty only. Normal tubes with baby powder at inside of tyres
Cyclewizz Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 I bought a bike a few years ago and it came with latex tubes.I took those latex tubes and put them on my race bike and I'm still using them.Don't know what brand they are but the material is very thin compared to a normal tube. Don't know if I'd go buy latex tubes should I get a puncture.In a race I just carry a normal tube don't own any more latex tubes.
Shebeen Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 there are certain things in life you don't always want to go with the lightest option-Tubes, Condoms, Climbing ropes, seatbelts, helmets- you catch the drift?Things where it is better to be safe than sorry...speaking from experience?....uh mean where are you even able to find any other seatbelt than that bog standard black profile?
dirtypot Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 speaking from experience?....uh mean where are you even able to find any other seatbelt than that bog standard black profile? I've gotten yellow, red & blue ones for GT3's in the past Also on light weight tubes - I have been using Conti super light weight tubes (they feel like tissue paper) in my road bike for years without issue at all - no punctures.
dave303e Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 speaking from experience?....uh mean where are you even able to find any other seatbelt than that bog standard black profile?racecar seatbelts...
Zorro5614 Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 Love my Michelin latex tubes, but they are very fragile
Alastair_S1D Posted October 31, 2017 Author Posted October 31, 2017 I've gotten yellow, red & blue ones for GT3's in the past Also on light weight tubes - I have been using Conti super light weight tubes (they feel like tissue paper) in my road bike for years without issue at all - no punctures. are those the supersonic tubes or the race lights?
J∆kk∆ls Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 Vredestein Tubes are great. I cycled over a staple that entered the rear tyre. I did not notice that I had a staple until the next day when I wanted to go out for ride, the wheel was flat. So somewhere along my ride I must have picked it up and the tube hugged the staple tight enough to get me home.
Alastair_S1D Posted October 31, 2017 Author Posted October 31, 2017 I just ordered three conti Race 28 lights. I figured that I would go for the middle child of conti's tubes they offer. Cause I still want a bit of durability on race day. Still going to shave 150g off my wheels cause these kenda tubes are heavy for 700c tubes.
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