Do latex tubes puncture easier?
— Bill W. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Latex tubes are usually lighter than standard butyl tubes, and their fans say they have a “nicer ride.” They’re also reputed to be more puncture-resistant because they’re more flexible. On the downside, latex tubes are usually more expensive and they’re more porous.
Can you put sealant in a latex tube?
This is how tire sealant works with a standard tire-tube set up. In general, tire sealant should NOT be used in high-end race tubulars for several reasons: Tire sealant does usually not react well with latex tubes and can cause the tube walls to stick together. Especially if the tire is allowed to go flat.
Are latex tubes safe?
In fact, since latex tubes have so much more puncture resistance (try taking a hammer to latex and butyl inner tubes lying on a table to see for yourself this rather profound difference), they are arguably safer on any kind of wheel where heat buildup isn’t an issue.
How much faster are latex inner tubes?
The result was that latex tubes were five to 5.5 watts faster per tyre using this methodology. The results were consistent with Vittoria’s claims and suggest that by using latex inner tubes you do indeed have lower rolling resistance, allowing you to travel faster for the same effort.
How much pressure do latex tubes lose?
Latex tubes will lose ~1psi/hr at riding pressures. Before you come to any conclusions about how much pressure was lost due to latex, you first have to get a feel for your pump gauge and how much (if any) pressure is lost when removing and/or resetting the pump head on the valve. So do a simple test first.
How many watts do latex tubes save?
Latex is more flexible and thinner too, so if you want to reduce rolling resistance then latex is the way to go. According to Jarno Bierman at bicyclerollingresistance.com, you’ll save 4-5 Watts using latex inner tubes over butyl tubes .
Do pros use tubeless?
In the world of professional road racing, tubeless tyres remain a novelty. The vast majority of pros ride traditional tubular tyres glued to tubular-specific rims, and while there have been notable instances of pros racing on tubeless, there’s been little evidence of a sea change in attitudes towards tyre technology.