Any long term TPU tube users on here

[Webbo2]

One thing I'd like to ask for confirmation.

Has anyone attempted patching up TPU with bog standard electrical / insulation tape? I think it was a post on reddit that "swore" by it, but I couldn't tell if that post was credible or just plain BS.

Anyone tried and tested the electrical tape patch hack on TPU tubes?

Yes I stuck some on and inflated the tube which kept inflated for some time. However inflating TPU not inside a tyre distorts their shape and they no longer will fit in a tyre. P Blakney off BR says he has successfully repaired a tube and it’s stayed repaire.

 

[VinSumRox]

I bought a tubolito repair kit which is basically a suitable glue alcohol wipes ans some patches of the same tpu material as the tube. I have successfully patched Tubolito several times and the patches seem pretty robust.
I do feel they are more resistant to punctures and will sometimes have a very tiny hole which is hard to spot and makes it seem like that are permeable!
I like the tiny size of them to carry as spares.
I wasn't impressed with the cheap Ridenow ones as they are very thin and easily damaged when fitting them.

 

[accountdeleted]

Thanks @Webbo2, very useful feedback. I recognise P Blakney from BR, I wonder if he's migrated to here, too (I'm a recent BR refugee).

I am aware of permanent distortion of TPU tube when inflated on its own without being in situ (low yield point?). Just wanted to know if electrical tape repair hack is worth a try at a pinch but I'll get a purpose repair kit just in case.

I still have quite a few butyl tubes and loads of Rema patches and vulcanising glue so I'm not a full TPU convert yet.

So, given the TOU yield point, is it wise to get a TPU tube that's one size bigger than intended? For example, for a 28c tire get a TPU tube that's sized for 30-35c instead of a TPU sized for 23-28c (or even up to 30c)? Just curious.

 

[Norry1]

I've been back on butyl tubes for a few months with my 30mm winter tyres. Have to say I am looking forward to getting back to my TPU tubes

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

Now running two bikes on TPU tubes.
Still no problems.

 

[accountdeleted]

Bump.

Experience on repairing TPU tube. Had a thorn puncture back in the beginning of November. A little 2mm nick on the TPU tube. Sealed it with an electrical tape (two layers, crossing over).

Stayed air tight for ~350miles but lost all air overnight the other day. Inspected the tube and the electrical tape has completely crusted up and crumbled into pieces. ELECTRICAL TAPE REPAIR DOESN'T LAST.

Bought online a Tera-Aid / Tenacious Tape type polyurethane elastomer tape to cover it. Lets see how long this lasts.

Also bought Gorilla glue (polyurethane glue that needs moisture to activate) in anticipation of patching up with cut out TPU from old tube. But I figured the glue hardens too much when cured that I'm not convinced it'll work on a TPU tube.

TPU repair hack experiment continues (or I might just buy Pirelli repair kit...)

 

[De Sisti]

I've bought some from Ali Express. The only problem I had was when I tried to pump them up to the usual high pressure I used for my tryes (which was the maximum a manufacturer would recommend. This gives me peace-of-mind allowing for fewer pinch punctures). I did experience a couple of split tpu tubes, so have lowered them to 90psi. So far, and over 1500 miles at the lower pressure, no issues at all.

 

[matticus]

Interesting in Cyclist this month: some industry ex-spurt saying that TPU should replace road-tubeless.

(I forget the exact reasons, sorry!)

I think he said tubeless is perfect at very low pressures, and clinchers+butyl probably perfect for tarmac training tyres,
but for tarmac racing (and similar) TPU will one day Rule The World. He might also be a tubular fan (for racing), but I'm probably mixing up my opinion-pieces now ...

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Difficulty in finding a puncture and patching bother me. Just feels like more plastic waste in waiting.