Is lighter inner tube gives better performance?

[novetan]

I read an article that said latex tube roll 10% faster than common butyl tubes cause its lighter. Its that true and is that really that significant? Does it easily punctured?

If its true, any good brand?

 

[Boris Bajic]

It is true, but for Johnny Normal it makes little difference (read 'no difference').

For pro racers, serious amateurs and equipment fetishists it offers an enhanced performance envelope and significant advantages over any cheap old crap the other chap is using....

In my experience they are fine as far as puncture resistance goes, as the issue is more what penetrates the outer than what penetrates the tube.

If you want to save weight, eat fewer pies.

If you want to minmise rotational mass, go and work for NASA or something.

It's just a bicycle.

I hope I have helped but I fear that perhaps I have not.

 

[raindog]

I tried them some years ago. They're expensive, lose air very fast and I couldn't tell any difference.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

If you want to lose a bit of weight in the wheels then go for folding tyres before latex tubes if you have not done so already.

 

[fossyant]

You need good tyres as well. Use latex on the best bike with pro race 4s. They make a lovely noise. Whoosh.

 

[400bhp]

Where's GrasB

 

[400bhp]

You need good tyres as well. Use latex on the best bike with pro race 4s. They make a lovely noise. Whoosh.

Which is the best bike Foss?

 

[fossyant]

Which is the best bike Foss?

The Herety

 

[400bhp]

Is that what you were on for Manc100?

 

[fossyant]

Is that what you were on for Manc100?

Yep.

 

[fossyant]

This one.

 

[Globalti]

I'm having a love affair with latex tubes at the moment; I've been using them for a month and I LOVE the ride, the noise and the lighness. Now I'm using them with Michelin Pro3 light tyres and they're even better. Cat claws can puncture them though if kitty makes a grab for a dangling tube while you're changing them.

I believe this combo is faster but it would be impossible to prove.

 

[Chris S]

Just have a pee before you go out cycling - there will be a greater reduction in overall weight!

 

[Rob3rt]

Just have a pee before you go out cycling - there will be a greater reduction in overall weight!

Does your urine reside in your wheels? It is not just about absolute weight, but also the distribution of weight.

That being said, I have little opinion on light inner tubes, I use Conti Supersonic tubes on my light wheels with GP4000s tyres. Not a clue whether they make a difference.

On another note, I find this thread hard to take serious because of the "Is lighter tubes better, innit?"-esque thread title!

 

[paul04]

Just fill the innertubes with helium, and the bike will just float along