Slime inner tubes

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danger mouse

Active Member
I was just going to ask the same thing. Just got back from a very dissapointing ride out.

The valve blew on amy inner tube after 7 mile. It looks like it snapped , but Im not sure how common this is.

Replaced the tube fine with my spare. (Very smug and pleased with myself) Mile later I get a puncture.

Nip in the tyre due to low pressure I think as I can only get up to around 60 on my small inflator.

I had to get a lift back as I could not get patches to stick. VVV annoyed with myself:angry:

So, question as above + are Co2 inflators any good + whats the best glue and patch system?
 

Scilly Suffolk

Über Member
No personal experience: I was put off when I looked into them.

Poor with high pressures, so-so with mtb/hybrid pressures.

There is a weight penalty too, which being on the wheel is noticeable.
 
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BigonaBianchi

BigonaBianchi

Yes I can, Yes I am, Yes I did...Repeat.
arnt there any decent heavy duty normal tubes (slime free) then?? The lbs only has spesh tubes and they arnt lasting 5 minutes on my rides...seesm to me that thicker rubber might be worth the wait...as the tart said to the vicar
 

Norm

Guest
I've got slime tubes in the front of my CX and MTB and I haven't had to stop for a puncture in, golly, I guess I've done way over 500 miles between them. I run the CX (700x32) at 80-90psi, they seem to be ok but I do need to remember to clean out the pump after I've topped them up.

I use both of those bikes off road a lot, and I was previously getting a puncture every 75-100 miles.

I like the cushioning effect that they give. They are heavier so, if performance is an issue, they will make a dent into your times. IMO, though, outright speed is only an issue for racing (or getting home before the other half goes out when she's forgotten to tell you she is going out!) so I'm happy to sacrifice a bit of speed for increased comfort.
 
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BigonaBianchi

BigonaBianchi

Yes I can, Yes I am, Yes I did...Repeat.
Boab, what are you doing, is this a sudden thing, has something changed, or have you always suffered from lots of punctures?

I havent done anyhting different to usual, although I am a little heavier than I was 3 years ago..but not much. I have noticed more rubbish in the roads ...glass and grit and flint chippings etc...but doubt that is enough to warrant such a change...maybe it's jus tthe way it goes...weeks without a puncture then 5 in a week
 
I used them for a few thousand miles on the mountain bike.

There is a weight penalty, plus they don't fold up as small as regular tubes if you carry a spare.
They really do work. The last time I removed one there we're loads of holes that the gunk had patched. The downside being the gunk them virtually glued the tube to the inside of tyre.
The gunk does spray out if you press a valve, but apart from annoyance and sticky fingers has no long term bad effects. My pump has not been stuck up.
 

MacB

Lover of things that come in 3's
I havent done anyhting different to usual, although I am a little heavier than I was 3 years ago..but not much. I have noticed more rubbish in the roads ...glass and grit and flint chippings etc...but doubt that is enough to warrant such a change...maybe it's jus tthe way it goes...weeks without a puncture then 5 in a week

Fair dos, I've never had a bad spell like that but I know my mind will turn in the same sort of directions as yours when it happens. I've already given it some thought due to taking up offroading, but still on tubes at present. Some of my ideas:-

Tyres - puncture resistance v comfort/speed - if it's for time constrained destination imperative type journeys, as in commuting, then I'd go M+ but only if I could use 700x32 or bigger. I didn't like them in 700x28, much harsher, and can only imagine anything smaller to be worse in that respect. Originally I ran Slime tubes and M+ tyres, scared of punctures. Gradually moved on, ditching the Slimes first then the M+ for anything but commuting, then even for commuting. I think a rash of punctures would see me back on the M+.

Tubes - the Slime ones, and variants, are pricey and not always effective - if you have a removable core you can put 'sealant' into any tube - that could be your best low cost solution. There are tougher tubes around but I'm wary of that as an idea. If something has penetrated the tyre casing a tougher tube may withstand it...but for how long?

Tubeless - going tubeless is an option though trickier and more restrictive with higher pressure narrower road tyres. If you're running bigger tyres then easier and, either way, you can still carry spare tubes just in case. I'd guess the big benefit with tubeless would be no tube to re-puncture. BUT I HAVEN'T TRIED A TUBELESS SYSTEM so this is all based on internet chatter. Of my two local bike shops I use one recommends it highly and the other says avoid like the plague :biggrin:

I suppose eventually tyres will all be tubeless and without sealant and we'll just carry innertubes for emergencies.
 

GrumpyGregry

Here for rides.
So, question as above + are Co2 inflators any good + whats the best glue and patch system?
Co2 good? Yes, once you've nailed the technique for your inflator and cartridge. But you are still best off going belt'n'braces and carrying a high pressure pump to top up. Environmentally Co2 canisters don't cut it imo.

Patches: Park Tools self-adhesive ones but carry a spare tube or two and you'll rarely need them and can patch things in the comfort of your own living room.
 

RhythMick

Über Member
Location
Barnsley
http://www.highonbikes.com/wheels-tyres/innertubes-road/slime-self-sealing-road-bike-innertube.html

do these work? Has anybody used them and seen a saving in the long term in tubes? Once punctured do they hold good at very high pressure?

Do they ooze green slime all over the place?
I bought some 'self-healing' inners from Halfords and about to ditch them. The white stuff inside the tyre gets into The valve and I now can't unscrew it without pliers.

Never again. Whether the slimes are the same I can't say.

... every day is a winding road...
 
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