Latex tubes DO make a difference in ride quality!
I race cyclocross and for years had been hearing about the benefits of latex tubes. Price and relative "porosity" of the latex material (poor air retention compared to standard butyl tubes) was initially off-putting.
However, this season I decided that I'd buy a pair and give them a try. To see if there was anything to the hype surrounding them. Also: For science!
I was very skeptical going in, but after the first couple of races I was really surprised and the changes in the ride quality. The latex material is much softer and more elastic than butyl and this makes the tire, at a given pressure, softer and more supple than if a butyl tube was used.
For example, when using Maxxis Larsen MiMo CX tires with butyl tubes, I'd run 26psi in the front and 28-30psi in the back. I weigh 155lbs. In the last 5 years of racing I experienced 1-2 pinch flats.
When I switched to latex tubes and ran the same pressures the tires would bottom out far too easily. Now I run 30-32front/35-37rear. The tire exhibits a similar "squishiness" and thus imparts the desired ride and traction qualities.
Additionally, I've discovered that injecting about 1.5 oz of Stan's Sealant into the tubes improves air retention with only a minor weight increase. Ride quality doesn't seem to be affected. (There seems to be some debate whether or not Stan's is compatible with latex tubes... I can find nothing on Stan's site that indicates that the sealant is NOT compatible with latex tubes.)
I know these results are anecdotal, but I really do like running Latex tubes and will continue to use them in my "race wheels." I'll stick with standard butyl tubes in my "pit wheels" since they aren't used as often.
On a final note, the tubes are expensive, but compared to thin or "light/ultra-light" butyl tubes, they are a much better value.
Pros: Improved ride characteristics
Softer, more supple tire at a given pressure
Greater resistance to flats (haven't "tested" this property yet!)
Cons: Expensive
Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes
Reviewed on: November 20, 2014
Reviewed by: Brian J.
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Yes No Report as InappropriateRacing cyclocross but aren't ready for tubulars and not having luck with tubeless conversions? Latex tubes get you many of the benefits (namely: lower pressures) without the hassle of glues, sealants, or pinch-flats. Worth every penny. LOVE these tubes. Two notes: you'll want to check the pressure before every ride (latex doesn't hold air as well as standard butyl rubber), and these don't come with threaded valve stems.
Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes
Reviewed on: January 14, 2014
Reviewed by: Matt N.
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