Does anyone know of an internet resource that compares bike tubes, their weights, their application (race vs training), long race (IM) vs short race (sprint tri) and their approx. durability/cust. satisfaction?
In addition, are there any personal experiences on road tubes you can share? I personally have had poor experience with Salsa tubes (valves broke off pumping twice in a row--same bat pump, same bat
posture, same bat stroke). 'Specialized' tubes have been good to me
but I'm not sure of their weight/performance vs. other road tubes like Bontrager, Michelin, etc.
Thanks,
Mo
Best Inner Tubes? Any online Comparitive Charts available?
Mon, 07/19/2004 - 5:01pm
Mon, 07/19/2004 - 7:54pm
#1
tube weights
http://www.weightweenies.starbike.com/listings/components.php?type=inner...
Cheap tubes on sale at Performance right now - 10/$20. You get what you pay for.
I like Michelin A1's - smooth valve makes it easier to get the pump on and off. They had a run of badly glued valve skirts but that was ~5 years ago.
I know someone who likes Vredesteins because of the longitudinal seams (seams run crosswise on most other tubes). It's probably a very personal belief, no less so than my affinity for Michelins ;^/
OTOH, some bike shop guys say fuggedabout the tubes, buy some decent tires, and it's hard to justify disagreement. Good luck.
Tue, 07/20/2004 - 3:26am
#2
Amen
"""OTOH, some bike shop guys say fuggedabout the tubes, buy some decent tires, and it's hard to justify disagreement.""
Amen. Leaving aside so-called ""Thornproof"" tubes, I doubt you'll find a weight difference that makes any difference. If you absolutely have to go lighter, find some latex ones -- they're also great for upper body conditioning as you'll have to pump them just about every day.
Better yet, tubulars (sew-ups). No more expensive than collecting fine wines, and probably better for you!
Peter Storey"
Thu, 07/22/2004 - 10:56am
#3
Michelin A1's
What size stem do these have? I need 48mm stems.
Wed, 07/21/2004 - 7:54pm
#4
Specialized UltraLite
And if you plan on doing an IM or Half, invest in some CO2 cartridges and don't be standing on the roadside pumping!
Thu, 07/22/2004 - 9:06am
#5
weight trade off
"I have been using the ""cheap"" performance tubes on all my bikes (mtn, road, tandem) for years.
Knock on wood, not a single flat on my road bike in the past 5000 miles. I usually throw out the tube when I replace the tire. And they need to be re-pumped about weekly.
OTOH, if I was racing or a serious weigh counter, I would quickly change out and lose some grams (117g quoted for a regular 700 23-26 vs 60g for the ultra light). 112 grams (for front and back) is almost an entire light seat post!"
