Replace latex tube every season?

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VTBike
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Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 8:14 pm

by VTBike

Any reason to replace a latex tube after a season? Put about 700-900 miles on mine last season, with no flats (then they were deflated pretty much all winter).. Not a ton of miles, but I recall someone saying that they replace theirs every season due to the stretching or something.

Thanks for the opinions.

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tommasini
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by tommasini

VTBike wrote:Any reason to replace a latex tube after a season? Put about 700-900 miles on mine last season, with no flats (then they were deflated pretty much all winter).. Not a ton of miles, but I recall someone saying that they replace theirs every season due to the stretching or something.

Thanks for the opinions.


I replace my latex after each use :beerchug:

OK couldn't avoid the fun in that tongue-in-check reply - I've been more than satisfied to use my tubular tire and clincher latex tubes for years and years - I don't flat often so have no reason to toss them prematurely.

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rruff
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by rruff

Take a look and decide. Some seem to last better than others.

em3
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by em3

absolutely no reason to replace after only one season....why?
______________

bricky21
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by bricky21

Does anybody else get ripples in their latex tubes from dimpling rim tape, and does anyone know if the rippling poses any issues with the integrity of the tube?

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Kjetil
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by Kjetil

I've never replaced a latex tube unless I've had a puncture, and that's happened twice. Both due to pinches on gravel roads (one actually happened on a real strada biancha. A fond memory). I've been using Michelins.
Latex tubes adapt to the "terrain" of the rim bed. That's one reason for their low rolling resistance.
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theremery
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by theremery

The dimpling is normal. You don't need to replace them each season.
Updated: Racing again! Thought this was unlikely! Eventually, I may even have a decent race!
Edit: 2015: darn near won the best South Island series (got second in age
-group)..woo hoo Racy Theremery is back!!

beardking
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by beardking

I'm considering getting some, how long do they hold up for with 150-200miles a week being ridden on them?

VTBike
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by VTBike

Nice! Thanks for replies. That's what I wanted to hear.

fdegrove
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by fdegrove

Hi,

If it's any help, I have several sets of latex inner tubes that have been in use (on and of) for more than ten years now.
For as long as you do not over stretch them and store them away from UV rays (sun and artificial light sources) they can last a very long time.

Ciao, ;)
Being a snob is an expensive hobby.

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WasFab
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by WasFab

beardking wrote:I'm considering getting some, how long do they hold up for with 150-200miles a week being ridden on them?

I used latex with my wheel for about a year I BELIVE I have done 1500 miles and no issue so far. Only real risk is when you want to take it out maye to move it to another tyre, then it is very sensitive to be pinched and gone.

beardking
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by beardking

second question, do i get the michelin ones or the vittoria ones? is there any difference?

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Kjetil
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by Kjetil

The Michelin is green and the Vittoria is pink.

(Tongue out of cheek) They both seem to be of excellent quality.
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nickf
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by nickf

Either brand works for me. If I get Mich tubes I get the 19-22 size. I will even patch the tubes. Use an old tube to make the patch and use the glue out of a regular patch kits. Works great.

VTBike
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by VTBike

beardking wrote:second question, do i get the michelin ones or the vittoria ones? is there any difference?


I'm very happy with the vittorias. While people exist that have had negative experiences with both, it seemed like more people said to stay away from michelin.

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