New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?

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2011-08-04 7:27 PM

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Master
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Subject: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?

I know that there have been tons of recent posts on 'the best tires,' but hear me out.

My current race wheels have Michelin Pro3 Race tires with butyl tubes, and I've been happy with their performance. I know that tires like the Vittoria Evo CX, Bontrager R4, or Specialized Mondo have a bit lower rolling resistance. Does it make sense to get completely new tires and latex tubes or should I just get latex tubes for my current tires?

My bike leg is usually my best 'leg' of a tri, and I'm pretty consistently near the top bike time, from sprints to HIM. What are we talking in terms of time/wattage savings if I was to just get latex tubes for the Pro3's or if I was to get a whole tire/tube new setup?

Thanks!



Edited by natethomas2000 2011-08-04 7:29 PM

2011-08-04 7:30 PM
in reply to: #3629712

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Subject: RE: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?
It makes sense to me. Only you can know if it makes sense to you.
2011-08-05 12:40 PM
in reply to: #3629716

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Master
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Subject: RE: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?

the bear - 2011-08-04 8:30 PM It makes sense to me. Only you can know if it makes sense to you.

That's a bit cryptic!

I'm thinking of just going with the latex tubes for the remainder of the season, and maybe getting new tires for next year.

2011-08-05 12:54 PM
in reply to: #3630747

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Subject: RE: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?
Which latex tubes? I've been looking for the Michelin's with 60mm stem and seem impossible to find.
2011-08-05 12:54 PM
in reply to: #3629712

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Subject: RE: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?
natethomas2000 - 2011-08-04 7:27 PM

I know that there have been tons of recent posts on 'the best tires,' but hear me out.

My current race wheels have Michelin Pro3 Race tires with butyl tubes, and I've been happy with their performance. I know that tires like the Vittoria Evo CX, Bontrager R4, or Specialized Mondo have a bit lower rolling resistance. Does it make sense to get completely new tires and latex tubes or should I just get latex tubes for my current tires?

My bike leg is usually my best 'leg' of a tri, and I'm pretty consistently near the top bike time, from sprints to HIM. What are we talking in terms of time/wattage savings if I was to just get latex tubes for the Pro3's or if I was to get a whole tire/tube new setup?

Thanks!

If these were known values, wouldn't everybody run the same tire/tube combinations?  Latex is lighter than butyl,  so put the latex in and see if you can see any measurable gains.

2011-08-05 1:01 PM
in reply to: #3630771

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Subject: RE: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?

moldoverb - 2011-08-05 2:54 PM Which latex tubes? I've been looking for the Michelin's with 60mm stem and seem impossible to find.

http://www.probikekit.com/ca/tyres-tubes/bicycle-inner-tubes/michelin-aircomp-latex-road-short-valve-inner-tube-700-x-22-23mm.html

2011-08-05 1:04 PM
in reply to: #3629712

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Subject: RE: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?
for $12-14 per tube, why not try the tubes?
2011-08-05 1:15 PM
in reply to: #3629712

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over a barrier
Subject: RE: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?
You'll save about 2.7 watts per wheel, just switching from standard tube to latex on your current tires.

Al has this data on the Mich 2 light, I assume the Mich 3 would be similiar.

I would make the switch to latex for sure, and what until my current tires need to be swapped, unless you've got money burning a hole if your pocket.

2011-08-05 1:19 PM
in reply to: #3630747

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Subject: RE: New tires and tubes or just latex tubes?
natethomas2000 - 2011-08-05 12:40 PM

the bear - 2011-08-04 8:30 PM It makes sense to me. Only you can know if it makes sense to you.

That's a bit cryptic!

I'm thinking of just going with the latex tubes for the remainder of the season, and maybe getting new tires for next year.

Cryptic question gets a cryptic answer. Without knowing your priorities, your disposable income, the value you place on the few seconds gained via faster equipment we have no way of knowing if the purchase will make sense to you.
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