Butyl vs Latex vs TPU | Which Inner Tube Is Fastest For Your Bike?

[@gcn]

Resistance is butyl!

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

Honestly any reference to trek makes my heart super stoked.

[@zauberwort]

I really love Star Wars! Great Reference. Those Cylons and the plot around River. Just awesome!

[@gezza4794]

I want the T-shirt!

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

@@zauberwort this comment hurts my heart.

[@brunocyclist]

Love the Star Trek pun. However... If I read the charts correctly, resistance is... tubeless. Latex and even light butyl are lighter and faster than tubeless.

[@MaxVoltageMiningCrypto]

Yes, "resistance is butyl" t-shirts. Must... have... one!!!

[@MuadDib74]

Um...it's pronounced 'beautil' not 'beautile'. I'd like to think you did it on purpose just to be able to make the pun....!

[@stinkypete3900]

Maybe not on a t-shirt but on something I would wear on the bike like a sock or a cap. Or a patch or sticker (cube shaped of course) for my bike? Wait, is Paramount listening?

[@davidw2739]

@@MuadDib74I know I’d been two years, but just thought I’d point out: although the original TNG Borg did pronounce futile with a hard i, in VOY 7-of-9 pronounced it with a soft i, so her way definitely rhymes with butyl.

[@davidadamus177]

Ollie is such a nerd. Pretty sure we'd be good friends lol.

[@jimhansen5395]

I switched the spare tubes in my saddle bag to the TPU type. Big space saver over either butyl or latex. Use that space to 1) use a smaller saddle bag 2) carry an extra spare tube 3) more room for FOOD !

[@robert_starling]

I just did the same thing for the same reasons!

[@brauljo]

7:39 In my experience with Tubolito tubes, TPU tubes retain air about as well as butyl tubes.

[@klarkolofsson]

Switched to TPU this season and loving it.

[@Rekmeyata]

So have you had a flat yet? if so how long did the stick on patch last?

[@TrevorTippets]

Switched to latex for my first century based on the recommendations of your videos Ollie, and the difference was astounding. Amazing work!

[@liamknuji]

Just curious if you still use latex tubes. I’m training for a century and thinking about switching from butyl to latex. A little worried about punctures and inflating with co2.

[@topheavy7616]

I use tpu on my mountain bike and save almost 200g on each wheel. It makes a huge difference on a long ride.

[@j2simpso]

Finally GCN posts a video fitting for youTUBE 🤣

[@gcntech]

Wahey!

[@Ob1sdarkside]

Underrated comment

[@pembrokeshiredan]

I am willing to believe that the "resistance is butyl" pun is the main motivation for this video.

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

Ollie is punsessed.

[@markjthomson]

Truth!

[@zeuszuki6698]

Unfortunately they don't come ribbed for extra pleasure

[@albertlundgotfredsen3548]

That sound familiar. Where is that from?

[@PaddleDogC5]

or extra small sized for you. 😮

[@svenlima]

Strawberry flavor.

[@Gixer750pilot]

And when they puncture . It can make for an awkward conversation in a about 9 months .

[@svenlima]

@@Gixer750pilot 😃

[@AirwolfCrazy]

Ollie needs to be in a Borg costume on a bike for the T-shirt. I'd buy one.

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

Honestly, dress him up like a square bike tube and I’m sold.

[@7gibbens]

One of the best and most comprehensive GCN videos I have watched since GCN's inception. Brilliant 🚴🇦🇺👍

[@hughbriz]

Although latex are more hassle, they roll noticeably better than butyl. I have also found them more puncture resistant BUT only if the tyre and rim are in perfect condition. They are so flexible that the tubes can squeeze into tiny spaces around rim tape, get caught in the tyre as described and even ooze through very small holes in the tyre till they rub on the ground, that would not trouble a butyl tube. A lot to look out for there! Possibly best for race/sportive day only. And carry a different kind of spare so they can be fitted quickly. And keep your spare in a bag so it won't rub on things in your pack/pocket and wear a hole in it. Guess how I know that?

[@fastfish666]

yeah found exactly the same, if your tyre isnt 100% the latex tube is more likely to fail than a butyl one, small nick from glass fragment

[@StephanieLuff]

I use butyl day to day and latex for racing 🤩

[@jandl1jph766]

Since I can't be bothered with latex tubes (too much faff installing them, especially roadside, and rather prone to punctures in my experience) and I seriously don't like the butyl rubber tubes for their bulk alone (carrying multiple spares of these can be a major drain on valuable space) the choice for me is basically between TPU and tubeless. Since I've often had a hard time getting the latter to seal properly on low volume, high pressure tires, I've taken to using TPU on road and gravel bikes while going tubeless on mountain bikes. My experience so far, after several tens of thousands of kilometers on both, has been that both solutions work well and are very resistant to failure if used properly. One interesting observation I've had from TPU tubes is that even if they do puncture, it's usually from some thorn or shard getting through the carcass, resulting in a slow leak rather than a pop - which gives you at least a few seconds notice and reduces the chances of damaging an expensive and potentially hard to replace wheel.

[@GHinWI]

Question on the TPU: have you had any welds fail?? Thanks

[@jandl1jph766]

@@GHinWI No, I've ruined a good few TPU tubes by poking holes and one by overpressure, never seen a failed joint, though.

[@GHinWI]

@@jandl1jph766 : Thanks! Do you have success with repairing punctures??-that seems to be an open question.

[@jandl1jph766]

@@GHinWI Yes, standard glueless patches seem to work just fine. However, those don't generally last too long at eight bars or more, regardless of the base material... On my gravelbike, that's obviously no concern and I've used patched tubes for months no problem, but on the tri rig that's something to keep in mind. It's enough to get home (or finish the bike leg of a race), though. The bigger problem is sometimes just finding the puncture - as I said in the original post, they tend to be absolutely tiny holes, nearly invisible even if you know what you're looking for. On a reasonably still day, I usually just put a little pressure in the tube and go around listening and feeling for the air leak, but on a windy day, I've found myself absolutely unable to locate the leak and had to use a spare tube to get home. Happened only once, so far, but that's really just dumb luck since I ride almost daily...

[@capcom4eva]

@@jandl1jph766 have you sealed a hole with a lighter? They say you can do it with Foss TPU inner tubes. Which brand do you recommend? Have you been able to ride all the way home with a slow leak?

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Being an old school kind of rider I always talc my tyres and tubes,this helps reduce pinching ,sticking and internal friction. I gave up on latex,nice with a light racing tyre but too fragile for most riding and expensive.I have not tried CPU or tubeless but I still have a set of tubular wheels which have the most supple ride.

[@patrickmcguire5759]

Love it! “Resistance is butyl!” 😆 Great explainer video. Thank you. Been using butyl forever and debating a TPU for the future. Thanks.

[@kamigato]

Rode latex tubes last year, got my first puncture after 3700km, managed to repair it with the standard patch. However, when I got my second puncture, I could not even find it, because at very low pressure it didn't leak at all (even under water) and if you pump it more, then part of the tube balloons. After that I just installed butyl tubes again

[@Louisduong13]

I just got first deflate and couldnt find the leak. Also got balloon 😢 is it reusable after balloon ?

[@kamigato]

@@Louisduong13 reusable, yes. but it will leak at higher pressures inside the tyre if you have a puncture somewhere

[@QuarktaschemitSenf]

Love how Simon talks about saving a few Watts in Rolling Resistance when he could save two digit numbers in Aerodynamics by just going to the next Barber-Shop

[@stuartdryer1352]

I've tried all of them. For riding quality I really liked latex best. But you absolutely have to pump them up each time you use them, which is no big deal except on those days when you really don't feel like doing it. As for the TPU tubes, in spite of the manufacturer's claims I found them to be very fragile and I would get much more frequent punctures. Also the ride quality just seems a little bit strange to me, and the saving of a few grams just didn't seem worth it. Just for convenience these days I'm running very light butyl tubes.

[@nigelnightmare4160]

Basically it's a case of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" or "Better the devil you know."😉

[@stuartdryer1352]

@@nigelnightmare4160 Kinda summarizes my thinking.

[@StanEby1]

Ollie, not sure I'm ready to be assimilated but that joke made me laugh and groan out loud. Thanks.

[@mazevx2451]

Tpu, at least from one well known manufacturer, have at least the double puncture resistance than latex or butyl. Thats tested by several "organizations" and can be seen as a fact. They feel totally different to butyl and you can run them with tubeless pressures. I'm totally happy with my aerothan, way more robust than latex and much lighter than butyl.

[@Rekmeyata]

Except for one MAJOR problem, there is no information yet when you get a puncture and you patch it with their stick on patches is is that patch a permanent patch or does the patch only get you home then you have to throw your tube away? I'm not throwing away a $35 tube! I cannot find on the internet anywhere if the patch is permanent, I can't even get the makers of these to respond to my question on that!!!

[@hw4075]

@@Rekmeyata The patch is permanent, had tubolitos for a while, used their own patch and they kept going for pretty long, one thing to consider is that they form around the tire so when you swap out the tire you need to get new tpu tubes

[@Rekmeyata]

@@hw4075 SAY WHAT??!! Those tubes are not reusable? That settles the issue right there, I'm not spending $30 on a tube every time I have to replace a tire. Thanks for the info, I'm staying with Butyl, true, tried, lasts, and cheap.

[@hw4075]

@@Rekmeyata well it’s not like you are replacing tires every few months so tbh not that big of a deal, and in my experience they do puncture less easily, really depends on what you are looking for tho, now my go to are just butyl conti race 28 light, the tubolitos does feel a little better but I was just curious to find out.

[@Rekmeyata]

@@hw4075 Not a big deal? we're spending an average of $70 for one Conti tire, add in $30 for a tube, that's $100 for a tire...as much as a freaking car tire and there is a lot less material and engineering in a bicycle tire! For the record I don't buy Conti tires because of their stupid prices either! I won't pay over $30 for a tire, so I wait for sales on high end tires. The only tire I buy that does cost more than $30 is for my touring bike because that tire has to hold up for many miles while loaded and do so without getting flats...hopefully, but on my other bikes that's not necessary. Regardless $30 for a tube is insane if it can't be reused from one tire to another.

[@67theyear]

Conti supersonic... one puncture in just over 3000 miles, and that was a pinch/ snakebite! And hilly terrain more often than not.....no probs, love them

[@christophervergara2962]

Best comparison review on youtube. Great Job! was very insightful. Thank you very much guys 🤝

[@peanutboy41]

I remember when I changed from schwalbe lugano (worse rolling resistance than some XC MTB tyres) to GP4000 and latex, it felt like I had bought a completely new bike!

[@capcom4eva]

My schwalbe marathon plus is comfortable, but feels like riding through molasses. Lots of extra effort, heavy and slow to move. Impenetrable though. My continental gp 4000 s II chili 🌶 compound Is really fast and light, but easily picks up road gashes. That’s the trade off.

[@danielbum912]

Big fan of a TPU tube (singular) as I'm running tubeless and I'm only ever carrying one around as a last resort backup anyway, so weight and pack size trump every other feature.

[@rollinrat4850]

Ive been using DIY ghetto (split tube) tubeless for 20 years now. I need to cut open an inner tube for this. I haven't had a snakebite or a puncture flat in all that time!

[@ttarchal]

My Schwalbe Aerothan spare tube - their brand name for TPU - came with a warning not to let it come in contact with the tubeless fluid. If you're carrying it as a last resort backup, it might be wise to test a "last resort restore" ;-)

[@chicagoan]

@@ttarchal Interesting. The ones I have don't mention that so I assume I'd be fine to get myself home on it with the tubeless fluid in there.

[@mikedio]

Used to use the vittoria latex competition tubes on my road bike. Best ride feel ever had until i went tubeless . After that never looked back .

[@gaza4543]

Wait until you get a real puncture! 5 -10mm at a strange angle and your stuck at the side of the road 42 mins in the pitch black trying to get it to seal and the bead of the tier has fell off meaning you have to use a tube anyway and you have you have to open up the tier and insert tube in to all that mess, if you can do that with getting your hands covered well you better than me. You’ll be looking back then let me tell you.

[@diegomora9202]

Latex inner tubes w/ a TPU spare is the way to go!

[@nigelnightmare4160]

Re Tubeless: The tyres have an extra lining compared to tube type ones of the same make, making them less supple and increasing the rolling resistance & weight. Plus you have to add sealant which adds more weight! The whole system is too complicated for the "benefits" and extremely messy when punctured as you and anyone near ends up wearing the sealant!! DAHIK. Oh! and it's also a right pain to wash out of clothing after it dries.

[@VKMerry]

I cant get it off

[@cycling2005]

Coat the latex tube and the inside of the tyre with talcum powder/baby powder. They will then not pinch on inflation. Have been using the same Silca Latex tubes for 12 months with zero punctures. Yes you can feel the difference, and I think they are the cheapest and most effective upgrade you can buy.

[@theparalexview785]

Same. I've been surprised by how low maintenance latex tubes have been. Other than more frequent inflation, latex tubes haven't been as finicky as some users claimed. Easy to install with powder. One puncture in more than a year, and that was my fault - I used my existing cloth rim tape instead of Silca's recommendation, and there was a tiny bit of debris embedded in the rim tape that punctured the tube on the rim side, not through the tire. A Lezyne self sticking patch fixed it. Much nicer rolling, especially on chipseal and rough pavement.

[@rollinrat4850]

Latex tubes NEVER flatted in my sew ups until the tires were pretty much worn out and used up. Even riding offroad at 50 psi or 'cross racing at under 20psi. Tubs get a bad rap by those who bought cheap ones or simply didn't know how to install them. Cheap tubs are junk and might go flat on a velodrome! Nothing rides as nice and gets incredible traction like a nice fat, handmade tub! Its like a magic carpet ride too. The ultimate in speed, comfort and traction. There's gotta be a reason pros still use this ancient technology! Its not just for the ability to ride a flat tire either. Nobody understands how well expensive tires work until you push them to the absolute limits of traction. Most riders are afraid of that!

[@samj1185]

I have nearly 4 year old latex tubes on a couple of bikes. They've been great but yes, air up every single ride. Heck, over a long ride/century you can lose noticeable psi.

[@hugejackedman1951]

​@@samj1185you can put sealant into latex tubes that will help maintain psi during a longer ride 👍

[@andrewcox7614]

Excellent review Fellas. My new Ribble endurance will be fab with my new GP 5000s and Tubolito tubes. Happy riding. Remember TPU is Ubeaut. Andy GC Australia

[@jimcappa6815]

I ride Gatorskins with Conti race inner tubes, so probably the heaviest combo you can get. But, since where I ride there's always a lot of debris on the road, I figure puncture resistance ftw!

[@marekkozub8957]

I never punctured Conti Gatorskin tires. They are indestructible. Maybe they are heavier, but I don't have to worry about punctures anymore.

[@mo_sisu]

I have two different tires on my bike and the Gatorskin is the only one that has had multiple punctures.

[@davidsaxby5400]

Increase effort = more calories burnt = more exercise per mile. As I’m riding for fitness and not to count grammes,watts and seconds, I’ll stick to whatever I find at the best price. Applying such detailed science to my ride takes the fun out of it. I guess I’m watching the wrong cycling channel.

[@daniel.3603]

Ollie: “These tubes are quite expensive, coming in at a whopping $25 per tube!” Also Ollie: “Check out this $20,000 Lamborghini edition Cervelo, how cool!” 😂😂😂

[@allthelux]

How about eco-friendliness of each kind to manufacture, recycle or decompose in landfill?

[@dh7314]

Yes! I was going to ask the same.

[@rollinrat4850]

Are you guys riding plastic bikes? Check that out. But I'm sure y'all have excuses for that junk. I just cut up old tubes to make rubber bands. Repurposing and all.... I stopped using inner tubes anyways, except to limp home on very rare occasion. You can use flat tubes to tie stuff up too.... Everybody's got a pair of scissors right? I know that a few companies repurposing old tubes as well. Give 'em some business. Outside magazine did an article about all that carbon waste in Asian manufacturing a few years ago. Eye opening stuff. I thought cycling was supposed to be a green sport?? Apparently that's a joke to Asians. As for me? Steel is real. Metals are easily recyclable and more easily repairable. Ive helped build carbon satellite and aerospace components. I know exactly where all that waste goes. Nobody's fooling me regarding 'quality' either. I was also an an inspector! I know that all the crashed and scrapped plastic frames go right into the dumpster at the high end shops Ive wrenched at. Ive seen numerous more plastic frames relegated to landfill in 5 short years than I've seen of broken (yet repairable and recyclable) metal frames in 50 years of hard riding and racing. Get real and get over yourselves. I know exactly who builds my frames. I can watch and even help out. I shook their hands and even ride with them every once in awhile. These guys have repaired my very few broken frames as well as helped out lots of my customers.

[@alfonsokhiew2872]

Better to run tubeless to reduce waste. TPU tubes seem to be the worst environmentally.

[@klaxxon__]

Do any of these go to the "generic plastic" recycler bin? I can never tell

[@gaza4543]

@@alfonsokhiew2872 Your fooling your self if you think tubless reduces waste, A 500ml bottle (just the bottle) alone contains more material than 20 tpu tubes which can go in the soft plastic recycling bin by the way whether your local authority decided to recycle it is another story. And the chemical created to create the sealant is not friendly to the environment regardless of the label on the end product may tell you. The additives are nasty. though a lot of them are taking out latex making it sell effective.

[@samj1185]

Good vid w/ all accurate info. My fast bikes get latex or tubeless....trainers get lightweight butyl but I'm going to consider TPU. I remember using Polyurethane tubes 30 years ago when they were delicate expensive, hard to repair things. Glad to see they've gotten a lot better. Latex isn't that big a deal to install correctly. Just can't be totally ham fisted.

[@madmonkeycycling9098]

Latex, all year round. And I said it before, I'll say it again, you can patch up latex tubes with the same patches as butyl tubes. Have fixed several latex tubes with patches with no issues. I always buy Michelin A1 latex tubes, great quality

[@ytb3748]

I ride for work an average of 40K daily between Toronto and Mississauga (return trip) and I find Butyl the most reliable and practical

[@arvidfahlander5364]

The ride quality of latex tubes is just superb, and from my experience they pinch flat much less often than butyl. I used to have one or two pinch flats per season with butyl, a latex tube lasts until I have to change the tires!

[@Jon-lf2dj]

^^^^This. I upgraded my training wheels to latex because the ride quality is so much better. Well worth pumping the tires before each ride IMO.

[@dudefella420]

Tubeless is better, but I loved latex when I switched from butyl. They were very noticeably more comfortable to ride.

[@arvidfahlander5364]

@@dudefella420 Tubeless also requires a wheel upgrade, while latex works on pretty much any wheel that isn't made for tubulars (and then you get latex tubes anyway!) How would you compare the comfort of tubeless to latex tubes?

[@Rekmeyata]

@@arvidfahlander5364 I've gone back and forth with using latex for the last 40 years, and every time I go back to latex I get twice as many flats as I did with butyl. The only thing I liked about latex was the comfort, other than they're a pain in the arse.

[@MrEmirbeytur]

What brand of latex inner tube do you use?

[@X2Broster]

I use TPU because I don't have to take a replacement tube with me, just patches that stick immediately.

[@Rekmeyata]

You have had to patch a TPU tube? If so, how long has the patch lasted?

[@romanmentor9238]

For a practical transportation/touring butyl is the best option,just considering narrow tyres as my 26x2.0 tyres eating my watts

[@Ob1sdarkside]

Just switched to latex tubes, they have survived impacts that have popped lightweight butyl tubes.

[@wspmjw]

Howdy and a price check from Colorado USA. Regular Butyl tubes here in my local area are $9 - $11 per tube at several local bike shops.

[@ssenssel]

Have no experience with latex as of yet, but going from butyl to TPU is a real game changer rolling resistance wise.. But depending on the side of the puncture is not reparable with the provided kit.

[@andyking8464]

Does anyone still use talcum powder to improve the ease of tube fitting, reduce the chance of pinching the tube and preventing the tube sticking to the inside of the tyre over time?

[@gaza4543]

Yep even on tpu tubes. I think it’s just important as latex. Especially if your using a trl tier. Those tiers tend to be a bit more “sticky” on the inside.

[@AmaroqStarwind]

Hmm...

[@larrylem3582]

Always

[@user-mv7kv5vx6o]

It should not get lost and be imprinted into the protector inside the pants

[@barianelozano2614]

Just get a lightweight butyl tubes! Schwalbe sv20.. using it for months already. 65 grams butyl tubes for my road bike it is the best. Not worrying about punctures too it is very durable.

[@xosece]

TPU (tubolito) for me, though I still haven't had the opportunity to use my first ever road bike (street fighter type, with flat bars, never had a road bike of any type before). TPU in my mountainous region is very nice. That and autorepair butyl tires.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

Real annoyance with latex tubes is the VALVE LENGTH !! Only Michelin have 60mm valve otherwise it’s 45-ish while so many of us use 50mm rims and higher. Best Latex tubes, Vittoria & Vredestein require valves extenders for any rim above 40mm… such a pain… at least SILCA make 70mm valves & all TPU tubes go up to 80mm

[@tuudsavuudsa8508]

Particularly entertaining and informative video. Thx guys!

[@gcntech]

Much appreciated!

[@JoopLammerts]

Poor Alex, having to talk about the "rubbish" inner tubes he hates 😂

[@feedbackzaloop]

Poor Pirelli, sponsored tubeless aficionado Alex and latex lover Ollie: in the end their product was neither practical nor the fastest

[@db613]

I use Schwalbe Aerothan TPU tubes and I put a chain wax between that and the tire rolls smooth as tubless air, and weighs less because the tire is lighter and no inner sealant

[@cyclonutterd7075]

Can you explain the science behind changing rolling resistance with different tube types. I would have thought the tyres are in contact with the road and are responsible for the rolling resistance of the system, so how do the tubes affect the rolling resistance.

[@danielbum912]

Possibly not the most scientifically accurate explanation but I would say that as you pump up the inner tube and it presses against the inside of the tyre they both become sort of one system. The tube, with its own properties like wall thickness and toughness, reinforces the sidewall and tread area of the tyre, so a thicker, tougher inner tube would take away the suppleness that is considered to make a tyre fast rolling, whereas a thin, supple tube wouldn't. It's also worth noting that some of the losses can be attributed to friction between the tyre and the tube and it's rather obvious that different inner tube materials would feature different coefficients of friction, thus leading to more or less losses.

[@SaschaN]

@@danielbum912 hey Daniel, the second one is the more important thing in my opinion. If the tire rolls over the ground with pressure, the tire deforms and also the inner tube. If they both deform they rub to each other (very low like you have seen in the numbers). This friction between tire and inner tube while rolling/deforming creates some heat which is in the end the saved amount of reduced rolling resistance. Just my guess.

[@samj1185]

Sascha's reply is pretty good. In short, the tire/tube combination must compress at the point of road contact as it rolls. The stiffer and thicker the tire/tube material, the more energy it takes to compress it and that slows you down. I so very much wish I could go back to my 20 year old self and make him understand that 19mm tires at 110psi isn't the way to go. Oh well....

[@ryanfrizzell736]

Nice video. With this information I can better manage my inner tubes and keep them fit for the road. Thanks

[@timclark4931]

Good job. Thanks for the info!

[@sergio895]

SO people can be searching for the lightest inner tube, paying a considerable amount of money, but also, paying a considerable amount of money using disk brakes and buying, maybe, the heaviest bikes in modern days. Yay.

[@remitournier2526]

I think one point to mention is that TPU inner tubes are fully recyclable, not the case for the others if I'm correct. Plus, if you pay a premium for an inner tube, you actually fix them when they puncture, making them more durable. I have switched to them and won't look back. I didn't find they were leaking air compared to butyl, but that is just my impression. I do not agree with the ease of installation, I think they're as easy as butyl and they're said (by manufacturers I'll admit) to be more puncture resistant again than butyl.

[@jaimeisreal]

Super light tubes are noticeably faster and feel 'peppy'. But keep in mind, latex & TPU tubes are very expensive and trickier to install than butyl. The conti supersonic (a 50 gram butyl tube) or their 80 gram version called race light 28 are priced between $20-35 CAD each. I use those. PLEASE NOTE: The use of latex tubes in carbon clinchers with a rim brake track is an absolute no-no. Keep it up @GCN Tech.

[@derekhobbs1102]

I was taught to pump tyres to 15-20psi, then bounce whole assembly to seat the tube.

[@Mattkb9]

Pat your head at the same time, usually goes quicker

[@AmaroqStarwind]

Can't wait for somebody to create an inner tube that gives you the best of all three worlds.

[@bilwit]

Butyl, especially Conti's supersonic light ones, are prone to PINCH flat with lower tire pressures, latex is more forgiving because of its suppleness.

[@Ob1sdarkside]

Definitely.

[@MegaF1guy]

I use Tubolito TPU tubes. I love them. Great videos.

[@littlevo9]

the way is gp5000 str tubeless i say that after a pair of turbocotton with latex vittoria tubes same sensation but no punctures,amazing tires!

[@samtravis4822]

Finally bought a couple of latex inner tubes after watching this!

[@Bendersnatchling]

Be super careful not to pinch them when putting them in. It's an instant failure :(

[@charlesmansplaining]

looking at latex specifically and the valve stem most only have a 48mm valve stem. That kind of screws most of us using a 30mm to 40mm aero rim. Sure you could install an extender on the stem but then you have about 50mm or more sticking out of the rim which looks stupid. C'mon Vittoria make some 60mm or 80mm valve stem latex tubes.

[@coachjohn]

Going to look into tpu tubes

[@1afterthep]

How much louder does your cursing get when you suffer a puncture with an a) latex, b) tpu or c) butyl inner tube?

[@dugldoo]

This is the best argument for tubeless you've ever done. It seems they win on weight, rolling resistance, and reliability, if not cost. Right?

[@kstethespokes1051]

🙋‍♀️ Put me down for a T-shirt please, no latex though - allergic to it in all its forms!!

[@leighgoodwin1726]

I tried Tubolito inners with my rim brake carbon wheels (Bontrager Aeolus XXX2). Be warned. Fine in the uk over many summer miles. Didn’t add any air after last UK ride as the Tubolito packaging suggested lowering pressure in hot weather. It was actually quite a cool morning but after less than a kilometre descending off Galibier during L’Étape the front inner exploded. Disc brake only I’d say, and I’ll never risk it again

[@blinmann7007]

The one u had are the regular tubolitos or s tubos? Because the S tubos are only rated for disc

[@lexa5051]

The split screen is very convincing.

[@stepforward1605]

Use Talkum powder to install latex inner tubes. Much easier

[@cb6866]

Have you considered inserts ? YES. The shirts please???

[@rnghwdbcs]

So yes, switching your tubes can save you more grams per € than most other improvements to your bike, but that's only before you realise that you will go through many sets of these before you'd need to change your, say, wheels again. Riding better tubes is not a single upgrade, it's a continuous decision.

[@gaza4543]

The repair kit is a 3 quid. Are you saying throw tube out every time you get a puncture?

[@rnghwdbcs]

​@@gaza4543 Not anymore as I switched to tubeless. But before that I had been trying to repair some of the tubes and it never worked properly. I didn't throw them out though, there are many ways to reuse :)

[@gaza4543]

@@rnghwdbcs I can't get tubeless to work reliably with high-pressure tiers it kind of seals but never drys and just weeps. Tried all sorts of sealant never had this problem in 20 years using sealant off-road. For the road for now I've gone back to tubes till i can find a sealant that actually works.

[@E1huzen]

I want that T-shirt

[@raspberrylord9550]

Or "Join the resistance, Join team butyle"

[@nukedathlonman]

Forgot a one. You covered the three tube types, the tubeless type, but forgot the poor tubular tire... ;-)

[@Surestick88]

Tubulars use latex inner-tubes pretty much exclusively.

[@michahalczuk9071]

Chinese TPU tubes went down in price to around 4$ a tube, which would put them on par with decent butyl ones.

[@jaimedebrum8557]

CO2 froze my continental supersonic, it cracked open like a firecracker, leaving me no option but to call my broom car (wife) Oh the shame! I now carry a pump instead of co2

[@rollinrat4850]

Haha, That dreaded call of shame..... Ive only used it twice in 50 years of hardcore rides. Once just because I ran out of light in a redwood forest. I rode back up a mountain to get to a phone booth. Cell phones wouldn't work there! This never happened for mere tire issues! Maybe the best thing about old school frame pumps is that we have a fighting chance to fend off vicious farm dogs trying to knock us off our bikes and eat us alive! Ive hit more than one right on the nose. They always seem to respect my rights on the road afterwatrds!

[@Ohios1Cheesehead]

Watching again for then butyl shirt lol love you guys!

[@lenwilkinson8541]

I gave up on latex. The reduced rolling resistance with latex was noticeable, but I tired of pumping them up every single day. They would lose 5-8 psi per day. I temporarily returned to butyl but now use tubeless.

[@mgsboedmisodpc2]

Pirelli P Zero Race SL tubular with TPU inner tube inner tube I might try to see if I get less punctures.

[@andreemurray7039]

I'll stick to tubular tyres have used them for 40 years and happy 😊

[@deabreu.tattoo]

How do you deal with punctures? Do you only ride for sport/fun?

[@rollinrat4850]

My sew ups never flatted until the tire was almost completely worn out and thin. I even rode my race bikes offroad at 55 psi! Granted, I've got some riding skill and know how to inflate my tires properly! Skinny bike racers hardly need 80 psi! Most folks buy cheap tubs. Pro quality tubs are $$$. Installing them is over $100 at the shop I work at! Cheap tubs are unreliable garbage. A waste of money and time. They'll flat on the velodrome! That's a consumer's mistake. We ALWAYS PAY for what we get! Pro quality sew ups are where it's at! Don't even bother if you can't afford 'em! Anyways, We always carried a spare tub strapped under the saddle and just slapped it on. Then you just gotta descend and corner slower and more carefully. Safety FIRST! Haha! Not really a big deal at all. Not everyone had a team car or a cell phone decades ago! Flat tires are gonna ruin your race anyways unless you have teammates and team cars! Decades ago, clincher tires sucked in a major way. They're just a little better now! Ive been using DIY ghetto (split tube) tubeless for the past 20 years now. The feel is very similar to tubs with high quality tires. I need to cut open an inner tube for this. I haven't had a snakebite or a puncture flat in all that time! They're even more reliable than tubs! Especially offroad where I like to ride most, even on my roadish bikes! But I've gotta say, skinny tires at rock hard pressure suck everywhere besides velodrome smooth roads! Get on high volume tires. It makes all the difference on common rough roads.

[@TheRflynn]

The rolling resistance tests seem to be done on a steel drum which isn’t real world. Actual surfaces vary widely in smoothness and this makes a difference. , Drum is probably closest to an indoor track.

[@space.youtube]

Conti Supersonics, butyl, 42 mm presta, 50 grams. They roll ok

[@nairobitokyo1696]

Latex and high TPI tyre is the way to go!!!

[@sebastiandjupsjobacka3987]

Yes please to the T-shirt!

[@markjthomson]

3:30 - most excellent reference! Good form... :)

[@faisalalsaiful3838]

the one that gives me the least punctures😐

[@Bendersnatchling]

That would be TPU then. However it's not that easy to fix in the road. A swap can easily be done. From my pov TPU>>Tubeless simply for ease of living

[@deabreu.tattoo]

Yes, I'm disappointed they didn't factor the time wasted mending/swapping the "faster" tubes

[@larchman4327]

I like latex tubes the best just make sure you have a quality bike pump cause you'll be using it everyday.

[@mechanicaldavid4827]

"The Internet: A series of inner tubes" is also up for grabs

[@Plasmo20]

hmmm my experience with TPU, they are far easier to live with than Butyl. Being slippery they dont catch on the rim or tyre when installing and also being smaller they sit in the rim trough better and dont try and poke out at that last piece of tyre bead is being massaged on the rim. Possibly the TPU being slippery plastic is why the rolling resistance in reduced as they dont bind to the tyres carcass when rolling.

[@Lufftschwimmer]

Tubolitos are fine !! ride them since 1,5 years winter like summer.....just ask myself what about the "green fot print" of a butyl , latex, and TPU Tube.

[@KBE87]

Day 331, video session 993. I'm tired of hearing about inner tubes. Still want that t-shirt though.

[@kingelvis]

Tpu tubes are really the best thing I have bought for my bike. They can't be beaten for the price you pay for the weight savings. I would go as far as say they are revolutionary! Also the convenience of carrying a spare, means you can carry 2 or 3.

[@87togabito]

What matters more to me tbh is; Which is more comfortable to ride on? Looking for the tube which kills road buzz the most. My wheels are sadly non tubeless compatible (stupid rovals), so now I’m stuck with running damn tubes again. Im basically tying to get my road bike to have that same cushion/float feeling as my full suss does. I know it will never be comparable, but I’ll like to think that I did as much as I could within reasonable limits.

[@gaza4543]

Then you need to buy expensive supple tiers, challenge, Rene herse and so on a tube wont make a difference in rigid tyer like a 4 season gator skin. You then will take a hit on puncture protection with it be tubeless or tube. Rene herse actually recommends to this day that if you need to use over 60psi is to use a tube, I weigh 63kg on average and I'm around 57psi on the back so very close to the tubless limit on any 30c supple tier. Tubeless tech for the road is still not ready for prime time as far as I'm concerned especially for heavier riders i have a friend that very tall and though he's skinny weighs around 180kg on a good day He can't ride road tubeless at all. I'd get some flat away strips and run a latex tube. BUT don't cheap out on the tiers if you want supple you need to pony up. all the system have there cons

[@Stevenafoe]

I have rovals too and they are tubeless (ready). But as yours aren’t; why not go wider tyres? That will lower pressure and be more ‘cushion’-alike.

[@rhysmainwaring396]

Definitely get that resistance is butyl t-shirt made!!

[@Klips005]

Did anyone mention the tubolito TPU puncture test? Where regular tubes took 7 N to puncture and TPU took 17 N? Claimed double the puncture force to pop TPU? I'm running latex and really not impressed with their life lol but then again i guess they should be for race days hah TPU sounds mmm brittle so based on user reviews idk

[@walshman70]

Great video! Thanks for the details. It's nice to see a video about the humble inner tube rather than the endless marketing of tubeless technology! And yes, I would buy that T-shirt.

[@rollinrat4850]

Ive been using DIY ghetto (split tube) tubeless for 20 years now. I need to cut open an inner tube for this. I haven't had a snakebite or a puncture flat in all that time!

[@stevemawer848]

Will the price of the T-Shirts be subject to inflation?

[@Rekmeyata]

Yes, the bigger you get the more inflated of a T-shirt you need.

[@ambhetsjour-knee5370]

5th ..Nice Comparison

[@WerdnaLiten]

Fastest is no good if you keep getting punctures; I'll stick with tubeless for summer, and my slime inner tubes for winter.......

[@rollinrat4850]

Ive been using DIY ghetto (split tube) tubeless for 20 years now. I need to cut open an inner tube for this. I haven't had a snakebite or a puncture flat in all that time!