Latex Tubes = Best Value Upgrade? | Tech Q's | Cycling Weekly

Latex inner tubes - cheap upgrade, but is it worth it? | Subscribe to Cycling Weekly here: www.youtube.co...
More at:
Cycling Weekly: www.cyclingweek...
Facebook: / cyclingweekly
Instagram: / cyclingweeklymagazine
Google+: plus.google.co...
Twitter: / cyclingweekly
Email: [e-mail]

[@MehmetSevil]

4:05 - Baby powdering (Talcum powder) the inside of the tire and the outside of the latex inner tube makes them slide very easily on each other (dry lubing). When you combine this with your recommendation of "slightly inflating the tube before installing", it becomes a MUCH easier and risk-free job. It also helps maintain the latex and the tire in the long run. Just my 2c.

[@ryanspivey2453]

How is there not a "Resistance is Butyl" ad campaign by one of the latex tube manufacturers?!

[@wuxiren64]

Ryan Spivey Fantastic!

[@chonk0478]

WHOA

[@mark-1234]

I wouldn't share stuff like that publicly until you've patented it and sold it to one of the latex companies. Although no one but the U.K. would pronounce it like that. ;)

[@vaugr1917]

😂😂😂 that's great

[@DarrenMansell]

I've used latex tubes for a couple of years. Saved many flats due to being more pliant. Definitely better like they roll better too. I always pump tyres up before a ride anyway.

[@maveriks463]

They work really well + recommend. But only use say from April/May - end of October. Benefits are at nice ride. And makes bikes very comfortable in helping to absorbs bumps +less harsh ride if you have a particularly harsh bike etc. Buy when on sale means you can get them for 5.99. Downside - it needs to be pumped before every ride.

[@Bloobalooo]

Also fair to say that they are easier to repair than butyl tubes, have fixed loads of punctures in mine which at a tenner a tube is a must !

[@mrfdtt2675]

My experience with latex innertubes has been very positive. I've been using Vredestein Race Latex (49 g with 60 mm valve) with Continental GP 4000 S II and Hutchinson Fusion 5 Galactik. There hasn't been a single flat tyre in 10000 kilometers, until recently, when I hit a nasty asphalt edge (which would have damaged a butyl tube as well). They ride more smoothly than butyl and their sound is different as well. You should inflate them to your intended pressure every day you ride. Be careful when mounting them; once the tube partly got stuck underneath the tyre bead and when inflating it, suddenly a very thin bubble appeared and exploded with very loud bang.

[@thetheflyinghawaiian]

Very thorough, analytical, and not circumstantial. I really enjoy you guys.

[@CyclingSpiritvideos]

What about tubeless tires?!?! Can you do a follow up comparison between latex and tubeless?

[@OllieBridgewood]

this video may be of interest to you kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3-qn36Dq79of8k

[@remifjelldal7299]

YES PLEASE

[@modarm]

Tubeless is the best of both worlds just remember to check the fluid and replace every few months.

[@badmotherfucker7008]

Tubeless are expensive as hell

[@aaron___6014]

CyclingSpirit but about tubular

[@montanajones8393]

Some of my friends run tubeless & I have to say if that if the rim & tire match well then there are less chances for problems but not always & the kicker for tubeless is that if you do get a flat that doesn't seal up...the backup is to put a tube in. I've ridden latex for many years without problems aside from the normal flat that one gets on occasion. Its a worthwhile investment in cheap speed because you are reducing rotational weight while also gaining a smoother ride. The one thing that I find that helps during installation is talcum powder. Lots of of it.

[@kay19833]

Does it need pumping b4 each ride as claimed?

[@aounjose]

Since watching this video I have tried 3 different times to use latex tubes. 1 blew up in my house, almost killed my poor dog. The second lasted 20 miles, and then blew. And the third lasted 15 miles. I have used gloves to put them in, talcum powder to avoid friction and surgically installed without tools to not damage the latex, and still no luck. Is there anything Im missing, am I just very unlucky or plain dumb? Help, my skinny legs need those 10 watts!!

[@tomscanlon259]

@@aounjose If you are checking to make sure the tube is not caught between the rim and tire like he did at the end of his video it might be your rim tape. HED recommends two wraps of their tape, the cloth ones are not as good for latex.

[@TheBassallyear100]

I regularly use latex tubes just simply for the fact that there is a noticeable change in comfort over butyl when paired with most decent tires. Particularly improves the feel of GP4000S II which otherwise feel pretty dead.

[@guidospanoghe8896]

What about patching latex inner tubes? I 've never had problems with patched ones even on long descents though I would avoid it if you use your brakes for too long. Reduced weight and a noticeable gain in comfort were the reasons I used them before switching to tubeless tires on my racebike. Sudden blow out when you have a tiny hole in the sidewall seems the biggest disadvantage IMO. Michelin Prorace 4 tubulars have latex inner tubes and are supercomfy!

[@gildasguillaume251]

I use latex on all my aluminium wheels, even in winter! I'm living north east of France so the conditions are tougth for the tubes. Most off them are over 4 years old and they are like new. The brand I use is Michelin but I'm sure other brands are as good. The feeling with latex is so much better! I can't say about speed, but the confort and the plaisure are far ahead from butyl. Make sure you place a lot of talc on them when you get them in the tire!!!

[@kay19833]

I just heard about the talc. Please tell me about all the added benefits of applying talc on latex tubes please, all.

[@FL-ym6hm]

@@kay19833 it will make installation a little easier, help avoid that rim-tire pinch Ollie was talking about. Also reduces friction between the tire and tube. Just remember to "Roll" that last two inches of tire over the rim instead of using a tire lever.

[@kay19833]

@@FL-ym6hm thnx

[@superstrada6847]

Ollie; another EXCELLENT video analysis. I will now use latex tubes for TT's and other specific events depending on my set-up. Thanks. Your channel is always useful and enjoyable.

[@brendonnoble3296]

He forgot two important benefits. Increased puncture resistance and that as they are more flexible it gives the tire a better ability to absorb imperfections, ie more comfort.

[@kona6812]

Tubolito. Best of both worlds, resilient like butyl jet lighter then latex. Tried latex in the '90s once and never again. Tubolito is the solution for innertubes. Personally switched to Mavic's UST this year, with Tubolito as spare. Pleased test Tubolito, it would be interesting!

[@Desi365]

why never again latex ? punctures ?

[@Klips005]

Seth bike hacks already reviewed apparently

[@GiuseppeFuscoGuitar]

I feel tubolito very uncomfortable

[@tabl10s]

There was another variation 30+ years ago. The tube was see-through, lighter than latex and also less porous. The only downside was the special glue you needed and the initial cost of the tube.

[@coreystayton2130]

Worth mentioning talcing tubes when installing - this process can also add to tube performance over- all.

[@coreystayton2130]

Bungle2010 let’s agree to disagree on that

[@kargi42]

That is a nitrile glove, not latex ;)

[@isaacyoung1868]

wait.. what about nitrile tubes?! I doubt it's been tested!

[@mplsmark222]

I was expecting him to tell us he is allergic and can’t handle latex. Anyway thanks For the great information.

[@cliffcox7643]

He needed some glove as an example, cause no glove, no love.

[@chrisblackburn715]

Exactly what i was thinking lol

[@ilanpi]

Latex is porous! So that explains little Billy...

[@batbawls]

I use the smooth shafts of vittoria latex pink witches so long as I can get them on without immediately flatting it during installation

[@dickmartino9933]

I definitely think so. The ride seems so much more comfortable and there's weight saving but downside is pumping up for every ride. But where is the other glove?

[@bionique123]

use baby powder to prevent the tube from sticking to the tire. Also i would say it's more resistant to pinch flat

[@joshuafoster8976]

What about the polymer ie. Tubolito 38g** per tube and tougher than butyl apparently. Best of both worlds or marketing hype?

[@someguy9520]

Utter crap for rollingresistance. It's a thermoplastic with quite bad energy recovery meaning that it won't feel supple, heat up even without braking on rim brakes, without the ability to get back into their original size and 3 times the price of latex(where i live). Yes, it's very light, but decreased grip more rolling resistance and a tube that is expanded even after letting out air is quite a bad product IMO. For weightweenies that simply want to get home with it...go on. Problem is that it strectches so much, getting it back into the tire is quite hard. Watch Seth's Bike hacks video about their MTB tubolito tubes

[@Joe-yr9oy]

I was looking at these tubolitos .According to there website they roll very similar to a latex tube. I also found an independent test which found the same results ‘Areo Coach’ I think it was called. They should in theory roll fast, they are very smooth looking and very thin so why do you say they roll slow??

[@pixiedixie3682]

Spot on ! Only to say that latex ones because are more flexible they adapting whit the tyre when cornering adding more grip.

[@Advcrazy]

Thanks for the video! It’s great to see these kinds of tests being done so my inner geek can sleep well at night instead of wondering if all these claims are really true. It would’ve been good to see the roller test done against a Conti supersonic inner tube as I have heard they are as fast as latex tubes. Also another advantage to lay text tubes is liquid sealants seem to work better than they do with butyl tubes

[@Zinisster]

As an everyday rider on public roads. I use these tubes in front tyre only. Still notice the gains in doing so.

[@benstanden8784]

5 Watts per tyre! I can't work out any reason not to put them on my summer road bike (especially seeing as it has discs).

[@joshuaknight1748]

Ben Standen I know! Ten quid extra for ten watts! You’d have to spend 50x that in this game for anything like the same kind of gains.

[@cliffcox7643]

the Borg; Resistance is Butyl.

[@alantaylor6691]

Brilliant mate!

[@serenaserena6875]

I'm trying to find out if the trek 730 I have has latex tubes because it looks worn & threaded, it sticks out of the tire, & is brown. The bike was given to me to start riding so I'm trying to figure out the deets. Thanks!

[@TurneyUK]

Useful to know although I think I will stick to standard tubes mainly for reliability. It sounds as if these are more fragile and prone to puncture more frequently. It would be interesting to do a comparison, what life expectancy these have compared to a standard tube. Probably best to stick to standard for training and these if you are racing.

[@willywampa9022]

Please test the Tubolito tubes! :)

[@velosapien]

Tubolito not worth the money or the weight saving. I had 1in my mtb and worked as good as a butyl....until you get a flat. Repair is not good outdoors as you need alchohol wipes and special patches and my biggest gripe is you cannot change down on tyre size as the stretch is permanent...meaning if you have them in 2.25, they will not reduce or work in a 2.15 tyre . For 700c this will not transfer from 28 to 25 or 23 however 25 to 23 might be possible. If the tube is overstretched outside the tyre to maybe detect a leak in water then might as well use the darn thing as a swimming aid as it wont fit back in the tyre it came from

[@happydays8171]

Kudos for having a Scott Foil in the background. My bike, haha. P.S. Love your anecdotes Ollie.

[@markbraun1366]

Like in other parts of life latex is just providing the best feel in the experience. Thats for me the main reason!

[@iimmolarious7636]

I've used those vittoria latex inner tubes in my cx and road bike and I like the way they ride but after some months they seem to go flat really easy.

[@18dbofgain]

Summer bike has latex tubes, carry butyl tubes for spares as latex is a faf at the roadside. latex tubes are a worthless investment if you are running cheap and poor quality tyres. best combo is Vittoria/specialized cotton tyres with latex due to the cotton casing of the tyre making it much more pliable to the road surface. 1 puncture in 3000km on Vittoria and latex(touches wood) Yes a downside of pumping a tyre up every day but should be standard practice for any rider to check things like that.

[@xchopp]

Aarrgh! 4:13 you guys missed the most important bit: pushing the tire -- oops, tyre -- across the rim (in both directions) in order to seat the partially-inflated tube properly before serious inflation begins. I thought this was well-known SOP. It's no good just looking to see if the tube is trapped as you can't always see.

[@xchopp]

p.s. thumbs up anyway!

[@rinhu8864]

Would be cool to see a video looking at the various cleat/pedal systems, with this kind of in depth approach.

[@RixterNow]

How about doing the same test with butyl tube and talcum power lightly coated inside the tire. Did that help with rolling resistance?

[@zennhawkins2219]

Hi is it ok to ask you a question i got sent the wrong size tpu inner tube do you think it will be ok 700x32 on a 700x38 bike tyre thanks

[@karlmilton6688]

I use latex tubes with challenge open tubular tyres they are almost identical in feel to the tubs I used in the sixties and early seventies. As to the inference that they are prone to heat up and explode on descents this is a tad misleading it would need a very long decent in quite hot weather something not very prevalent in Great Britain , in normal English or should I say British conditions this is not a problem at all , they are also much more resistant to pinch flats and normal punctures his is due to the very nature of the latex itself As it forms around any foreign object that penetrates the tyre . All in all they are an excellent choice given the right tyres , fit them carefully and they are a real Buzz.

[@rosscads]

I have seen some wheel manufacturers recommend only butyl tubes for their wheelsets (e.g. Mavic Cosmic CXR). Is there a reason why latex tubes wouldn't work in some clincher wheelsets?

[@lukemorrish-thomas1961]

Where do they get these figures from? Standard butyl tube on wiggle is £2-£3 and vittoria latex tubes are £7.

[@Miersemann]

Is it also through that the risk on a puncture is less because of the flexibilitie of the latex tube?. And I have heard that the ride comfort is better with latex tubes.

[@simonrendell9834]

Is there anything wrong with using latex tubes on a carbon clincher rim if you're not doing long descents? My lbs advised against it but I think that might have been because the latex tubes I had were too narrow for my tyres (think you can get away with this more with butyl than with latex?).

[@pss999]

Correct, definitely not recommended. Carbon holds heat much more than aluminium does, so the potential for overheating the tube is much greater. I love my Vittoria latex tubes and use them in all my aluminium wheelsets now, extra speed, better ride quality, lighter weight, and more puncture resistant (I've done over 15,000 without a single puncture in the past 18 months), but I won't use them in my carbon clichers because I don't want to risk a blowout on a long descent (I descend slowly since I don't race and have a family to support!)

[@theylivewesee1674]

what about heat build up in a carbon wheel with alloy braking surface??

[@pss999]

Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat, so it's probably much less of an issue since the braking surface would act as a nice heat sink and would dissipate the heat as well, but I think it would probably depend on the specific wheels. Probably best to check with the manufacturer!

[@neiltruswell2122]

Would you say the latex tube is the Der-rig-ur of inner tubes ? 👍

[@essjayaitch]

I tried them in the early 90's on my mountain bike. One of the selling points was that they were allegedly more puncture resistant because they deform better than butyl when an object goes through the tyre.

[@JMcLeodKC711]

If you are this hardcore to go latex over butyl.... Go with tubular. Great video.

[@Deuteross]

Great video, but what about using sealant inside a latex tube?

[@OllieBridgewood]

Deuteross some work, others can damage the latex

[@EK1H]

Sealant doesn't work very well in a tube it's designed for tubeless tires. At lower pressure the squirm between the tube and tire prevents sealing at higher pressure the pressure prevents it.

[@EK1H]

Bungle2010 so buy a bunch of tubs and sealant and puncture them and see if sealant works (I've found about 50% pictures seal long enough to get you home at low pressure), or listen to me having done that for years and save yourself some money. Latex tubes squirm so much in clinchers, particularly at lower pressure that the tubes actually wear out. Tubes sometimes break near the valve too from squirm I glue a patch over the area to prevent that.

[@EK1H]

Bungle2010 looking forward to your video showing how well sealant works in tubs long term at 80+ psi, or just find one and link me. Doesn't exist.

[@ciclismoJames]

Are they really more fragile? I've used them all winter. Latex has better deformation properties than Butyl so theoretically is better resistance to punctures......?

[@Hexsense]

they are more resistance to puncture. But more prone to be damaged by user error, and heat, and chemical (including dirty puddle with oil in it), and sunlight. So i'd still count them as more fragile.

[@FL-ym6hm]

I'm with you James Sherwood. I've gotten a solid 3 years, 17,000 miles total out of one tube. They are only fragile if you don't know how to install tires properly.

[@srenhornum5004]

Should have tested the rolling resistance on the road instead. Smooth rollers don’t really give a accurate representation. And would have been great tested against super light butyl tubes as well like the Supersonics

[@OllieBridgewood]

Søren Hornum you’re right, but it becomes very hard to control other variables on the road.

[@srenhornum5004]

Oliver Bridgewood Indeed. But they have done similar test on velodromes before. And I don’t really need to see scientific accuracy with this

[@tomgilbey3206]

Disagree. Perfectly adequate to compare the frictional losses between different setups. The automotive industry has standardised on this type of rolling resistance testing. Velodrome vs. smooth roller would correlate very well as the boards are so smooth. On the road testing would be more relevant but is much harder to do. A difference of 3 W between tubes is 1% in this test so you do need a decent amount of accuracy. On the other hand most cyclists who have trained for a few years would be very happy with a 10W improvement in FTP so it's definitely worth doing. I thought the video was fair and sensible.

[@edwardjohntaylor99]

Your test protocol was a way of amplifying the differences between the butyl and latex. Pumping 300w into the tyres on rollers doesn't represent what happens in cycling at that power level where drag or gravity takes a much bigger fraction of the power. A fairer estimate would be 1/4 of 5w i.e.0.8w at e.g. 32kmh.

[@marekmarkowski9571]

I tried super sonic,schwalbe super light,maxxis ,tubolito .None of them match latex.It's a diffrent league

[@theylivewesee1674]

I kept starring on that DT SWISS disc wheel, looks awesome

[@aounjose]

Please make a video on how to properly install these. Since watching the video I have 3 tries. And no success.

[@aygwm]

Latex tubes ride more smoothly and grip better too. It’s subtle but definitely there.

[@awildtomappeared5925]

I thought components being limited to pros was banned by the UCI? so why are those continentals pro only?

[@theylivewesee1674]

#marginal rule loophole

[@williamguillen3]

Conti only sells them to world tour teams. That’s why.

[@onilovni1234]

I have 25 mm Tubeless Pro One tires mounted on a 21mm inner rim and disc brake, and of course, thru axles all the way. My bike is future-proof as well as bombproof! Nice video though! Was curious about a latex tube, but no thanks.

[@laszlozoltan5021]

"futureproof"= did you also buy a magical garden gnome with that at the same place ?

[@onilovni1234]

Yes I did, he's called Shut the fuck up and be relevant!

[@BenjaminGarcia-xb7ee]

What if you ride fixed gear with no breaks ?

[@nairobitokyo1696]

I ride it without any problems. Michelin latex tubes and Gp5000 on front wheel, rear wheel Grand Prix Gt due to greater durability. Skidding on gp5000 kills them in second.

[@DamnitsAdriel]

How about aerothan thermoplastic tube from Schwalbe?

[@MstrRo]

Could you use a rubber grease on Latex tubes to increase their performance and durability?

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

Do that test for tubeless Tubulars love them 😂 better for braking . In the end tubeless is better for environment. I use tubulars on 1300m descents due to I know roads are clean from rubbish and alternate wheelset. Have never had puncture yet .

[@tobortine]

Latex should be reserved for prophylactics. Go bare back (tubeless) it's the only way to ride.

[@zoid88]

"Your rims can heat up" Still dont get why people buy rims worth thousands to slowly wear them down. Disc brakes are the future.

[@JanKowalski-pe9lo]

Hmmm.. Funny logic... Why people ever buying bikes at all to slowly wear them down? What about clothes, shoes, cars?

[@zoid88]

Jan Kowalski of course things wear down over time. When you can use discs and your rims dont get worn down or use rim brakes and slowly wear down a very expensive rims. It's it really a choice

[@JanKowalski-pe9lo]

Hmm... You saying very expensive rim brake wheels? I think that changing to discs with all proprietary blows & whistles might be even more expensive. I am not sure is it worthwhile for now as easily i can get around 50-70k from rim which cost me about 100 euro with rebuilding costs. But agree that everyday, bad weather bike should have disc brakes as this is common sense. Or you might be right if we think about cycling geeks who needs to have all new technologies and 2 secs saving frame or that 100g lighter one. They should spend more money in the business and let market flow more ^^.

[@zoid88]

Jan Kowalski changing on a current bike isn't cost effective or even possible in many cases. Anyone buying a new bike would be mad to not go discs. Talk of saving 100g on your bike, just get fitter instead.

[@JanKowalski-pe9lo]

You`re right only to some extent. Buying new bike with rim brakes have pros and for some those are more value than cons. I have both bikes discs and rims brake bikes and my next summer bike will be rim brake when my new all weather training- all day rig is disc. Discs for now are less reliable than rims and in fact are more expensive unless used in crappy weather often.

[@patrickrenschler]

but why does latex have a lower rolling resistance?

[@jameslubomski583]

I would like to see comparison against tubeless.

[@i20010]

Great overview, thanks!

[@mattnugy]

Great breakdown! Thanks.

[@aniutiube2011]

I believe the road tubeless done right like Magic Ksyriunm

[@danielmacdonald4005]

What sort of riding do you need to do as an amateur for 10 watts to become hugely significant ?

[@BaxterRoss]

any kind of racing. 10 watts is %3+ for most human's FTP

[@OllieBridgewood]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/laepm5iZZ9-mn9E

[@rinhu8864]

Pub run?

[@AdrianHansenBikes]

Baxter Ross I don’t think most people’s FTP is 300 Watts

[@rinhu8864]

Panos peterpan and are you most people?

[@johnreese3762]

Great info, just what I needed! Thanks for doing this!!!

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

I'd more worried tubeless losing air and burping on descent than tubulars. Tubulars are pro's choice

[@cyril4892]

can you repair latex tube with patches?

[@rayekhoury]

Whould you consider the latex for an Ironman? Using carbon clinchers wheels. And 150 pounds weight

[@OllieBridgewood]

Raye Khoury yes, but depends on the course. If there is a very technical long descent, I would be concerned with clinchers, like I state in the video.

[@jackhammer40k_]

Good stuff! Next step, tubeless and tubular!

[@carlosvieira2642]

Great video. +1 on tubeless tires vs latex tubes

[@ThePrinterPaddy]

You mentioned Conti Supersonic Butyl tubes (50 grammes)...are they worth it ???

[@nigelwood6242]

ThePrinterPaddy that's what I ride never had a problem with em tougher than latex same weight. latex tubes are pants !!

[@edsinofsky]

Would love to see this test redone with the third tubeless with sealant option. 10W is huge.

[@ambrosethomas5339]

Helped my decision thank you 😊

[@panzerveps]

Ollie, that's a nitrile glove, not latex ;)

[@theylivewesee1674]

inb4 Ollie takes latex tubes and hits Sa Colobra for the 3rd time #marginal gains

[@FFMBMV86]

Which tyres were used in the test?

[@FFMBMV86]

And can u put sealing in it before inflating to prevent loosing too much pressure during a long course Triathlon

[@Nebhotepx]

Another downside of latex tubes are longer braking distances

[@harpoon2445]

I don’t get it that a price difference of only £5 per tire is put so much emphasis on, given the low absolute amount and the even lower relative amount compared to the price of bike and gear.

[@fcz]

Reminds me of the good old 'Geronimo' back in my day!!

[@53glowe]

Although your science only comparatively tested the watt differential between latex and butyl tubes, I would have liked to have seen a real world downhill rolling test as well. More people I think can visually relate to that than a wattage difference done on rollers. Just a thought 🤔

[@AB-qm8wq]

Great olly! Best tubevid on youtube 💪🏽😎

[@Timtimzi]

can u patch a latex tube?

[@ΣταυροςΔαγκωνακης]

yeap!!! normal patch will do the job, i have done it on my vittoria lattex tube

[@Timtimzi]

Σταυρος Δαγκωνακης thanks for the comment one year later. I tried and it works :) . I used the pre stick patch, but I’m pretty sure the vulcanized one works too.

[@indiebikes]

Come on CW, don't give away all the secrets of experienced cyclists'! I've been using Michelin latex tubes for years and not telling my cycling buddies the secret, but if they all switch to latex, I'll lose my marginal gain!

[@retroonhisbikes]

What’s an inner tube?

[@teroy45]

I tried latex tubes and they are not that durable! I'd rather have a dependable butyl tube than a fast latex tube but i'm always at the side of the road.

[@ds94703]

Smart and informative!

[@LegSpinna]

If things start to go a little stale the introduction of latex will always liven up a ride.

[@StylishDeathbat67]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@Marcin79W]

That's the best review I've ever seen.

[@robshennessy1]

Can we have the raw data and calculations?

[@pss999]

Tons of tons of data around latex tubes. Check the Silca web site, and the bicycle rolling resistance web site, and many others. Definitely lower rolling resistance vs. even a thin/light butyl tube, there is no doubt now. And I haven't suffered a single puncture on my latex tubes in over 15,000 km. Love them!

[@robshennessy1]

Paul Schwartz thanks for your reply, I've seen various sources of data, I was just curious on their data

[@BaxterRoss]

The roller test is not fully representative of real riding conditions because there is no aerodynamic drag from forward motion. This means that the speed that the wheels are spinning is much faster, than if the rider were doing the same wattage out on the road. The 10 watt savings in rolling resistance is real, but not at 300 watts, it's at the speed which was measured on the rollers.

[@FrekeOne]

like latex tubes a lot, more comfort, lower weight, rolls bettar

[@deniszest]

Tubular tyres with tubes.... my head gonna explode :o)

[@TheDestroyer8065]

I feel sorry to the Latex tube brand for didn't pay GCN to promote their product.

[@thepsychonaut8212]

latex for the win!!! i even puncture less with them!

[@Thomas-fy9yc]

I’m pretty sure that blue glove is made of nitrile , not latex....

[@hayabusa27]

Doesnt this guy work for GCN?