About a decade back I randomly decided to give latex a shot and whoa boy - what a difference - fast, smooth, light, sooo lively. I’ll probably curse myself here but I’ve NEVER had a pun-ure since. Which is wild. Tubeless is just not there on the road. If it ain’t broken - don’t fix it.
That has not been my experience at ALL. I am using the Pirelli TPUs and they ride great. The ride feel is fantastic and you notice the speed difference right away.
TPU is weird, it hits potholes harder than any other system, but on smooth roads its as smooth as anything else. If you use 32mm tires and steel frame and Alu rims TPU is easily the best though.
Tpu and potholes will rattle Your teeth out of your skull lol but yes smooth road is silk. I am going to try them with a cotton tire like a corsa and see how it goes
I've never used latex, but going from heavy butyl to feather light ridenow's TPU is a game changer. I even bought the 24g version recently and is even better than the 34g. Bast bang for your buck to reduce weight and improve ride quality. The problem is depending on the size of the puncture the provided patch kit won't fix it.
@@ssenssel Ive watched those same patches being used on a YT video, and if done properly they work great. Some have used just a dab of gorilla glue with no patch and had that work great. These TPU's are new on the market, most seem to like them alot.
Running TPU with Conti 5000 28". Certainly less compliant than tubeless - also because of higher pressure. But using TPU on nice roads so not an issue for me. I feel my wheels spin faster than with butyl (placebo effect?). Would never go latex myself - the alternative for uneven, difficult roads is tubeless with its lower temp and clear puncture advantages.
I ride challenge latex tubes in my 28 mm Vittoria corsa controle every day on my commuter all city mr pink steel bike and they rolls super smooth and fast. They lost air less than my gp 5000 tl tires before and i have no puncture problems at all so far. I have install them with talcum (put the tubes with some talcum in a airtight plastic bag and shake it). 28 mm Cotton + latex -best combination so far.....
@@addictcyclist Got it. Thank you very much!! Sorry for the stupid question. This might be the kind of latex that I'm very anxious to try. I've been going thru rubbers like there's no tomorrow.
Today im making the change from Latex to TPU. Been running latex for about 2 years now and the amount of air they lose is insane. My rear tyre went from 100psi to 60 during my 8 hour ride. I had to pump it with CO2 and I got it blew. Latex is decent but if you're doing 5+ hour rides the air you lose is just too much. If you're riding 4 hours max they're okay. More than that and you'll come home on a half-soft tyre.
I only use TPU tubes as I still run rim brakes and can't use latex tubes with carbon rim brake wheels. Completely agree with your comparison between the two. If you're coming from butyl however, TPU is a huge upgrade.
@@addictcyclist I'd still personally pick latex tubes if I had that option, but TPU is still an excellent choice. I'd always carry TPU tubes as a spare now regardless.
I have been using Ride Now Chinese TPU after Vittoria Latex. I find they are very smooth, I don't feel the bumps too much. (I still have Latex on my 2nd bike).
Thank you for this. I'm running Vittoria latex, and have Ride Now 24g TPU ready but not installed yet. Not sure how they compare. I'm happy with latex, except how poorly they hold air.
They are great. I use rim brakes and with TPU tubes I did not have any over-heating problems when descending big mountains. (I have had blow-outs with latex)@@flflam
@@montrose252 Do you find latex or TPU gives a more supple ride? I'm quite happy with latex and not too concerned about the 100g I can save with TPU. I'm on rim brakes but don't do long descents. Deciding between switching out the latex for TPU, or wait until a puncture happens.
@@flflam At the end of the day, I would say ride quality and rolling resistance is similar. I wanted to shave a few grams off the overall weight of my bike!
Thank you for saving me some money: was about to try out TPU inner tubes and can now rest assured that to stay with my trusty Dugast latex inner tubes and FMB tyres is the way to go (I take suppleness over weight anytime)!
32mm. But, my previous was gp4000 25mm front and 28mm rear. Actual size of 28 was 30. Gp5000 32 actual size is 28on my mavic aksium rims. Front feels little better on bigger cracks
exactrly . Also rode a year on vittoria latex , and then on TPU. Excited that they didnt leak at all, just pumped 2 times per weak. But the ride quality compared to latex, just suck. It feels you ride on plastic wheels. Going right now to patch my vitorria latex and put them back again. Its NOT everything about wheight.
I've been riding latex tubes for a number of years now. Just tried some RideNow TPU tubes. I think the feel of the TPU tubes is equal to - - and arguably better - - than TPU. I can't yet comment on the longevity of TPU tubes yet, because I haven't used them very long.
I wonder if the vibration you feel on TPU has been objectively studied or the higher pitch sound from the plastic makes you feel like you’re experiencing more vibration… in other words the sound from the tpu might be changing your perception…but is it really more harsh? Objectively? I ride on smoother roads and don’t find tpu harsh….just pingy…
I have tried challange latex tubes, same as in the video. They streach so thin that they start loosing air quick. You have to pump them every 1-2 hours. In 24 h they will be completly flat. Many of my friends have had the same issue with challange. When i removed on of the tubes i could see that part of it was streched so thin that you could see through it. Technicly no punchur but since they were so thin it was leaking fast. However, i have had other brands like michelin that lasted 5 years then the valve broke, no problem to run 3 days event without reinflating them. I have contacted challange regarding this (have a stock pile of unused challange tubes at home that i wont use due to this issue) but they have not answered.
Thanks for feedback. My experience with challenge is a little different. I always pump before each ride no matter what.. butyl, tubeless, latex.. but they do loose air. It takes a few days to a week for them to go completely flat. Same with the vittoria and Silca tubes. I notice no difference compared to challenge.
@@veganpotterthevegan challange is just not worth it when at the end of your ride you have to watch out for every bump in the road to save your rim. It takes the fun out of cycling. Two tubes for me (front and rear tyre) and 3 friends have had the same issue.
@@martinbonta1592 I've sold hundreds of them without them being any worse than any other latex tubes. Coincidental anecdotal evidence from a very small sample size doesn't mean much
Tried all . Tubeless is a tad more supple. But yes Latex feel is so much more better than TPU altho TPU tubes weight 50g lighter than latex. So pick your poison, better feel or lighter weight.
Run a 2019 Roubaix with Hunt Aerodynamicist 44s, Pirelli P Zero Race tyre 28c, specialized inner tubes (100g). Weigh 60kg. Tried some 28g RideNow TPU tubes. Makes wheels feel/sound twangy and tinny - OK on smooth tarmac but forget the rest - ride becomes very hash, seems to ruin the bike's compliance and speed on any non-perfect roads. Tried loads of pressure combinations - switching back today!
I honestly don't understand why anyone would nitpick on inner tube riding difference while riding Conti 5000, which is in essence a low TPI tire and the main factor reducing your comfort / ride quality. The moment you switch to a real tire (like Vittoria), I'll come back to hear your experiences.
I have ridden vittoria corsa, Rubino pro. They are the most comfortable tires I have ever ridden BUT they drag ass. They don’t hold speed well imo. Feels like pedaling in sand.
@@addictcyclistCorsa / Conti 5000 are in the same ball park with regards to rolling resistance. The Conti has its merits but one thing it's not: comfortable. It has a low TPI, and I wonder why anyone would try ultra supple latex inner tubes in something as harsh as a conti 5000... That's the thing: if you want comfort and want to compare it, look at your biggest gainst first, and in your case it's definitely the outer tire. Claiming Vittoria corsa is slow is as much as saying Jumbo Visma does something very wrong while winning all GT's this year, I don't buy that.
Almost every reviewer has a different take on the way these TPU's ride. Totally different. To me the PSI matters the most. Its an air chamber no matter the tube material. TPU's are SO thin, how can they resist road shock or bumps? psi is what reinforces a tube. Latex, man patching them seems like a lost cause, and they are really pricey. The last latex tubes I got the valve stem base de laminated from the rest of the tube. Im not devoted enough to be buying latex tubes.
I think, a lot of these "ride impression" feelings are a little bit mental. A tube is an air chamber, the amount of travel or suspension to be gained out of a tube material is so tiny. Latex just seems like it would be great. If its pumped up hard it rides hard, if its less psi it rides smoother. Some ride TPU and dont notice much difference, for some they ride like a board. Latex is a bitch to patch. Latex costs a lot and are sometimes out of stock. To me they are an old school thing.
@bradsanders6954 I have recently discovered something useful about TPU tubes and I'm using them again. One of the problems that they have always had is in the valve stem. A company known as RideNow makes a good TPU tube in various weights. But it is very important to get the ones with white valve stems, which is their newer version. If you get them in a 36 g weight, which is the heaviest of the three weights that they sell, they turn out to be quite robust. They also make lighter weight tubes, but you definitely don't want to use those if your bike has rim brakes (and lighter ones are more fragile). To me the big Advantage is that they don't take up much space in a saddlebag or in your pocket, and if you are a weight weenie of course you are saving quite a lot of weight on your wheels. Ask for the ride feel, really the important thing there is your tire pressure. The good ones from Ride Now cost about $13 a piece and now you can buy them on Amazon there are companies on AliExpress and Temu who sell cheaper TPU tubse (~ $5) but as far as I can tell they all have the problems with the valve stems and I strongly recommend avoiding them. In fact I also recommend avoiding Tubolito and Pirellis for the same reason. The quality control problems are serious. You might get lucky or you might not
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am planning to buy the same bike and was doubting whether to use TPU or latex. Decision made. One question: why don't you use 28mils tyres?
How have these challenge latex tubes hold so far? I've been using the Vittoria ones and with a pair of GP5000s never had a puncture after 7000+kms, have been considering the challenge ones for the same reason and also they're a few grams lighter than the vittoria ones.
I rode latex aswell but what got me off them is the way they fail. It always results in a big explosion and the tire pops off which caused a nasty crash. TPU looses air a lot more slowly and constant. So for me they are just more save
I had the exact opposite experience. Two times the latex ones were very forgiving, and with a 2-3 mm glas shard in there each time could manage to ride home for another hour just by pumping up air a few times. I used the heavier vittoria tubes
I had a fatal explosion with Michelin Latex (which are shitty anyways) causing a crash at 38km/h. Tried TPU and went back to Vittoria Latex. Used also Veloflex Corsa Evo TL and they were awesome: Super light and super fast!
@@TheMrSui sorry to hear that. I'm glad you're ok. Have you tried Foss Polymer inner tubes? I haven't seen a discussion about this. I've just purchased a pair as well as Vittoria latex. I have yet to install into some clincher wheels. I'm unfamiliar with hooked but I'll research.
what pressures are you running in your clinchers? I switched back to clinchers as well. Just playing around with PSI. I am 5 10" and go 185lbs. Thanks and looking back for your feedback.
@@addictcyclist perfect. Thanks. I typed and sent the question just before you mentioned that. Lol. I’m running 28’s and a set of Pirelli P Zero Race tires for a change. Pirelli is aging on the box 110 psi for my size. Seems excessive
I also had tubeless for 2 months but got sick of it very quickly. Back on latex zero flats, had zero flats before going tubeless. Im 70kg and run 80 back 78front.
I just read ALL comments....Its basically a war 50% for Latex the other 50 for TPU....Unreal, I guess its all personal preference, what a waist of my time.
What about inflation pressures used in TPU vs Latex? Can the TPU be run at a lower pressure than the Latex or Butyl? Would/does that improve the road feel?
I tried butyl (obviously), latex and tubeless. Both on road (smooth and harsh) with large tires (32+ mm) and on gravel (40+ mm). Both with relatively low pressures. Tubeless has three main problems for me : - swapping tires is incredibly messy and long compared to any tube system - requires messy maintenance / refill every few months even if you keep the same set of tires - once you puncture a sidewall, you're screwed (even with dynaplugs) TPUs have three problems : - puncture and pinch-flat just as well as latex (if not more), even with "strong" TPUs (tubolito, shame on you ...) - patching them is not reliable and certainly not a side-of-the-road affair (translates to €€€€ and time) - random quality control, both EU brands and Chinese ones Butyl tubes have a low appeal to me : - they puncture significantly more than latex and pinch-flat just as well - they roll measurably slower than any other option Latex tubes with big tires and low pressure virtually eliminate pinch flats and punctures. In the very rare cases I need to repair them on the road, it's a fast and reliable affair. Inflating them at the start of each ride with a small electric pump with a preset pressure point is a 1 minute job. Latex tubes aren't perfect, but they are the best compromise for me.
You need to use Real tire talcum powder that should always be done with either butyl or latex tubes that will decrease the frequency of flats. Corn starch is a poor substitute. Been doing this 5 decades it woks! Shake the tube in a bag coat it well. Then put some in the inside of the tire and rotate it until the entire inside is also coated well. Then place the slightly inflated tube in the tire and install on the rim. I suspect this will work on TPUs but haven't tried them yet. But I think tire talcum also improves the ride too...not having the tube glued to the tire. I also think the excess that I put in helps expel those tiny pieces of glass out of the tire. I also used those little wire things with my cotton tubulars when they didn't have any flat protection belts they also helped. And finally Tubulars almost never pinch flat. Once I hit a curb at 20 mph and turned the rim into a pretzel 🥨 literally and that Russian training tire didn't flat ..put it on a new rim and continued to use that tire a little while later. There was a bit of recovery as the bike stopped instantly and I didn't....shoulder first head next. A helmet would have been a good thing....luckily I got a chance to live and learn from that mistake. Those head injuries kinda don't go away as I have learned.
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About a decade back I randomly decided to give latex a shot and whoa boy - what a difference - fast, smooth, light, sooo lively. I’ll probably curse myself here but I’ve NEVER had a pun-ure since. Which is wild. Tubeless is just not there on the road. If it ain’t broken - don’t fix it.
That has not been my experience at ALL. I am using the Pirelli TPUs and they ride great. The ride feel is fantastic and you notice the speed difference right away.
Speed is good, have you ridden latex?
@@addictcyclist Yep.
How deep are those wheels? And how long are the valves?
@@addictcyclist Have you patched a latex tube? For what they cost Im not dealing with them.
@@bradsanders6954 I have patched latex tubes. No issues.
TPU is weird, it hits potholes harder than any other system, but on smooth roads its as smooth as anything else. If you use 32mm tires and steel frame and Alu rims TPU is easily the best though.
Tpu and potholes will rattle
Your teeth out of your skull lol but yes smooth road is silk. I am going to try them with a cotton tire like a corsa and see how it goes
Just started testing TPU after using latex and so far, I have to agree with your assessment.
I've never used latex, but going from heavy butyl to feather light ridenow's TPU is a game changer. I even bought the 24g version recently and is even better than the 34g. Bast bang for your buck to reduce weight and improve ride quality. The problem is depending on the size of the puncture the provided patch kit won't fix it.
coz its not a patch what they include ;) it has a hole for valve positioning on the rim, straight to trash.
@@szolekxxx I bought a kit with a pack of patches, dummy.. 🤦♂
@@ssenssel Ive watched those same patches being used on a YT video, and if done properly they work great. Some have used just a dab of gorilla glue with no patch and had that work great. These TPU's are new on the market, most seem to like them alot.
What brand/model TPU did you go with?
@@abigaelbalbuena1917 Ridenow
Running TPU with Conti 5000 28". Certainly less compliant than tubeless - also because of higher pressure. But using TPU on nice roads so not an issue for me. I feel my wheels spin faster than with butyl (placebo effect?). Would never go latex myself - the alternative for uneven, difficult roads is tubeless with its lower temp and clear puncture advantages.
I am going to give tpu another shot and play with air pressure. Stand by for update.
I ride challenge latex tubes in my 28 mm Vittoria corsa controle every day on my commuter all city mr pink steel bike and they rolls super smooth and fast. They lost air less than my gp 5000 tl tires before and i have no puncture problems at all so far. I have install them with talcum (put the tubes with some talcum in a airtight plastic bag and shake it).
28 mm Cotton + latex -best combination so far.....
I install the same way with powder. Thanks for feedback
Hi. What's the powder for??
@@redguevara7944 helps with installation and less friction between tube and tire
@@addictcyclist Got it. Thank you very much!! Sorry for the stupid question. This might be the kind of latex that I'm very anxious to try. I've been going thru rubbers like there's no tomorrow.
Some powder makes TPU tubes easier to install too. I use corn starch.
Yes, been using latex in quality tyres for 7 years now and I love them. At 80 psi the bike rides super smooth.
Today im making the change from Latex to TPU. Been running latex for about 2 years now and the amount of air they lose is insane. My rear tyre went from 100psi to 60 during my 8 hour ride. I had to pump it with CO2 and I got it blew. Latex is decent but if you're doing 5+ hour rides the air you lose is just too much. If you're riding 4 hours max they're okay. More than that and you'll come home on a half-soft tyre.
I did an 8 hr ride a few weeks back and only lost about 10psi. What brand latex? I never lost that much air before.
@@addictcyclist Michelin... The Vittorias were much better. I was losing only 10-20 psi on those on big rides
That's just not true. I been riding latex for 6 years and never lost so much pressure. And that's included a 11 hour ride as well
And I ride Vittoria latex
I only use TPU tubes as I still run rim brakes and can't use latex tubes with carbon rim brake wheels. Completely agree with your comparison between the two. If you're coming from butyl however, TPU is a huge upgrade.
I have since revisited TPU now with 28mm tires and lower pressure and seems to be the answer.
@@addictcyclist I'd still personally pick latex tubes if I had that option, but TPU is still an excellent choice. I'd always carry TPU tubes as a spare now regardless.
I have been using Ride Now Chinese TPU after Vittoria Latex. I find they are very smooth, I don't feel the bumps too much.
(I still have Latex on my 2nd bike).
Thank you for this. I'm running Vittoria latex, and have Ride Now 24g TPU ready but not installed yet. Not sure how they compare. I'm happy with latex, except how poorly they hold air.
They are great. I use rim brakes and with TPU tubes I did not have any over-heating problems when descending big mountains. (I have had blow-outs with latex)@@flflam
@@montrose252 Do you find latex or TPU gives a more supple ride? I'm quite happy with latex and not too concerned about the 100g I can save with TPU. I'm on rim brakes but don't do long descents. Deciding between switching out the latex for TPU, or wait until a puncture happens.
@@flflam At the end of the day, I would say ride quality and rolling resistance is similar. I wanted to shave a few grams off the overall weight of my bike!
Thank you for saving me some money: was about to try out TPU inner tubes and can now rest assured that to stay with my trusty Dugast latex inner tubes and FMB tyres is the way to go (I take suppleness over weight anytime)!
You just saved me money.
Thanks for the honest and to the point review.
Just installed gp5000 and tpu. Definitely I was expecting better ride. Need to try latex
What size tire?
32mm. But, my previous was gp4000 25mm front and 28mm rear. Actual size of 28 was 30. Gp5000 32 actual size is 28on my mavic aksium rims. Front feels little better on bigger cracks
Mad respect to your honest opinion.
Watch some other TPU reviews, the impressions vary a whole bunch.
I love when cyclists try new tech and can realistically self-critique and share.
Are you able to use c02 tank with tpu if you get a flat?
Yes you can use a co2.
exactrly . Also rode a year on vittoria latex , and then on TPU. Excited that they didnt leak at all, just pumped 2 times per weak. But the ride quality compared to latex, just suck. It feels you ride on plastic wheels. Going right now to patch my vitorria latex and put them back again. Its NOT everything about wheight.
I’ve had two random blow outs with Latex tubes. Never riding them again. So dangerous
I've been riding latex tubes for a number of years now. Just tried some RideNow TPU tubes. I think the feel of the TPU tubes is equal to - - and arguably better - - than TPU. I can't yet comment on the longevity of TPU tubes yet, because I haven't used them very long.
I wonder if the vibration you feel on TPU has been objectively studied or the higher pitch sound from the plastic makes you feel like you’re experiencing more vibration… in other words the sound from the tpu might be changing your perception…but is it really more harsh? Objectively? I ride on smoother roads and don’t find tpu harsh….just pingy…
If the road is silky they are great! As soon as it gets a little rougher it’s quite harsh. Not compliant at all like latex or tubeless
thanks...i will look for rougher roads... I guess i am blessed with good roads where I am!@@addictcyclist
@@daniell611tpu is totally manageable on rougher roads, we are just spoiled with what we like 😂
I have tried challange latex tubes, same as in the video. They streach so thin that they start loosing air quick. You have to pump them every 1-2 hours. In 24 h they will be completly flat. Many of my friends have had the same issue with challange. When i removed on of the tubes i could see that part of it was streched so thin that you could see through it. Technicly no punchur but since they were so thin it was leaking fast. However, i have had other brands like michelin that lasted 5 years then the valve broke, no problem to run 3 days event without reinflating them.
I have contacted challange regarding this (have a stock pile of unused challange tubes at home that i wont use due to this issue) but they have not answered.
Thanks for feedback. My experience with challenge is a little different. I always pump before each ride no matter what.. butyl, tubeless, latex.. but they do loose air. It takes a few days to a week for them to go completely flat. Same with the vittoria and Silca tubes. I notice no difference compared to challenge.
You definitely have a leak or you're extremely discerning about losing a psi an hour
@@veganpotterthevegan challange is just not worth it when at the end of your ride you have to watch out for every bump in the road to save your rim. It takes the fun out of cycling. Two tubes for me (front and rear tyre) and 3 friends have had the same issue.
@@martinbonta1592 I've sold hundreds of them without them being any worse than any other latex tubes. Coincidental anecdotal evidence from a very small sample size doesn't mean much
@@martinbonta1592 also, these are the same tubes they put in their very prized tubulars.
Tried all . Tubeless is a tad more supple. But yes Latex feel is so much more better than TPU altho TPU tubes weight 50g lighter than latex. So pick your poison, better feel or lighter weight.
I choose feel as I’m not dainty rider at 175lbs
Run a 2019 Roubaix with Hunt Aerodynamicist 44s, Pirelli P Zero Race tyre 28c, specialized inner tubes (100g). Weigh 60kg.
Tried some 28g RideNow TPU tubes. Makes wheels feel/sound twangy and tinny - OK on smooth tarmac but forget the rest - ride becomes very hash, seems to ruin the bike's compliance and speed on any non-perfect roads.
Tried loads of pressure combinations - switching back today!
TPU, erryday.
I am trying again but with 28mm tires. Waiting for spring 😎
I honestly don't understand why anyone would nitpick on inner tube riding difference while riding Conti 5000, which is in essence a low TPI tire and the main factor reducing your comfort / ride quality. The moment you switch to a real tire (like Vittoria), I'll come back to hear your experiences.
I have ridden vittoria corsa, Rubino pro. They are the most comfortable tires I have ever ridden BUT they drag ass. They don’t hold speed well imo. Feels like pedaling in sand.
@@addictcyclistCorsa / Conti 5000 are in the same ball park with regards to rolling resistance. The Conti has its merits but one thing it's not: comfortable. It has a low TPI, and I wonder why anyone would try ultra supple latex inner tubes in something as harsh as a conti 5000... That's the thing: if you want comfort and want to compare it, look at your biggest gainst first, and in your case it's definitely the outer tire. Claiming Vittoria corsa is slow is as much as saying Jumbo Visma does something very wrong while winning all GT's this year, I don't buy that.
@@l.d.t.6327conti GP5000 are ruff..nice speed but very harsh on NYC streets
Almost every reviewer has a different take on the way these TPU's ride.
Totally different. To me the PSI matters the most. Its an air chamber no matter the tube material.
TPU's are SO thin, how can they resist road shock or bumps? psi is what reinforces a tube.
Latex, man patching them seems like a lost cause, and they are really pricey.
The last latex tubes I got the valve stem base de laminated from the rest of the tube.
Im not devoted enough to be buying latex tubes.
I don't race but I had the same impression about TPU. Now I'm running 28 mm tires so Im going to give them one last try.
I think, a lot of these "ride impression" feelings are a little bit mental.
A tube is an air chamber, the amount of travel or suspension to be gained out of a tube material is so tiny. Latex just seems like it would be great. If its pumped up hard it rides hard, if its less psi it rides smoother.
Some ride TPU and dont notice much difference, for some they ride like a board.
Latex is a bitch to patch.
Latex costs a lot and are sometimes out of stock.
To me they are an old school thing.
@bradsanders6954 I have recently discovered something useful about TPU tubes and I'm using them again. One of the problems that they have always had is in the valve stem. A company known as RideNow makes a good TPU tube in various weights. But it is very important to get the ones with white valve stems, which is their newer version. If you get them in a 36 g weight, which is the heaviest of the three weights that they sell, they turn out to be quite robust. They also make lighter weight tubes, but you definitely don't want to use those if your bike has rim brakes (and lighter ones are more fragile). To me the big Advantage is that they don't take up much space in a saddlebag or in your pocket, and if you are a weight weenie of course you are saving quite a lot of weight on your wheels. Ask for the ride feel, really the important thing there is your tire pressure. The good ones from Ride Now cost about $13 a piece and now you can buy them on Amazon there are companies on AliExpress and Temu who sell cheaper TPU tubse (~ $5) but as far as I can tell they all have the problems with the valve stems and I strongly recommend avoiding them. In fact I also recommend avoiding Tubolito and Pirellis for the same reason. The quality control problems are serious. You might get lucky or you might not
28 mm is a more comfortable tire , that absolutely matches better with the also comfortable latex, than the plastic TPU.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am planning to buy the same bike and was doubting whether to use TPU or latex. Decision made. One question: why don't you use 28mils tyres?
I was on 25mm when made this video. Switched to 28 and on TPU at moment to re test
Curious what it will yield
@@frankrhemrev3572 little better ride quality since can use lower pressure. Super fast and super light. I’m impressed
@addictcyclist Sounds promising, can't wait to try it out myself!
@@addictcyclist next wednesday I'm ordering the Factor with BI wheels...can't wait to do the same tests you did :)
Good video useful perspective, thanks. Are you using Valve extenders with your challenge tubes? what depth are your wheels?
Silca valve extenders. 56mm depth
How have these challenge latex tubes hold so far? I've been using the Vittoria ones and with a pair of GP5000s never had a puncture after 7000+kms, have been considering the challenge ones for the same reason and also they're a few grams lighter than the vittoria ones.
They are good. I like Silca the best actually due to the fact they come with fresh valve extenders if you buy that pack.
I rode latex aswell but what got me off them is the way they fail. It always results in a big explosion and the tire pops off which caused a nasty crash. TPU looses air a lot more slowly and constant. So for me they are just more save
Thanks for feedback. My rims are hooked so the tire is so tightly locked on
I had the exact opposite experience. Two times the latex ones were very forgiving, and with a 2-3 mm glas shard in there each time could manage to ride home for another hour just by pumping up air a few times. I used the heavier vittoria tubes
I had a fatal explosion with Michelin Latex (which are shitty anyways) causing a crash at 38km/h. Tried TPU and went back to Vittoria Latex. Used also Veloflex Corsa Evo TL and they were awesome: Super light and super fast!
@@TheMrSui good latex is king!
@@TheMrSui sorry to hear that. I'm glad you're ok. Have you tried Foss Polymer inner tubes? I haven't seen a discussion about this. I've just purchased a pair as well as Vittoria latex. I have yet to install into some clincher wheels. I'm unfamiliar with hooked but I'll research.
what pressures are you running in your clinchers? I switched back to clinchers as well. Just playing around with PSI. I am 5 10" and go 185lbs. Thanks and looking back for your feedback.
I’m 180lbs at moment and run 85fr and 90r on latex and 25mm tires
@@addictcyclist perfect. Thanks. I typed and sent the question just before you mentioned that. Lol. I’m running 28’s and a set of Pirelli P Zero Race tires for a change. Pirelli is aging on the box 110 psi for my size. Seems excessive
@@kennedystuart5685 way too much pressure.
@@addictcyclist yeah I guessed. Thanks
I also had tubeless for 2 months but got sick of it very quickly. Back on latex zero flats, had zero flats before going tubeless.
Im 70kg and run 80 back 78front.
For anyone reading, you can lose a POUND of weight in week of minor dieting. :D I also will stick with latex. The road feel is just too good.
Nothing about air retention? If I can go from pumping EVERYDAY to once per week, the harsher ride might be a worthwhile trade. Thoughts?
Holds air very well like butyl but still not worth the ride over latex pumping every time
@@addictcyclist Ok thanks. Can you try the Schwalbe Aerothan TPU? Everybody says it rides very nicely.
@@user-cx2bk6pm2f I will give those a go next but honestly idk if I want to swap out the silky latex 😎
@@user-cx2bk6pm2f I am running aerothan on my MTB, very happy with the feel.
I just read ALL comments....Its basically a war 50% for Latex the other 50 for TPU....Unreal, I guess its all personal preference, what a waist of my time.
😂 gotta try both and make your own option. TPU is livable with 28mm + and under 75 psi.
@@addictcyclist I use 25,mm tires...so?
What about inflation pressures used in TPU vs Latex? Can the TPU be run at a lower pressure than the Latex or Butyl? Would/does that improve the road feel?
I lowered pressure but still rode like crap compared to latex. I ran them same pressure I do latex , 80 fr 85r.
Can't agree more. The discomfort with TPU inner tubes is striking.
I wondered just that u answered thank you
Hey what was the question?
Is a valve of 47mm not to small for your rims of 50mm?
Was 60mm valve for 50mm rims. Works but was short
I also have no desire to run tubeless
I tried butyl (obviously), latex and tubeless. Both on road (smooth and harsh) with large tires (32+ mm) and on gravel (40+ mm). Both with relatively low pressures.
Tubeless has three main problems for me :
- swapping tires is incredibly messy and long compared to any tube system
- requires messy maintenance / refill every few months even if you keep the same set of tires
- once you puncture a sidewall, you're screwed (even with dynaplugs)
TPUs have three problems :
- puncture and pinch-flat just as well as latex (if not more), even with "strong" TPUs (tubolito, shame on you ...)
- patching them is not reliable and certainly not a side-of-the-road affair (translates to €€€€ and time)
- random quality control, both EU brands and Chinese ones
Butyl tubes have a low appeal to me :
- they puncture significantly more than latex and pinch-flat just as well
- they roll measurably slower than any other option
Latex tubes with big tires and low pressure virtually eliminate pinch flats and punctures. In the very rare cases I need to repair them on the road, it's a fast and reliable affair. Inflating them at the start of each ride with a small electric pump with a preset pressure point is a 1 minute job.
Latex tubes aren't perfect, but they are the best compromise for me.
Good recap! Ty
What valve length are you using in the 60's?
42mm
@@addictcyclist are you using a valve extender? will a 42mm fit a 60mm deep rim? thanks
Using a 42mm tube plus a 42mm extender
I can't get over the fact that you have to pump latex every ride. I stay with tpum
I pump and check pressure every rode regardless.. tubeless, butyl, TPU, or latex
I can't get over the fact people don't check pressure and inflate before every ride.
@@DS-um9hi same! It’s mandatory
There’s nothing like the ride of a glue on tubular w a latex tube. Old school but still in play . Just saying .
My neighbor went back to butyl tubes because the tpu would lose air over time and went flat
I inflate every ride no matter that. Tpu holds air pretty well.
I never run Latex as they puncture too easily.
Opposite! They withstand more abuse and conform better and do not pinch flat.
Latex punctures less not more. You got it backwards buddy
@@thepatternforms859 not even close, got it right. Been on latex for 3 years and not one puncture.
You need to use Real tire talcum powder that should always be done with either butyl or latex tubes that will decrease the frequency of flats. Corn starch is a poor substitute. Been doing this 5 decades it woks! Shake the tube in a bag coat it well. Then put some in the inside of the tire and rotate it until the entire inside is also coated well. Then place the slightly inflated tube in the tire and install on the rim. I suspect this will work on TPUs but haven't tried them yet. But I think tire talcum also improves the ride too...not having the tube glued to the tire. I also think the excess that I put in helps expel those tiny pieces of glass out of the tire. I also used those little wire things with my cotton tubulars when they didn't have any flat protection belts they also helped. And finally Tubulars almost never pinch flat. Once I hit a curb at 20 mph and turned the rim into a pretzel 🥨 literally and that Russian training tire didn't flat ..put it on a new rim and continued to use that tire a little while later. There was a bit of recovery as the bike stopped instantly and I didn't....shoulder first head next. A helmet would have been a good thing....luckily I got a chance to live and learn from that mistake. Those head injuries kinda don't go away as I have learned.
Sorry i can't take seriously anyone who doesn't use valve caps.
😂 never stem cap
u gotta pump latex every two days..pain in the ass
Few extra mins for perfection . I pump every ride even when I had tubeless.
Feels like your riding on plastic. What nonsense. Your tires are rubber. What is wrong with roadies????