Latex tubes

[xodus]

Has anyone used Conti GP 4000s tires with Latex tubes? Looking for feedback.

[dan682]

I have been using that combo with Michelin tubes for the last couple years. I think they ride a little smoother than standard tubes, but could just be my imagination. Just be sure you pump them up before every ride as they lose about 20 psi per day.

[djg21]

Yes.

25c GP 4000s with Michelin Latex tubes. This combination feels almost like tubulars. And knock on wood, I haven't had a pinch flat in a long while.

[xodus]

Would the ride be that much better with HED Ardenne SL along with Challenge Latex & Conti GP 4000s?

[dan682]

I'm using HED rims, with 23c tires - measure 25mm with the wide rims. 145 lb rider, 85 psi F/90 R very smooth ride.

[CAAD]

Other then the weight savings you are better off with a high tpi tire. The 4000 is a good tire but its to stiff to really get anything out of a latex tube. I run the veloflex corsa with a Vittoria latex tube at 110 psi. I'm around 175lbs and the ride is great.

[Liv2RideHard]

What CADD said. Latex with, say a Veloflex, sublime ride.

[xodus]

Prior to mounting the latex tubes, I put about 1-2 1/2 psi of air in each tube. Both tubes suddenly had a huge bubble in them. I've never seen this happen before in latex tubes. Any ideas? Defective?

[wildboar]

No, latex tubes will bulge like that. I have some 26" mtb continental latex (dont think they even make them anymore) from 1998, one of them bulged like that originally and it's still fine.

[false_Aest]

1) it is normal for the bulge.
2) CAAD is right

but . . .

i'd rather ride wider tires with normal tubes and less air.

on Open Corsas and Pro3s the ride was enhanced with latex but spending more on innertubes didn't seem to make sense to me. it costs the same amount to buy 25mm tires and take 5-10psi out.

don't buy em for the weight savings. instead get a tall 6-pump machiatto instead of a venti.

[xeladragon]

Having to pump your tires before every ride is such a PITA.

[Derailer]

Having to pump your tires before every ride is such a PITA.

This is so true. I wish someone had told me this a few months ago.

[false_Aest]

wt eff?
champaign problems.