#16
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Has anyone had success patching TPU tubes?
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#17
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Yep, many times, but you have to clean the patch area carefully. I tried helicopter repair tape once as a test - no good. The glueless patches seem to work OK, but use the special TPU patches to be safe.
I prefer the TPU tubes with the metal threaded stems - I broke one of the plastic stem jobbies trying to air it up one ride. Oh, and if you blow into them to partly inflate when installing, don't be surprised when they change color and have a gray mold grow inside. I did manage to damage one using CO2 once - kinda messed up the base of the valve area. I think it froze the TPU. |
#18
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#19
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The Cyclamis are metal stems. 2 for $28 on Amazon or 2 for $15 on Aliexpress.
I think I still trust latex over the TPU (should I though?), the TPUs are backup to get home for me. |
#20
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I've been using Tubolito for about 5 years now, commuting in the rainy PNW winters even, and not a single flat. They also hold air for an incredibly long period. So, I'm sold on them. I built up a second bike and used the opaque Schwalbe TPU tube on the rear tire - got a flat within a month or so, although it was from a huge piece of glass that also destroyed the tire.
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Just some skinny guy, likes bikes. |
#21
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This is exactly where I am at. TPU for backup. TPU is tempting for the inner weight weenie in me, 2 tubes weigh the same as one latex tube. But from the reports I hear latex still rides better. I'm not bothered pumping to my tires before every ride. Other than weight and air retention I'm not sure of other TPU benefits.
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#22
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I've had one RideNow tpu tube that had a slow leak, like losing 10-15psi at the end of a couple hours ride then to flat the next morning. Hard to find the leak, just chalked it up to a bad tube. The new RideNow I installed has been working well. Buy in bulk from aliexpress, much much cheaper and they'll throw in the patch kits
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#23
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#24
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Saving money on bike tubes is a win. Plus, the lighter weight and better air retention are cool bonuses. The lime color might be a bit flashy, but as long as they perform well, who cares, right?
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#25
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I have. Been riding TPU tubes for a couple of years, now. Won't go back. Major improvement on riding quality.
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#26
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VS a latex tube?
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#27
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They've done great in Corsa Controls, even on light gravel at 70psi or so |
#28
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Tim |
#29
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Yeah honestly I can't tell the difference between the newer TPU tubes and a latex tube, aside from the TPU tubes being a bit lighter.
The early TPU's from Tubolito were very light didn't match latex for rolling resistance, but newer ones (including the Ride Now's) are more or less on par with latex. https://www.bicyclerollingresistance...pu-inner-tubes In terms of suppleness... YMMV but yeah I can't tell the difference (and I can against a Conti Race Butyl tube). |
#30
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E.g. I can get lazy with a butyl tube, pumping it up once a week to 80psi and then leave it till it drops to ~60psi and pump up again. I found that when I did the same thing, I'd get a flat on a TPU tube on stuff that wouldn't phase a butyl tube. |
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