TPU Tube option from Rene Herse

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by lorenbike

Same here, I've tried road tubeless and found it was way more hassle than it's worth.

I've stuck with regular butyl tubes though and rarely flat, especially with modern road tires. I'm tempted to try these RH tubes though as I've also had positive experiences with their tires. Any suggestions from PL for someone who hasn't ventured to TPU or latex before? Particularly for road side repairs (ie patches, etc).

Go with latex from Michelin or Vitoria. Can be patched like a regular tube using a peel and stick patch or a glue on patch. I have some that are over 10 years old with lots of patches on them and they are still being used. Silca also sells latex but they are more expensive.

[CTracer]

Bike Closet is blowing out some Pirelli Smartubes. I picked a few up but no real world experience yet. I'm using them mainly as spares but may go to PU/TPU full time as I have too may wheels that get intermittent use and topping up sealant all the time is annoying. For gravel/MTB I will stick to tubeless.

https://bikecloset.com/product/1601198/

[robt57]

Originally Posted by Black Dog

Go with latex from Michelin or Vitoria. Can be patched like a regular tube using a peel and stick patch or a glue on patch. I have some that are over 10 years old with lots of patches on them and they are still being used. Silca also sells latex but they are more expensive.

On a group ride once, a guy was patching a latex tube @the start. Had flatted just as arriving , as he rode to start.

His tube had more patches than I could count, i mean like +20. I wondered and wanted to weigh that tube so badly.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by robt57

On a group ride once, a guy was patching a latex tube @the start. Had flatted just as arriving , as he rode to start.

His tube had more patches than I could count, i mean like +20. I wondered and wanted to weigh that tube so badly.

My rule of thumb is 5 patches max.

[robt57]

Originally Posted by MikeD

My rule of thumb is 5 patches max.

I am less. . But I wish I had grabbed a pic.

[NoMoreParagon]

I repaired several TPU tubes.
Self adhesive patches wont last. I am surprised RH supplying those as repair kits for his tubes.

The updated Tubolito repair kit with glue and TPU patches works like a charm.
Its essential to let the glue cure overnight with some small clips on.
It works on all the other brand TPU tubes.

Then it will last forever.

[perdido]

Originally Posted by NoMoreParagon

I repaired several TPU tubes.
Self adhesive patches wont last. I am surprised RH supplying those as repair kits for his tubes.

The updated Tubolito repair kit with glue and TPU patches works like a charm.
Its essential to let the glue cure overnight with some small clips on.
It works on all the other brand TPU tubes.

Then it will last forever.

I've had good luck reparing schwalbe aerothans with schwalbe self-adhesive patches. A bit large for a patch so I cut them in halves.
I clean the area with rubbing alcohol, let dry and apply patch.
Since cleanliness is a must, and the patch is transparent, I foresee being a PITA doing this work on the side of the road. OK at home.

I'm also using Barbieri Piuma TPU tubes (disc brake only). They were a lot cheaper than tubolito, made in Italy and no issues in the past 1500k. It seems that prices have gone up and aren't as good of a deal anymore.

Only caveat is that I'm using 700x30c tires and it may be a bit too large for these tubes. The section of tube that overlaps itself will not strecth like the rest of the tube, so you can see a dimple on the tire. It hasn't been a problem and would not be an issue if running 700x25c or 28c.

I thought at first that Barbieri was making RH tubes (I believe they make RH pumps) but Barbieri uses plastic stems.

[Jan Heine]

A few answers to questions posed in this super-interesting discussion:

- Rim brakes are no problem. The melt point of TPU is about where butyl tubes fail (145°C or 295°F)—higher than latex, which also works fine with rim brakes.

- CO2 is OK for topping up, but initial inflation with CO2 is not recommended. The high pressure and cold temperature (as the CO2 expands) can split the tubes.

- The Rene Herse TPU tubes are made in Germany. They are not just some rebranded product you can get from other sources. (None of our products are.)

Cheers,
Jan Heine
Rene Herse Cycles

[ocslick]

Originally Posted by Jan Heine

A few answers to questions posed in this super-interesting discussion:

- Rim brakes are no problem. The melt point of TPU is about where butyl tubes fail (145°C or 295°F)—higher than latex, which also works fine with rim brakes.

- CO2 is OK for topping up, but initial inflation with CO2 is not recommended. The high pressure and cold temperature (as the CO2 expands) can split the tubes.

- The Rene Herse TPU tubes are made in Germany. They are not just some rebranded product you can get from other sources. (None of our products are.)

Cheers,
Jan Heine
Rene Herse Cycles

Thanks for answering these! They look like an awesome product. It seems like if they have the improved durability as discussed there may be no reason other than price to run butyl tubes anymore!

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by ocslick

Thanks for answering these! They look like an awesome product. It seems like if they have the improved durability as discussed there may be no reason other than price to run butyl tubes anymore!

And that you'll need to bring a pump on your ride.

[MikeD]

CO2 is becoming unusable for inflating tires. Not supposed to be used with natural latex sealants nor with TPU tubes. The usage case for CO2 is diminishing.

[RoosterCogset]

Originally Posted by MikeD

CO2 is becoming unusable for inflating tires. Not supposed to be used with natural latex sealants nor with TPU tubes. The usage case for CO2 is diminishing.

There's progress for ya. I think I've had about 2 flats in the last 5 years, so my CO2 landfill contribution hasn't been inordinate, but I don't think I'll go to TPU tubes if it means I have to use a mini hand pump to 90psi in case of a flat.

[saab2000]

I have never used a CO2 cartridge in my life to inflate a tire. And I have no reason to begin to think about it. Pump for me.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by RoosterCogset

And that you'll need to bring a pump on your ride.

I ride with a pump on every ride.. not using CO2 is just one small thing I can do for the environment (like not using disposable plastic water bottles)

[palincss]

Originally Posted by RoosterCogset

And that you'll need to bring a pump on your ride.

Tubeless, latex, butyl, TPU, makes no difference: you need to bring a pump.