TUBES - strong and light, what and where?

I use the ones by Specialized. They seem fine. They're butyl, not latex. Can't comment on weight (I don't really pay attention to weight issues) but they seem well-made and they come with threaded valve stems and the little nuts for holding the valve on the right side of the rim.

I heard latex is slightly porous, and so loses air gradually. So you need to pump them up every couple of days. Also quite puncture-prone, supposedly.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mjw_byrne
I use the ones by Specialized. They seem fine. They're butyl, not latex. Can't comment on weight (I don't really pay attention to weight issues) but they seem well-made and they come with threaded valve stems and the little nuts for holding the valve on the right side of the rim.

I heard latex is slightly porous, and so loses air gradually. So you need to pump them up every couple of days. Also quite puncture-prone, supposedly.

Thanks for the reply, but all decent presta tubes come with a threaded valve stem and holding nut. Also, all tubes lose air. I pump mine up EVERY time I ride......

Sure all tubes lose air, I pump mine up often too, but I heard that latex ones lose it REALLY fast. Like, overnight. Could have been wrong of course.

michelin ultralights (70g) i think there great its a butylso its pritty strong. "dont go with latex, if plan on hitting alot of bumps and holes where you ride not a good idea."
i use the ultralights with Hutchinson Fusion Comps and the combination is pritty light. their are lighter tubes but you may compromise durability for the weight loss. try not to go overboard with the weight factor. as for price now there a pritty good deal 5.99 for a single or three pak for 14.99 at performancebike.com
hope this helps good luck

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by chrome frame
Hello, just looking for some input on some good strong and light tubes. Any opinions on latex? Sources to buy? thanx

p.s. road tubes

Continental Race 28 Supersonic is the lightest I have actually weighed. I think they specify 50 grams and weigh 50 to 57 grams for the samples I had/have.
Find a major shop that carries Continental tires and tubes.
Many tubes claim significantly lower weight than they actually are.
Continental makes quality stuff and seems to have true quality controls.

no tube protects against punctures, the protection is in the tyre alone. The disadvantage of a light tube is that it will be more porous to air, and easier to pinch.
I pump em up for a race and then let the air out again till next time.

Yes, protection is more to do with the tire than the tube. I use these tubes:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/cboProfile.cfm?SKU=2847

And (IMHO) the one place to obsess on weight is the weight that you have to spin all day - tires, tubes, rims, spokes.

I am not sure about exact weights, but I use the Salsa Ultralights. Been very happy with them. I also agree reducing the rotating weight on your bike helps a lot.