[CR]Latex tube questions

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli:Laser)

From: Tom Sanders <tsan7759142@comcast.net>
To: "Classicrendezvous@Bikelist.Org" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2005 13:37:28 -0400
Thread-Index: AcWXiNoTm8xIpD/yQ5yVEu9jeY29kw==
Subject: [CR]Latex tube questions

I know that the thread count on silk tubular tires is often cited as the major source of their vaunted riding qualities. It occurs to me that these tires all had latex tubes in them. Michelin makes some fairly expensive latex tubes that weigh in at only 65 grams each. I am one who religiously pumps up his tires before riding every time anyhow and I am wondering... could some of the ride qualities of these silk tubulars be due to the latex tubes and could I recapture some of that by springing the extra few dollars for latex tubes with my high quality clinchers and get an improved ride? Would the savings in rotating weight be significant? I think I will try it and see, but I am curious if similar thoughts had inspired any list members to try this same thing and if they might report their experiences and wither a conclusion could be drawn on whether it might be worthwhile to shell out for some latex tubes. I have also been told they are somewhat less prone to flatting, too, but that seems questionable to me. Can anyone say with reasonable certainty? If this could result in nearly any ride quality improvement for the few dollars involved, it would really not be much of an expense after all the money already invested in stuff for many of my bikes. Ya, I know someone will say "Why not just get the silk tubulars, then?" My answer would be "Cost, and not needing the dreaded and evil glue or the adhesive rim
tapes."
Thanks,
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi