Re: [CR]Latex tube questions

(Example: Framebuilding:Brazing Technique)

Date: Tue, 02 Aug 2005 14:34:27 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Latex tube questions
References: <MONKEYFOODoHzGkzMcv0000017f@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org> <a052106e1bf158f4a6174@[67.100.128.154]>


Jan Heine wrote:
> (snip)
> The puncture resistance of the Michelin latex tubes, as well as their
> overall durability, is at least as good as standard butyl tubes.
> Their wall thickness is greater than that of the tubes found in
> sew-ups - which I have found too thin for long-term use in clincher
> tires.

I used latex tubes extensively, starting in the mid 1970s till the early 1990s. I used imp'air brand latex tubes from France and another brand that I don't remember the name of that were pretty thick and had wavy ribs. The major drawback for me was that when the inner tube got old the latex would rot and at that point would develop a large tear (four inch split) when you got a puncture. I liked how the patch would bond itself to the latex, but I couldn't (or didn't want to) keep track of how old a particular latex tube was. When the latex tube got to be a certain age you could take the inner tube in your hands and break it to pieces by stretching it. Had a couple of long rides ended by latex inner tubes in my clinchers that had gotten a few years old.

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California

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