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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Latex Tube Longevity?

psycholist

Oct 29, 09 13:48

Post #1 of 12 (400 views)

Latex Tube Longevity?	Can't Post

Been using them for a couple of years. Noticed that the Michelin latex tubes didn't last long stored out in the garage. They got dry and brittle. The Vredesteins, since they come in a sealed bag, seem to last pretty much forever if you're storing them in the original packaging. The question is, when the tubes are mounted in your race wheels and they've been used, say, once a month for the last six months ... are the latex tubes still good? I could play it safe and change them out, but the dang things are $11 a piece and I hate to trash them if they're still good to go.

Thoughts? Experience? Knowledge?

Thanks.

.
Bob C.

jackmott

Oct 29, 09 13:50

Post #2 of 12 (396 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

ive definitely had them last 6-8months in the tire

i tend to get flats from punctures at a rate that i cant tell you if they would have lasted longer.

they still felt reasonably supple when coming out
----
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wesc

Oct 29, 09 13:54

Post #3 of 12 (388 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I put some michelin latex tubes in my race wheels when I bought them in September 2006 and have yet to change them. I don't train on the wheels but they see about 1 HIM, 5 shorter tri's, and about 10-12 TT's a year. I've been meaning to change them out with new ones but I've been too lazy. Now I've probably jinxed myself and will probably get a flat next time out.

rroof

Oct 29, 09 15:15

Post #4 of 12 (339 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've left some Michelin's in for at least 9+ months in my normal training wheels. Had some Vreds in for 6 months or longer as well (before a flat - then changed to butyl in the field). Even have some Challenge Latex tubes in my cyclcross mud tires (they are clincher, otherwise on tubular) that don't get used much and they are fine as well. I did notice that when I flatted with a 9 month old Michelin Aircomp latex tube, it was virtually melded to the underside of the tire (ProRace2 at the time).
____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

yawg

Oct 29, 09 15:50

Post #5 of 12 (305 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm going fine at over a year in my every day wheels. One of the tubes has two patches on it and didn't appear to be dried out when I installed a new tire. The tubes I'm using are Michelin.

cdw

Oct 29, 09 15:56

Post #6 of 12 (297 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been using the same latex tubes in my race wheels since 2007. Those wheels spend most of their time in my closet indoors, so climate-controlled area. However, I found the same thing you did--leave them in the garage for very long and they dry out and crack when folded.
Chad

ToddM

Oct 29, 09 20:17

Post #7 of 12 (240 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've had a pair of Michelin latex tubes fail after a little over a year. They cracked where the valve is glued to the tube. The rest of the tube seemed fine. One failed within about 3 weeks of the other.

BMAN

Oct 29, 09 20:49

Post #8 of 12 (220 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have had Air B latex tubes in the garage in and out of my race wheels for the last 8 years and they still work more than fine. I have never flatted in a race with these tubes so I know they are good for years.

Aero & Light is Right Wink

unclerico

Oct 29, 09 23:46

Post #9 of 12 (193 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [BMAN] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm sayin' if you're goin' for latex, go ahead and do ribbed (for her pleasure).
----------------------------------------------------
Watch me throw a football over that mountain.

BMAN

Oct 30, 09 5:53

Post #10 of 12 (144 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [unclerico] [In reply to]	Can't Post

The Magnum lubed is the weapon of choice in our house.

Aero & Light is Right Wink

eb

Oct 30, 09 9:45

Post #11 of 12 (87 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

Been using them for a couple of years. Noticed that the Michelin latex tubes didn't last long stored out in the garage. They got dry and brittle.

I've got some Michelin latex tubes that are 3 years old and still doing fine.

Just speculating wildly here, but do you have anything producing ozone in your garage? Any large electric motors like a furnace blower or jet pump? How warm is it in there?

My experience with the Mich. tubes has been pretty good. In those three years, I've had one sidewall flat (tire was ruined) and one bad valve (it leaks slowly if used it with an extender).

Then there was the time my new Jet 90 showed up and I just couldn't wait to play with it, excitedly mounted a tire and tube and pumped it up until ... BANG! ... I realized I'd forgotten the rim strip. Can't blame Michelin for that one!

docfuel

Oct 30, 09 9:54

Post #12 of 12 (80 views)

Re: Latex Tube Longevity? [psycholist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

YIKES! I'd better check out my extras and put them in plastic bags.
_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.