I tried Challenge latex, horrible, lasted 2 weeks, failed in the same place around the valve. Didn�t give up on latex, and got the Vittoria. They�re awesome tubes, ride like my old Clement tubulars almost! Just be careful mounting, and taking them off. Great video on Oz Cycle about taking clinchers off without levers. I haven�t tried Michelin, but these are really good.
Always pump air every ride losing air is that normal
As far as I can tell, they are working well; they should save a few watts, if that's a concern. I personally prefer the threaded Presta valve stems; these have a smooth valve stem.
My 150-lb self runs these on road bikes, 25c to 28c tires.
For 25c inflate to 70psi for training rides, 80psi for races.
For 28c tires inflate to 55psi (no racing on these).
Better grip. road feel, pinch-flat protection.
I once neglected to check pressure before a race, double-flatted on a pothole, but neither tire went flat immediately like a butyl tube would have. I was able to safely come to a stop even while bombing downhill after the pothole.
Highly recommend this product.
Check tire pressure before each ride though, because latex does leak air.
This tube is lighter & faster than a butyl tube and it is VERY noticeable. I won�t go tubeless on my 25 & 28 mm tires due to higher pressures & because of how well these tubes perform along with GP5000 tires which is my preferred setup.
I stayed away from Latex inner tubes thinking they were too delicate, but this has not proven to be the case. And since I always pump my tires before every ride, I don't mind that they loose pressure overnight. The feel is noticeable, and combined with a 300+ TPI cotton tire, the ride is incredible. Unless I'm riding a lot of crappy chip-seal or bad pavement, I prefer 25c tires over 28c tires. The latex tubes gives the 25c tire about the same feel as a high quality 28c with butyl tubes, but the 25 provides more road feel without the marshmellowy, "are my tires flat" feel.
I got these for my Vitoria Corsa N.ext tires. Immediately after riding I could tell a difference from a butal tube. Take your time on the install though. I carry butal tube in case of a flat.
Perhaps I've written this review before, but I'll say it again that these tubes will bring a lively feel to your tired wheelset. Pairing these with a low rolling resistant tire will are the easiest cheapest energy savings you can find on the bike. Being careful during installation should go without saying. Don't be frightened off by their delicate reputation.
There are already a lot of great reviews that contain sage advice on how to install and maintain these tubes. I can only add that I have gotten into the habit of holding the valve when taking the chuck off to avoid pulling the valve away from the tube.
For those of us that are still running tubes, why not save some weight where the weight savings is most critical, rotational weight. I run these on the front, under Conti GP5000 tires. Because I seldom get a flat in the front, I go light. In the rear I run with Conti Gatorskins and conventional tubes. There are a lot of puncture hazards here in southern Utah.
The Vittoria Latex tube is a performance inner tube, best paired with supple performance clincher. I like the fact that there is no seam. You will need to add air before each ride, but that is a small inconvenience compared to the improved feel and performance achieved with this latex tube.
I know some don't like latex tubes. For me these have been a god-send. I reduced my flat frequency to basically zero once I got these and the rolling resistance is obviously lower (perceptibly so). Running them in Conti GP 4000 SIIs on both road bikes I ride. I was getting many more flats on the same roads with butyl tubes - so surprisingly latex ends up more comfortable, faster, and cheaper to operate than butyl. Not to mention getting to avoid roadside tube changes. Yes, you got to pump before every ride, but to me that's worth it to not flat.
Bought these tubes to go with my Vittoria Corsa 2.0's and I haven't looked back. The only draw backs are that you must pump air into the tire daily. Since latex tires are pricey I buy in bulk to offset the sticker shock. Overall a good tube for your tires.
A bit pricey, but worth the extra ride comfort.
And they're pink!
You might beat the performance of latex tubes if you go tubeless, but good tires with latex tubes are hard to beat. Yes, they leak a little air and you have to top them off before each ride. But they're fast and durable.
bought a bunch, one was unfortunately faulty but still a good price for latex
These tubes make you feel like you are on expensive setup tires. Absorb the road and are fast. I am now using 26 or 28 mm tires do these are perfect exciting times ahead
Vittoria claims these tubes can save in excess of 5watts per wheel. If that is true and the do feel faster than butyl tubes, then you can get one watt of energy savings for little more than $3 per watt. I can't think of a cheaper price for a watt saved.
combined with some quality tires this is the cheapest upgrade you can do to your bike...I have these with vittoria corsa tires and they make the bike ride like a cadillac! barely feel like u have wheels on!
It maybe a placebo effect, but compared to the butyl it replaced, these latex tubes make it feel like I have a tail wind. I've maybe 400 miles on them now, on disc brake rims, with no troubles. I used lots of talc.
