Overheating: Are Latex inner tubes on rim brake carbon wheels safe?

Asked by: Gucci Davenport

That said, we strongly recommend against using latex tubes with carbon clincher wheels—a sentiment shared by most major wheel, tube, and tire manufacturers. Since the carbon braking surface heats up more than alloy, it can cause latex tubes to burst and fail.

Can you use latex inner tubes with carbon rims?

It is correct to say that latex tubes should not be used in carbon clincher wheels. It is correct to say that latex does not handle heat well compared to butyl.

Do latex tubes puncture more?

Latex tubes are much less susceptible to punctures and to pinch flats than butyl tubes, but they are more prone to degradation from the elements.

How long do latex tubes last?

The latex tubes last a very long time and hold up better than butyl. I had one in regular use for over 10 years before it flatted. “I ride, therefore I think.” I am well over 12 years on a few and they have multiple patches on each.

Are carbon rim brake wheels safe?

Carbon rims are only for racing. Carbon rims are not safe when braking on long descents because they melt. Carbon rims are not as tough as aluminum rims. Carbon rims have poor braking performance when compared to aluminum rims.

Can you use latex tubes with rim brakes?

Also be careful using latex tubes in rim braked carbon clincher wheels. Because carbon rims don’t transmit heat as quickly as alloy ones, prolonged braking on descents can lead to hot spots on the rim, which in turn can damage the tube leading to failure.

How much faster are latex inner tubes?

The result was that latex tubes were five to 5.5 watts faster per tyre using this methodology. The results were consistent with Vittoria’s claims and suggest that by using latex inner tubes you do indeed have lower rolling resistance, allowing you to travel faster for the same effort.

Do latex inner tubes lose air?

“Latex tubes historically [lose] around 1% per hour, but modern additives like graphene have them down to generally less than 0.5% per hour,” said Poertner.

Can you put sealant in latex tubes?

In general, tire sealant should NOT be used in high-end race tubulars for several reasons: Tire sealant does usually not react well with latex tubes and can cause the tube walls to stick together. Especially if the tire is allowed to go flat.

Are latex inner tubes faster than tubeless?

Using latex inner tubes in tubeless tires is nearly as fast as setting them up tubeless. The most significant performance penalties are the higher weight of the inner tube and the loss of the re-sealing in case of a puncture that tubeless sealant in tubeless tires offers.

How many watts does latex inner tubes save?

But the real difference that really matters is rolling resistance, and here the latex inner tubes draw ahead with a 7 watt saving compared to a regular butyl inner tube.

Is butyl rubber the same as latex?

Butyl Tube



Butyl tubing is made of butyl rubber, whose main ingredient is isobutene, a petroleum-based material. In contrast to latex, which was characterized by its “thin and strong” properties, butyl is characterized by its “just plain toughness.

Can you use Tubolito with rim brakes?

This versatile tire is available in 42mm and 60mm valve length options, fits 18mm to 28mm tires, and is compatible with both rim and disc brakes.

How do you use latex tubes?

Quote from video: You think the thickness of the rim tape is actually working against you as you're putting the second bead of the tire over and that it's kind of adding diameter to the rim. Right.

Do inner tubes make a difference?

Inner tubes do quite a lot more than just hold the air in your tyres. The best inner tubes can make your bike faster, lighter or – by preventing punctures – more reliable.

Are Tubolitos worth?

Tubeless with sealant will be a little heavier but potentially more puncture resistant, while providing excellent ride quality. Compared with butyl tubes, the Tubolito tubes are considerably more expensive but do offer a good ride feel, lower weight and reasonable puncture resistance.

Are latex tubes worth it Reddit?

They’re worth a couple watts per tire compared to butyl tubes at 25mph. They require more care on installation (because they’re easier to pinch between the tire and rim), they need to be pumped up more frequently, and CO2 diffuses through them quickly so you wouldn’t want to use latex for a spare tube.

How many watts does latex inner tubes save?

But the real difference that really matters is rolling resistance, and here the latex inner tubes draw ahead with a 7 watt saving compared to a regular butyl inner tube.

Is butyl rubber the same as latex?

Butyl Tube



Butyl tubing is made of butyl rubber, whose main ingredient is isobutene, a petroleum-based material. In contrast to latex, which was characterized by its “thin and strong” properties, butyl is characterized by its “just plain toughness.

How many miles does a bike tube last?

Many cyclists say that often times they will get around 1000 miles out of the rear inner tube while getting about 3000 miles out of their front inner tube. This is very true, there is more pressure and wear on a rear tire than a front tire.

How often should you put air in your bike tires?

High pressure road bike tires should be pumped up at least once a week, hybrid tires every two weeks, and mountain bike tires at least every two to three weeks. Why do I have to pump my tires so often? Bike tires hold only a small amount of air, but under a great deal of pressure.

How often should you replace bike inner tube?

So, how often should you replace inner tubes? Consider replacing inner tubes every time you replace the tires or when the inner tubes can no longer hold air. Regardless, it’s a good idea to do it after 2-4 years of hard riding.