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Cool New Tube: Tubolito
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Don't ask why I keep finding products with weird names lol:
http://www.tubolito.com/

They claim to be 65% lighter than a normal tube and they claim to be "more elastic" than butyl tubes as well. I'm curious to see what that means for crr. In any event they can roll up pretty compact for a flat kit. That's a road tube to the right of the scale. I think that's a 29er tube on the scale.


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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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It's 35g (and $45) for the road tubes. I'm guessing the polymer they are using won't be very supple and will have a high CRR (so slower overall), similar to the old polyurethane tubes. The compact size and low weight might make these a good option for race flat kits though.

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Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]
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The weightweenie in me is interested in these tubes. This is some of the marketingblurp I found in a bikerumor article. If true, it looks very promising!

"They say they’re a lot tougher, so they’ll last longer bouncing around your seat pack or backpack, too, but are also more impervious to punctures and pinches. They’re 2x more elastic, and can withstand 2x higher forces before breaking. They also don’t lose air like a latex tube. Construction is seamless, and the material is less grippy than rubber, so should flex more easily inside the tire better, reducing rolling resistance. So, you’re getting the weight savings with virtually no downside."
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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How sad is it that, because of Halo and Maurten, when I first saw this thread title (before the name of the starter) I assumed it was another shill?

Interested to see if anyone buys and tries them.

The point is, ladies and gentleman, that speed, for lack of a better word, is good. Speed is right, Speed works. Speed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Toby] [ In reply to ]
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As soon as they're available I'll pick one up. If TomA is willing, I'll send it his way first for crr testing. There's a tacit claim of lower crr than butyl but somehow I doubt these will replace latex tubes. tl;dr: I'll probably put one of these in my race day flat kit for the sake of saving weight and space.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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GreenPlease wrote:
As soon as they're available I'll pick one up. If TomA is willing, I'll send it his way first for crr testing. There's a tacit claim of lower crr than butyl but somehow I doubt these will replace latex tubes. tl;dr: I'll probably put one of these in my race day flat kit for the sake of saving weight and space.

Sure, I'll test one...but, I've heard some of these claims before, like the Panaracer R'Air (which was only slightly faster than a butyl tube)...so, "the proof of the pudding is in the tasting" :-)

But, depending on how they measured it, if it's 2X as "elastic" (and the important figure here is known as "resilience %") as butyl, then it's effect on Crr should be closer to latex (but not quite the same) than to butyl...we'll just have to see :-)

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Tom A. wrote:
GreenPlease wrote:
As soon as they're available I'll pick one up. If TomA is willing, I'll send it his way first for crr testing. There's a tacit claim of lower crr than butyl but somehow I doubt these will replace latex tubes. tl;dr: I'll probably put one of these in my race day flat kit for the sake of saving weight and space.


Sure, I'll test one...but, I've heard some of these claims before, like the Panaracer R'Air (which was only slightly faster than a butyl tube)...so, "the proof of the pudding is in the tasting" :-)

But, depending on how they measured it, if it's 2X as "elastic" (and the important figure here is known as "resilience %") as butyl, then it's effect on Crr should be closer to latex (but not quite the same) than to butyl...we'll just have to see :-)

If it is even "on par" with good butyl, that's worth knowing for a variety of reasons. Including, yes, smaller flat kits.

The point is, ladies and gentleman, that speed, for lack of a better word, is good. Speed is right, Speed works. Speed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Tom A. wrote:
GreenPlease wrote:
As soon as they're available I'll pick one up. If TomA is willing, I'll send it his way first for crr testing. There's a tacit claim of lower crr than butyl but somehow I doubt these will replace latex tubes. tl;dr: I'll probably put one of these in my race day flat kit for the sake of saving weight and space.


Sure, I'll test one...but, I've heard some of these claims before, like the Panaracer R'Air (which was only slightly faster than a butyl tube)...so, "the proof of the pudding is in the tasting" :-)

But, depending on how they measured it, if it's 2X as "elastic" (and the important figure here is known as "resilience %") as butyl, then it's effect on Crr should be closer to latex (but not quite the same) than to butyl...we'll just have to see :-)

Interesting. PM me your address and I'll set a reminder to send you one once Tubolito makes them available.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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I plan on trying these. Rotational weight is much more important to eliminate than weight anywhere else on the bike. This might be enough for me to switch from tubulars to clinchers for my race wheels. I have to try them first though.

2018 Races: IM Santa Rosa, Vineman Monte Rio, Lake Tahoe 70.3
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Sanrafaeltri] [ In reply to ]
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Sanrafaeltri wrote:
I plan on trying these. Rotational weight is much more important to eliminate than weight anywhere else on the bike. This might be enough for me to switch from tubulars to clinchers for my race wheels. I have to try them first though.

Not really...the performance effects of "rotational weight" on a bicycle are highly over-rated, especially when considered as a percentage of overall mass and inertia.

I don't even consider tire or tube weights as a separate factor in selection. It's just not even on the radar as far as performance properties go.

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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Just received a few from road tubolitos from Germany. I'm running relatively new latex and new tires so I'm not "needing" to swap them out any time soon, though I threw one and a patch in my saddle bag. Interested to learn if anyone has used them yet. If so, impression of ride quality/deformation over tarmac.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [SomeGuy] [ In reply to ]
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Does it have a removable valve core? I think I’m going to get one of these for race day flat kit.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [SomeGuy] [ In reply to ]
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SomeGuy wrote:
Just received a few from road tubolitos from Germany. I'm running relatively new latex and new tires so I'm not "needing" to swap them out any time soon, though I threw one and a patch in my saddle bag. Interested to learn if anyone has used them yet. If so, impression of ride quality/deformation over tarmac.

Hopefully mine will arrive in the next few days.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [SomeGuy] [ In reply to ]
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How long did it take to arrive? I’m interested in getting a couple but curious how long to expect for shipping.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Sean H] [ In reply to ]
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yes, removeable valve core, but the stem is not metal. I added some white plumber's thread sealant tape to be sure it held air (I do that with metal stems as well, FWIW). Looks as if you could crack the valve stem if you overtighten the core.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [officespaced] [ In reply to ]
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Pretty fast. I looked at all the distributors and found the best price from bike-components.de I ordered on May 10th and they arrived a few days ago with the cheapest DHL shipping option.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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GreenPlease wrote:
Hopefully mine will arrive in the next few days.

¡I'd love to hear your experience after you get a few rides on them!
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [SomeGuy] [ In reply to ]
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Has anyone tried these tubes?
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [coolny29] [ In reply to ]
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Any updates on these tubes? Struggling to get latex from my local bike shops however they are all starting to stock these?
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [TriNewbieZA] [ In reply to ]
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Fairwheel bikes has them in stock in multiple sizes. I haven't seen any testing on their rolling resistance claims. My interest in these was as a lightweight and compact spare tube for gravel events.

https://fairwheelbikes.com/tubolito/
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [officespaced] [ In reply to ]
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officespaced wrote:
Fairwheel bikes has them in stock in multiple sizes. I haven't seen any testing on their rolling resistance claims. My interest in these was as a lightweight and compact spare tube for gravel events.

https://fairwheelbikes.com/tubolito/
They were half price at worlds this year so I picked one up to test, but I haven't had a chance to do it yet. Will try to fit it in soon. Even if they test well, they are ridiculously expensive, so can't imagine it being much of a go to option.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [officespaced] [ In reply to ]
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There are rolling resistance test results on their homepage. According to their tests rolling resistance is better than good butyl tubes but inverior to latex.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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Does anyone have any updated experience with Tubolito? Particularly with their standard road tube, but also interested in the MTB and gravel variants. I'm intrigued by the claims of lighter weight, better puncture resistance, and improved rolling resistance over butyl tubes. I like to carry two spare tubes and really like the idea of more compact spare tubes.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [cholla] [ In reply to ]
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These are comparable (from the data shared with me paid for by somebody else) to a light butyl tube which makes them fractionally better than a heavy butyl tube, but far from a latex tube.

I recommend using these as your spare as 2 of them will fit in the space of 1 butyl tube which seems like the perfect use for them.

Josh

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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [joshatsilca] [ In reply to ]
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Is that for the "normal" or "lightweight" variant?
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [commendatore] [ In reply to ]
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commendatore wrote:
Is that for the "normal" or "lightweight" variant?

As I understand from the website, the lightweight, or "S" variant is ONLY intended for spare use...

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [cholla] [ In reply to ]
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I've got two Tubolito tubes in the 650b wheels for my gravel bike. So far no flats but... that doesn't really mean anything. No crr data either, sorry.

I also have two of the "tubo road" tubes for a spare for my TT bike and they are TINY and weigh nothing. That is, honestly probably the best use for it. Two tubes, a multi-tool, two CO2s, and inflator fit in the draft box of my Speed Concept with tons of room to spare. Thinking about making a foam cutout of some sort to organize all of it. Right now I just stuff a pair of socks in there to keep it all from rattling.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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I just looked at the website and it now says "disc brake only"
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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yes, the S-version at 23gr is denoted "disc brake only"
the normal one (38 gr) is ok for rim brakes. i am using the latter since a year now and no issues so far. no flat yet. seems to hold air better then a light butyl
cannot comment on RR but does not "feel" different then a thin butyl.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [cholla] [ In reply to ]
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From real world riding experience, they provide no better or worse puncture protection than normal butyl tubes. I don't use them personally, but guys in my riding / training group have punctured them on a few occasions. Both the small wire / glass type punctures and a pinch flat. Given their cost, no way I would buy them for their puncture resistance claims and regarding the rolling res. data that has come out which shows they are only marginally faster than butyl.

The only benefit I see in them, as others have said, is to have it in a flat kit due to their size. Race with latex.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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From what I'm seeing, the S-tubo is very comparable to latex tubes, unless I'm missing something?
https://www.tubolito.com/...-resistance-Road.jpg

Thinking about ordering one myself.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Terrordact] [ In reply to ]
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I have 2 on my gravel bike. No complaints here and the room they save in my bag is great.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Terrordact] [ In reply to ]
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Also, someone mentioned the cores are removable, but on their website it says cores are glued in place and non removable. I have Zipp extenders, so I need to remove cores with them. Any one have further insight?
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Terrordact] [ In reply to ]
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That's the first data I've seen. Kind of what I expected to be honest: rolling resistance similar to or slightly less than light butyl (when you compare apples to apples, the S-tubo is really only meant to be a spare)


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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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GreenPlease wrote:
That's the first data I've seen. Kind of what I expected to be honest: rolling resistance similar to or slightly less than light butyl (when you compare apples to apples, the S-tubo is really only meant to be a spare)

I also did eventually test a regular Tubo Road myself a while back, and it had terrible CRR - an increase of about 0.001 over latex (~10 watts for 2 tires at 25mph). I can't really see a use for them myself, but I suppose they do let you carry two tubes in the space of one, so if you want to be able to change two flats and don't want to make more room then maybe? They *look* pretty fragile though, so not sure there's a real use case for them. They're also ridiculously expensive and AFAIK can't be patched.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [lanierb] [ In reply to ]
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There's a tubolito-specific patch kit that they sell. Honestly, the material itself seems pretty damn tough IMO. As you and others have said, the best application is saving space and weight in your flat kit.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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I emailed them about the S-tubo being a spare only. This is what I got back, "thanks for approaching us and your interest in our tubes.
Basically you can also use S-Tubo-Road as your daily tube. While Tubo-Road is twice as robust against punctures as standard tubes, S-Tubo-Road is still as robust as standard tubes. To see how we test that you can watch following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5YuWHzVxSI

I hope that answer helps.

Please do not hesitate to come back to me with any questions."

So seeing as the S-tubo can be used as an every day tube, and the rolling resistance, particularly at lower pressures, is in line with latex, does that change your opinion? From what I'm seeing, the cost is the only downside.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [Terrordact] [ In reply to ]
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I'd like to see that puncture test with latex.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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Where did you come across that data, if you don't mind me asking?



Seriously, don't take me too seriously.
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Re: Cool New Tube: Tubolito [ In reply to ]
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edit: I went ahead an ordered a couple to use as backups.

Any updated thoughts on these tubes? They look pretty good for space savings in a draft box. Looks like I could put 3 of these in the box.
I've read that the 80mm stem can leak at the extension. Any feedback is helpful.
Last edited by: Felt_Rider: Jun 1, 20 12:47
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