I was reading about latex tubes and it said to not use CO2 because it leeches faster. For those running latex, do you use CO2 when you flat? If not, what do you use for latex tubes on clinchers?
Most will suggest carrying a regular butyl as your spare because it doesn’t require as much care and precision installing.
Most will suggest carrying a regular butyl as your spare because it doesn’t require as much care and precision installing.
^ agreed. The only time I’m filling up with C02 is changing out a flat on a training ride or a race and that will be butyl.
Spot on advice. CO2 does escape latex tubes faster than standard air and that’s before you consider that latex tubes vary in air loss (of room air) from 0.5-2psi per hour and will lose CO2 at an even higher rate with higher variability.
Your best option is a butyl spare with proper valve extender and a CO2 inflator that you KNOW works with that valve extender/valve. I add this as I continue to see (mostly at Ironman events) people who do not realize that their CO2 regulator won’t work with their valve extension, or that they cannot get the valve extension off of their original tube, or that they forgot the tool, etc… I would also recommend using the smallest tube you can find as your spare. This is a small detail, but an 18-20mm tube with a bit of air in it will be significantly easier to install and handle with your shaking, numb hands and your fried brain in the middle of your event.
Josh
Spot on advice. CO2 does escape latex tubes faster than standard air and that’s before you consider that latex tubes vary in air loss (of room air) from 0.5-2psi per hour and will lose CO2 at an even higher rate with higher variability.
Your best option is a butyl spare with proper valve extender and a CO2 inflator that you KNOW works with that valve extender/valve. I add this as I continue to see (mostly at Ironman events) people who do not realize that their CO2 regulator won’t work with their valve extension, or that they cannot get the valve extension off of their original tube, or that they forgot the tool, etc… I would also recommend using the smallest tube you can find as your spare. This is a small detail, but an 18-20mm tube with a bit of air in it will be significantly easier to install and handle with your shaking, numb hands and your fried brain in the middle of your event.
Josh
Thanks…how does a 18-20mm tube do in a 23mm tire? Is there a noticeable difference? Why is it easier to install? I have this new Silca inflator….I’ll try it out tomorrow to make sure it works with my set up 
Spot on advice. CO2 does escape latex tubes faster than standard air and that’s before you consider that latex tubes vary in air loss (of room air) from 0.5-2psi per hour and will lose CO2 at an even higher rate with higher variability.
Your best option is a butyl spare with proper valve extender and a CO2 inflator that you KNOW works with that valve extender/valve. I add this as I continue to see (mostly at Ironman events) people who do not realize that their CO2 regulator won’t work with their valve extension, or that they cannot get the valve extension off of their original tube, or that they forgot the tool, etc… I would also recommend using the smallest tube you can find as your spare. This is a small detail, but an 18-20mm tube with a bit of air in it will be significantly easier to install and handle with your shaking, numb hands and your fried brain in the middle of your event.
Josh
Thanks…how does a 18-20mm tube do in a 23mm tire? Is there a noticeable difference? Why is it easier to install? I have this new Silca inflator….I’ll try it out tomorrow to make sure it works with my set up
A smaller diameter tube, especially if it’s mildly inflated,will be less likely to get a bit of itself stuck under the tire bead and then explode upon or shortly after inflation.
Hugh
** I would also recommend using the smallest tube you can find as your spare. This is a small detail, but an 18-20mm tube with a bit of air in it will be significantly easier to install and handle with your shaking, numb hands and your fried brain in the middle of your event. **
Excellent advise that I had never heard…THANKS!!!
** I would also recommend using the smallest tube you can find as your spare. This is a small detail, but an 18-20mm tube with a bit of air in it will be significantly easier to install and handle with your shaking, numb hands and your fried brain in the middle of your event. **
Excellent advise that I had never heard…THANKS!!!
+1 and extra credit for making me chuckle.
The 18-20 mm tubes also take up less room in your flat kit. The only thing to consider is whether the size difference could become problematic when running a 25 or larger tire. The mismatch with butyl isn’t a big issue up to a point, but I wouldn’t use a 20 mm tube in a 28. They pinch flat much easier if the size difference gets too large.