Hey all, looking to gain some speed this season and I am seeking advice. Should I go with a premium, fast tire+butyl tubes? Or is a more puncture resistant tire with tpu/latex tubes a better option. Obviously would carry 1 or 2 spare tube(s) and I’d be riding a 25mm tire. Any input is appreciated!
Fast tire with latex tubes.
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Here’s an article that might help your decision making. Appears to indicate tubeless, 25-28mm tires is now the preferred choice. I’ve run latex and 23mm for years but switched to this combo last year with no regrets.
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+1
Latex tubes aren’t any more flat prone than butyl IME, and roll significantly faster.
TPUs make sense for the flat kit, since they pack small.
As for tires, a good trainer/racer (like the GP5000, and similar from Vittoria, Pirelli, etc.) is a good choice. They roll fairly fast and have a kevlar strip for flat protection. There are pure TT tires w/o the strip, but probably not worth the risk for most folks.
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Only problem I’ve had with latex tubes is the seam around the valve can fail if not reinforced. Maybe it was a defect or maybe trauma against the rim’s valve hole. I used a strip of cotton rim tape with a hole in the center to fit over the valve.
If you need a fast-durable tire recommendation I’ve been very impressed by the gp5000 tt tr. Going on third race season it hasn’t let us down yet, fingers crossed. Can definitely use as a fast (wearing) training tire or for that big race that you spent $3k just to get there.
I’ve had the same problem with latex tubes breaking around the valve as well. I’ve taken to placing some tube patches around there but your idea sounds more robust.
Are you running the TT TRs tubeless? Funny you mention I just had a pair delivered today to try out due to the issue above!
Yes, tubeless now for some years. If something does puncture the tire the thin walls will make it difficult to seal so I would carry a dynaplug kit. I’ve taken the tires off the race wheels a couple times and there was never an old sealant plug. They remind me of the trusty Grand Prix tubulars of old. Also easy an easy tire to do a road side tube install if needed.
I’ve gone for a fast tyre (for no particular reason I’m keen on the Pirelli’s) and TPU tubes.
Couple of reasons:
- no faff with sealant with race wheels that only are used a few times a year)
- Can apply a self adhesive patch directly to the tube in the event of a puncture so negating the need to remove the wheel during the race
- If needed to replace tube, spare is tiny.
Deep down I want to run tubeless, as I know it’s faster both from a rolling resistance and the self healing properties, but cleaning old sealant from my disc wheel when I only used once last year scarred me.
Anyone tried the Conti Aero 111 on the front?
From research seems to roll slower than a gp5000 s tr but better at certain yaw angles so maybe only a specific use application.
I’m also still in the latex tube camp for race wheels. From my experience I think there’s a cut off for chances of success on road tubeless around 30-32mm.
I would look at pros (both tri and road cycling) with a pinch of salt as they are paid to ride certain combinations. They also have mechanics on hand to refresh sealant etc.
To the OP you really can’t go wrong with a few certain non tubeless tyres and latex or tpu tubes. Conti Gp5000, Michelin Power Cup (although these are about 2mm oversized on a wider rim, either a good or bad thing), Hutchison Blackbird, Pirelli race rs etc. Won’t be the outright fastest but a good combination of speed and puncture resistance. Losing a few watts is worth the peace of mind in my view unless you are right at the front.
I go with wheel companies that have done extensive research on the best tires for their particular wheels, because the fastest tire make/model and width is very wheel dependent. So that takes away the guess work. But generally I always use sealant with TR tires. But not a lot, since excess sealant can affect rolling resistance.
Hey! If speed is your main goal, the premium fast tire with butyl tubes is a solid choice. TPU/latex tubes are lighter and faster, but they’re a bit more prone to punctures. If you’re carrying spares, the faster setup might be worth it for those extra seconds!
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I have used the 111. I would say that it is a nice tire for use in the front wheel of a road bike or for maybe for a course like Kona. In my experience it makes for a noticeably more stable ride in strong cross winds. Rolling resistance is not particularly good, so my I prefer to used the GP5000 TT on both the road and TT bike for racing.
I am pretty sure there will not be a TT version of this tire. Looking at the depth of the aero do-dads you can see that are way too deep to use on the something like the GP5000 TT casing.