I used to have several sources for these tubes and every one of them is now out of stock or says they’ve been discontinued. Even the US distributor (Veltec) does not show them on the Vredestein product list. Has anyone here purchased any lately and if so, where?
Thanks.
No help here, but my LBS 's can’t get ANY latex tubes. Vred, Vittoria, nada zip zilch
I’m making do with Bonty R XXX Ls
I goggled for you. I guess “latex” was the keyword. Results were interesting…
Anyway most of the European stores has this info “Item discontinued - no longer available to purchase.”
Just got a few about 3 months ago from my LBS (via Veltec). I actually prefer the Michelins though (I don’t need the removable valve cores). I have more issues installing the Vreds - have to be extra super careful with them as the latex tends to be slightly “thicker” than the Aircomps, but more sticky. The Michelins are a bit thinner and seem more ‘talced’ or something - plus I can see the green around the rim bead easier than the clear Vreds.
Try Beyondbikes.com.
Try the Performance “lunar lite” tubes (on sale for $6.50 right now). They are just as light (49 grams) as latex and easy to fix. I know that latex rides a little nicer but for the price and connivence these tubes can’t be beat.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1034708_-1_46512_20000_47505
49 grams … DANG!
Vredstein Rocks.
I think the point of Latex is rolling resistance more than weight.
Just got a few about 3 months ago from my LBS (via Veltec). I actually prefer the Michelins though (I don’t need the removable valve cores). I have more issues installing the Vreds - have to be extra super careful with them as the latex tends to be slightly “thicker” than the Aircomps, but more sticky. The Michelins are a bit thinner and seem more ‘talced’ or something - plus I can see the green around the rim bead easier than the clear Vreds.
For the last couple of years, the Vreds have been made with very thin latex…about the same as the Michelins. Previously, they were much thicker…
49 grams … DANG!
And it’s rotating weight!!!
Try the Performance “lunar lite” tubes (on sale for $6.50 right now). They are just as light (49 grams) as latex and easy to fix. I know that latex rides a little nicer but for the price and connivence these tubes can’t be beat.
http://www.performancebike.com/…-1_46512_20000_47505
My experience with ultra thin butyl tubes is that they are even more “installation sensitive” and fragile than latex tubes…they just don’t have the elasticity.
My experience with ultra thin butyl tubes is that they are even more “installation sensitive” and fragile than latex tubes…they just don’t have the elasticity.
You have to be careful that’s for sure. However, if you did catch it with the tire lever it can be easily fixed with a standard patch kit.
My experience with ultra thin butyl tubes is that they are even more “installation sensitive” and fragile than latex tubes…they just don’t have the elasticity.
You have to be careful that’s for sure. However, if you did catch it with the tire lever it can be easily fixed with a standard patch kit.
Same with latex…you just can’t use the self-adhesive patches.
Hello Tom A. and All,
My Vredstein latex tubes (purchased about a year ago) are very thin - about like a condom or toy balloon and come in a nice air tight plastic container.
I have not used them very often - usually sticking with the Michelin latex tubes except for a spare that is now butyl.
In a burst of overconfidence I used to carry a latex tube for a spare thinking … ‘I don’t need no stinkin’ butyl tube - I know how to change a tire’.
Then I changed one in a hurry during a long ride with sweaty hands and popped it twice - I had patches and finally got going again - but lesson learned - for a quick change a buty tube is quicker with less chance for a pinch.
I have had some trouble (valve core leaking) with some recent Michelin latex tubes but I think I may have caused it myself but twisting the valve core locking nut too tightly open before attaching the valve extension for deep rim wheels.
In the future I am going to put a drop of Super Glue or epoxy resin on the valve core locking nut so I do not tweak it.
Cheers,
Neal
Even if you use latex tubes, you should carry a butyl spare if you plan to inflate it with CO2. A latex tube won’t hold CO2 well at all.
I used to have several sources for these tubes and every one of them is now out of stock or says they’ve been discontinued. Even the US distributor (Veltec) does not show them on the Vredestein product list. Has anyone here purchased any lately and if so, where?
Thanks.
Bob…Veltec may not show them, but an LBS that is familiar with them should be able to get the tubes from them. I just re-stocked my supply a couple months back this way.
My experience with ultra thin butyl tubes is that they are even more “installation sensitive” and fragile than latex tubes…they just don’t have the elasticity.
I agree with that - worst solution of all in my experience.
Tom, What brand latex tubes do you like/recommend? Thanks.
Tom, What brand latex tubes do you like/recommend? Thanks.
I prefer the Vreds…although the Michelins do OK as well, they just seem to start “cracking” after a while.