Tubes

[pooks]

When we were at an LBS my husband asked if you could buy heavy-duty tubes that are harder to puncture and they said yes. I've also seen reference to "slime tubes."

Which is better?

Are there any drawbacks to either?

[Deanna]

I think the main drawback is they are heavier. I've always used slime, it's dayglo green which makes a puncture easy to spot when you repair the tube (the slime fills the puncture and seals it up). It can make an awful mess if you over-inflate the tube to bursting (my DH did this once in a bike shop that had the super fast automatic air pumps).

[pooks]

By "heavier," do you mean so much heavier that I will actually feel the difference when I'm riding?

[Deanna]

I've never really noticed it, my husband insists he can. I only use them on my city bike, which doesn't have quick release and is therefore a total PAIN to change flats on.

[Dogmama]

I just had heavier tubes put in my road bike & do not notice any difference at all. They might be measuring grams - and I'm not a "weight weinie." I figure I could skip dessert for a couple of days & lose the same amount of weight.