MTN bike tubes

[oldmtnbiker]

Rotational weight matters ... particularly for mtn biking where one is frequently accelerating the wheels (like speeding up out of a corner). So, wheels, tires and tubes are a good place to look for some weight saving - it will make your ride less tiring and more fun.

Most women riders are smaller and lighter and so don't get as many flats (particularly "pinch flats") as heavier male riders. So for many women heavy tires and tubes are overkill. If you aren't flatting at least once per summer, consider going a bit lighter. Try going with latex tubes - they are more expensive, but lighter and still pretty tough. Michelin makes one called an AirComp. They weigh a little over 100 grams.

If you'd like to save a little more weight, look at the tires you are using. Also consider going with a tubeless setup. The sealant for tubeless tires weighs about 70 grams per tire.

I don't like to stop to fix flats, but I'm also lazy - I don't like to push around more weight than I need to. In the past 3 years of racing, I have flatted once - I run lightweight tires and tubes, or tubeless setups.

-Deb

[bike4ever]

I agree with Deb. Just get what your LBS carries. I just flatted Saturday - tire was cut with what looked like a shell. I pulled out a piece of very sharp rock. This was my first flat all summer - not bad.

The big/bulky DH tubes can be harder to install on your tire. There is so much extra material it can actually be easier to pinch.

[bluebug32]

I agree. Go with the regular tubes and be sure to check your tire pressure before each ride to cut down on the risk of pinch flats.