|
Most bicycle tubes are made of butyl rubber. Butyl is relatively low cost, holds air pressure well, and is fixed easily with an inexpensive patch when punctured. Butyl tubes are available in various weights, based on the thickness of the tube walls, ranging from about 50 grams to over 100 grams. Lightweight tubes are generally more expensive because they require higher manufacturing tolerances to keep the material thickness more uniform.
Since inner tubes are at the periphery of the wheel, saving even a few grams can make a difference to how fast your wheels will accelerate. If you are concerned about performance, the lighter weight tubes are worth the investment. If you're not worried about weight, the heavier tubes will be slightly more durable and a little less expensive.
The most expensive tubes are made from Latex. Latex is less dense and less stiff than Butyl, resulting in a smoother ride, lower weight and reduced rolling resistance. However, Latex is also more fragile than Butyl, very difficult to repair and tends to fail suddenly and entirely when punctured. We don't recommend Latex except for serious racers looking for the highest possible performance.
|
