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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
« on: June 01, 2024, 12:15:47 AM »
TPU always. There's just no reason not to. They're lighter. They roll better. I don't necessarily notice the lower rolling resistance but I do definitely notice the tire feeling more supple with less butyl rubber stiffening up the carcass. So that's a plus.
I'm using Ridenow tubes which are now in their 3rd iteration. They were unreliable at first but the flaws from the beginning are now all but ironed out. The valves hold air. And I'm even having success at repairing them. And they're basically only marginally more expensive than butyl tubes where I live. So why use anything different? I'm also not getting more punctures. I've never been getting many in the first place and the tpu tubes - despite their low weight - do not seem to be more fragile.
I'm using the 36g version though for peace of mind. I might try the crazy light 24 and 18g versions mainly to see if they feel even comfier. But to use them as a spare at the roadside would possibly be hard. The 36g version does already feel delicate but you get used to putting them in and out. Can't imagine what the 18g version feels like but I'd be afraid to damage it when changing tubes after a puncture.
I'm using Ridenow tubes which are now in their 3rd iteration. They were unreliable at first but the flaws from the beginning are now all but ironed out. The valves hold air. And I'm even having success at repairing them. And they're basically only marginally more expensive than butyl tubes where I live. So why use anything different? I'm also not getting more punctures. I've never been getting many in the first place and the tpu tubes - despite their low weight - do not seem to be more fragile.
I'm using the 36g version though for peace of mind. I might try the crazy light 24 and 18g versions mainly to see if they feel even comfier. But to use them as a spare at the roadside would possibly be hard. The 36g version does already feel delicate but you get used to putting them in and out. Can't imagine what the 18g version feels like but I'd be afraid to damage it when changing tubes after a puncture.