We used the 26" latex tubes in 650B tires for PBP, and it did make a very noticeable difference in comfort compared to standard butyl tubes - even with fat 37 mm tires. (Mounting latex tubes in a bigger tire is a different matter.)
On my Singer, already endowed with a very nice ride, latex tubes in 700C x 28 mm Rolly-Poly tires made a very noticeable difference in ride quality. Even frost heaves have lost their bone-jarring qualities. While a nice sew-up is hard to rival, the latex tubes have imparted some of that lovely quality onto the clincher tires.
The puncture resistance of the Michelin latex tubes, as well as their overall durability, is at least as good as standard butyl tubes. Their wall thickness is greater than that of the tubes found in sew-ups - which I have found too thin for long-term use in clincher tires.
To sum it up, I thoroughly recommend the tubes for anybody seeking to improve their bike's ride quality for a small (but ongoing) investment. Just make sure you don't accidentally buy the long-stem valve version!
No disclaimers this time - Michelin does not advertise in VBQ ;-)
Jan Heine, Seattle Editor/Publisher Vintage Bicycle Quarterly c/o Il Vecchio Bicycles 140 Lakeside Ave, Ste. C Seattle WA 98122 http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com
>I know that the thread count on silk tubular tires is often cited as the
>major source of their vaunted riding qualities. It occurs to me that these
>tires all had latex tubes in them. Michelin makes some fairly expensive
>latex tubes that weigh in at only 65 grams each.
>I am one who religiously pumps up his tires before riding every time anyhow
>and I am wondering... could some of the ride qualities of these silk
>tubulars be due to the latex tubes and could I recapture some of that by
>springing the extra few dollars for latex tubes with my high quality
>clinchers and get an improved ride? Would the savings in rotating weight be
>significant?
>I think I will try it and see, but I am curious if similar thoughts had
>inspired any list members to try this same thing and if they might report
>their experiences and wither a conclusion could be drawn on whether it might
>be worthwhile to shell out for some latex tubes. I have also been told they
>are somewhat less prone to flatting, too, but that seems questionable to me.
>Can anyone say with reasonable certainty?
>If this could result in nearly any ride quality improvement for the few
>dollars involved, it would really not be much of an expense after all the
>money already invested in stuff for many of my bikes. Ya, I know someone
>will say "Why not just get the silk tubulars, then?" My answer would be
>"Cost, and not needing the dreaded and evil glue or the adhesive rim
>tapes."
>Thanks,
>Tom Sanders
>Lansing, Mi