Competition Latex Road Tube
You probably don't think much about the tubes you put inside your tires, but with Vittoria's Latex Road Tubes, you'll have a slight advantage when it comes to speed. In testing, latex tubes are smooth enough to reduce rolling resistance by a few watts. And while a few watts may not seem like much, when you consider that switching to latex saves nearly 75g, the seemingly innocuous tube starts to make a dent in your results. The lighter tubes mean quicker accelerations and the lower rolling resistance means you'll stay at speed for longer. In addition to being faster, latex tubes are also more elastic to increase puncture resistance to pinch flats.
Please note that most major wheel, tire, and tube manufacturers recommend against using latex tubes with carbon clinchers. Carbon brake surfaces tend to heat-up more than alloy, which can cause latex tubes to burst. Always use butyl tubes with carbon clincher rims.
Details
- A cycling inner tube for race-day or everyday
- Latex tubes are lighter and suppler than butyl
- Removable valve cores for extenders and sealant
- Item #VIT006C
- Material
- Latex
- Size
- 700x19/23, 700x25/28, 700x30/38
- Valve Type
- Presta
- Removable Stem
- yes
- Claimed Weight
- [700x19/23] 2.6oz (75g), [700x25/28] 3oz (85g), [700x30/38] 3.7oz (105g)
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
3.5 based on 8 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageAugust 22, 2024
Fragile / Defective
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Three out of four of these tubes popped/punctured in the same place at the base of the valve stem during initial install, including one installed by a professional at a reputable bike shop. Nothing was wrong with the wheel rim or install process; these are just extremely fragile.
July 25, 2024
More supple = less effort
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- 30-38
I am committed to latex inner tubes but there are downsides. They cost more, they will wear out - if the tube is getting stretched in spots replace it, you can patch them but you can't always find the leak. One additional bonus I s that the contrasting color makes it easier to make sure they are properly installed before inflation. I think these are acceptable trade offs.
December 2, 2022
1k + Miles so far
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I'm writing this review because I've had a different experience than the others here. Maybe this is a bad batch/good batch situation (I purchased it in late 2022). Anyways, these have been stellar tubes. To start with, yes, they do slowly leak air. However, this is a characteristic of latex inner tubes, which you must consider if you decide to run them. This is no different than maintaining a tubeless setup, where you must add air before each ride. Yes, they are faster than butyl tubes. There is a lot of research online about this subject, and the general consensus is that latex with high-performance tires is roughly the same efficiency-wise as tubeless. I personally prefer latex because I'm not too fond of the mess, and have found clincher tires far easier to mount. There's no way I could ever go back to butyl: the difference in rolling resistance is pretty apparent.
February 25, 2022
Unacceptable
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Height:
- 5' 10"
- Weight:
- 138
This is also a review for latex tubes in general, but specifically for this tube. It loses over 1 psi per hour, which is unacceptable to me, as my rides are mostly well over three hours. I'm not interested in refilling my tires more often than one a day at most. As a point of reference, the Tubolito tubes lose maybe 1 psi in two days.
October 8, 2021
Best latex tubes out there
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- 28
- Height:
- 5' 9"
- Weight:
- 150
I use these with Bontrager Aeolus wheels that are 38mm in depth. Valves fit and allow extra room without the need for extensions. I've never puncture popped one, but have popped a couple via carelessness. They allow for an incredible ride feel when set at the right pressure. Best thing next to tubeless. Air loss on latex tubes is normal, I generally pump them up every other ride, if not every ride.
October 7, 2021
Poorly made
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Every single one of these Have had lately leaks from this same area and often the pieces are coming apart. These are not made well and I have trashed 5 so far and not a single one from a puncture. Edit: just installed the 6th and final one and it leaked straight out of the box. I don?t know why backcountry continues to sell this junk but I won?t be a customer at all if they keep selling it
July 27, 2021
Latex
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- 700×28
- Height:
- 5' 9"
- Weight:
- 180
Latex Tubes are Worth every Penny ride so Good and you Feel the Road Better been Running Latex for 4 years Know that's all I Use.
December 26, 2020
Feel fast, no flats
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- 28c
I went the whole summer with these, paired with the Continental GP5000s, and experienced no flats, despite some hard bumps and rough surfaces. I was also able to keep a low tire pressure, which made for a more comfortable ride. Did they make me faster? Hard to say, but I felt faster.
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