TPU tubes for #cycling - Yay or Nay? Sources?

Anyone using TPU tubes? Would you recommend them?

I note online Chinese vendors (Temu/Ali) are about half the price of my local bike store for them. Anyone have experience with purchasing/brands for Chinese TPU tubes?

#bicycle #bicycling #BikeTooter

@bicycling

  • limelight79@lemmy.world
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    8 days ago

    I use them, and have for a few years. For me the jury is still out.

    Pros: Lighter, much lighter. Makes my steering feel lighter.

    Smaller, which is great in a saddle bag.

    Cons: I have several that developed pinhole leaks at higher pressure. They don’t leak fast enough to affect a ride, but the next day, they’ll definitely be down a good bit. I don’t know why this bugs me, but it does (I think I get nervous about trusting it). But I have some that are in my previous bike that are holding air fine for weeks, so it’s not an age thing. Or even a brand thing. Just seems to be luck of the draw.

    Patching them - I haven’t tried often, but I haven’t had it work, even with the included patches some come with.

    Cost, obviously. I got lucky and scored some on Amazon haul, getting 6 for like $8, with shipping. Extremely long stems, too, though I don’t have deep wheels. But the usual cost is much higher.

    I keep buying them because I don’t want to go back, but I’m not 100% sold that the cost is worth it, either.