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TucknRoll

I have a fairly new, fairly light weight bike and I'm still running on the stock tube in the front. The rear tire is tubeless.

For when it comes times to get a new tube, what tube do you guys prefer? I'm not looking for a heavy thorn resistant tube nor am I looking for a light weight tube that will be prone to pinches. Something in-between would be ideal.

roadkillross

the cheapest, free works too. i usually run presta valves for my dh bikes, idk why, just do

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stinkyrider

I've had good luck with specialized. Done pretty well with Maxxis

Horrible luck with Bontrager.

Collette

Check out Specialized Airlocks. A regular tube with their own sealant inside. Not cheap at $12.00/each, but you'll be using the same tube for a WHILE.

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MyTurnerBike

SSinGA

Continental tubes worked best for me.

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2wheel_lee

Agreed on all points.

Especially with the bad luck on the Bontragers: the valve stems always rip out of the tube. I'm sure someone's thinking that I'm not doing something right, but I've been using presta tubes for more than 25 years, and Bontrager and Continental tubes are the only ones I've had problems with the valve stems (the Continentals I had problems with were likely from the same batch, which I purchased at the same time - haven't used them since).

Specialized (which I believe are made by Kenda, as are most company's tubes) are great.

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Sharky

I swear by Specialized T-R racing tubes (presta). They are thorn resistant but lightweight. A bit tricky to find sometimes but get mine at San Dimas Incycle. Saw them at the Path but out of the presta at the time. Both stores appear to stay pretty well stocked on the goods though!!

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Division 26

SAR_boats

I agree with Ross. Cheap is good. Free is better.

If you want to run sealant you can use a hypodermic needle to inject Stans into a regular tube (either by removing the valve stem or injecting straight into the tube and then putting a self adhesive patch over the injection point.)

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ShinKen

u can do this or some SLIME tubes!! cheaper (like 4 to 6 bucks) and prob the same weight!! that's all I use on my 29er and they work!! it takes me a long while to replace them and if u really want to go cheap u can paTch em till their life just runs out!!

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autoduel

I had 2 specialized turbo ultralight tubes purchased at the same time had a leak around the valve stem out of the box.

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Just along for the ride

ghixon

Specialized tubes have worked fine for me so far. I run Slime in them from the get go and haven't had any major issues with thorns, sticks or from running over small children.

Used Bontragers a few times and for some reason, they both seperated at the valve.

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ShinKen

SLIME tubes have not done that to me!!

EVER.

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northshore

I just run the Performance Bike generic Forte thick skin brand. I paid something like $3 for the tube. I don't remember the specs but I haven't had any issues with them.

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ghixon

Where do you find the Slime tubes? I can only find them in a 26/1.75 or a 26/1.95 around here. I'm looking for some 26/2.1 for the XC setup.

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ShinKen

I'm pretty sure some of the LBS can order them for ya!! hmmm do they make em that size? never really noticed!! if they was 26 or 29ers size that's all I cared for.

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ghixon

I'll have to bug the LBS. Thanks

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.8down

believe it or not Ive been running the Performance Forte tube and its been pretty leak and puncture free. knock on wood.

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OldDogDan

I usually buy tubes on sale, but always open the box to check them. I like the short plated stems, and it doesn't always specify on the box. Here's why I posted this: On a recent ride I gave away my spare (example on the left), so naturally, even tho I hadn't flatted in a coupla months, I then got a flat. So someone gave me the one on the right. This one snapped right in half, and I was being careful! I never had this happen before! I never liked the long brass stems, for looks, vulnerability to snagging, and possible leverage on stem base while pumping. And on some cheap ones, the stem machining looks rough. But I never expected this. Caveat emptor. So I continue to open the box and check 'em. I say get 'em short & plated.

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BrewMaster

I'm with Jose. I swear by Slime Tubes.

Jenson has 'em for $6. Price Point has them for $5 and Jenson will price match this.

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Rockinthecasbah

Maxxis welter weight not quite super heavy but pretty thorn , pinch resestant unless your chewy yeti

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