interesting test, but what did you actually feel through your hands, the TPU tubes are supposed to be more 'bouncy' compared to butyl. GCN had a ball of butyl rubber and a ball of TPU, the TPU bounced like a superball. Very intriguing problem how to categorise this different feel between butyl and TPU
Hello! thanks for commenting. Fair question, to be honest I should've make a better test. This wasn't exactly an apples to apples comparison since I used different tires ( lack of time). The worn specialized tires were so cracked that may have added a little bit of compliance ( lower flex resistance). The Contis Ultra Sport are stiffer I believe. Objectively speaking though, with that combo I felt it faster but not particularly softer. Weight savings must have a bigger impact during acceleration.
@@YuichiTamaki as an older guy, it’s great to see young men doing experiments. So yeah, maybe it could have been more scientific, but strapping your phone to the fork and using the inbuilt accelerometer was very smart. Well done and enjoy your cycling!
Using the same TPU tubes as you, find easier to fit than butyl, hold air fine and so light. Before that I tried latex tubes which felt amazing (lots of compliance even at 100 PSI), but expensive and harder to fit than butyl or TPU. Think I'll stick to TPU as they're light and take up little space when carried as spares.
Great idea, was worried about that phone ejecting. This was a unique and worthwhile test. Your sentiments are noteworthy. Have the RideNow TPU and will look to switch shortly and consider your tire pressure consideration. Thanks for sharing you innovative test.
Hello! Thank you very much for your kind words! I was nervous about the phone too :D After several months I am still on the same tubes. Apart from putting air every week they work great.
I was tempted by these TPU tubes for my winter bike but think I'll stick with Butyl .... It was the same brand I was looking at on AliExpress and MUCH cheaper than the ones they sell in the UK... I have my summer bike set up tubeless- it has DT Swiss P1800 wheels and Hutchinson tyres that weighed just 255g (28C) on the bike this summer(sealant maybe another 40g) but they have started to blister, a tyre defect for sure after 3000km in 5 months, but last ride I got a puncture because I heard a "pft-pft-pft-....silence"...sealed up in 3 revolutions and when I got home I saw there has been 4 other punctures I've never even noticed.... Orange Endurance Seal is superb too.
What a great input! Here in Japan roads are well maintained so no matter what my setup is I never had a puncture (touch wood). But, I read that some people that use 32mm. Tires and above get some random punctures, If I go that big I would like to try the "SILCA" branded tubeless sealant with carbon fiber particles. The only thing that stops me is the chore of having to change the fluid after just a few months.
I think new tires need some miles in them to get into optimal shape (whatever that means) but overall that wouldn't drastically change outcome. Hope this TPU thing eventually will get sorted of leaky valves etc. and in few years develops into viable alternative 👍
Hello there! Thanks for commenting. Yes, the tires "break in" period must be thing. To be honest I think TPU is already the thing. I have been using them for a few months now and they only need a weekly fill up. I believe it stopped to be a gimmick the moment they drop in price drastically. I cannot see any reason why not to use them.
TPU tubes are improving and getting more affordable, that's true! Frankly, I'd prefer if they'd be made by a Japanese company for first 10 years and later they'd sell matured technology to itchy hand companies.
Hey there! they are holding pretty well. If you need tires for commuting or general non competitive cycling, for the price they are excellent. Definitely worth the try.
