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Latex tubes on race day - two spare tubes or one???

Bob IrwinBob Irwin
in Racing Forum 🏎

My new tires and latex tubes came in the mail on Saturday.  I'll get them on for my last RR this weekend.  I have always carried a single spare tube and 3 CO2 cartridges, figuring that I could patch one if I got a second flat.  But if I'm using latex tubes, and both latex tubes got flats, wouldn't that be a problem using CO2? 

Comments

  • Chris GChris G

     One spare.  But then i only carry one CO2 and no patches so YMMV.

  • manconamancona
    I'm pretty sure you already figured this out, but make sure the spare is not latex as latex and CO2 don't get along. I'm with Chris and go with one spare on the bike... however at my IM I have always thrown an old tube into my special needs bag, figuring that if I got a flat in the first 56 miles I got pick up a replacement spare.
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    What Matt said!
  • Bob IrwinBob Irwin

    someone told me before that my spare is latex.  Interesting that no one carries two spare tubes.  Vineman is my only A race for the year, so I'd push the bike to the finish if I had to.  I thought maybe I'd hear that CO2 would work if it wasn't too far to the finish.  That said, I've actually never had a flat in a race, and having two in 56 miles seems like its pretty unlikely.

  • David AmbroseDavid Ambrose
    You never know.......
    My friend, who has never flatted during a race, was competing in an Olympic Tri on Sunday; and what do you know..... three (3) flats during the 25 mile course.
  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    I always carry two spare tubes.  I figure one for each tire after that I am waiting for the repair vehicle or patching. 

    Gordon

  • Chris GChris G

    I think that  CO2 will work in latex, it just won't hold as well.  IIRC it should be plenty to get you home if need be.  To be sure maybe one of us should try it out and report back.  

  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    In all seriousness, why would anyone carry latex spares? They are more expensive. Spares tend to get damaged over time while unused. The are only good for a few hours at most with CO2. I think they're even a little slower to put in because of the way they kind of "stick" to the rubber of the tire. Make your life simple and carry butyl spares!
  • DocHoffartDocHoffart
    Race with latex but carry butyl for spares. 2 C02's just in case you have a mishap, a la Wellington. People will throw you tubes and C02's but not tubulars :-).

    Vince
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