Showing posts with label self-healing tubes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-healing tubes. Show all posts

Sunday, 14 February 2016

Tiramisu, Tyrants & Tubes









My favourite Italian treat was rudely interrupted by talk of deficits. Having explained there was no deficit (aside from the gulf between their perceived entitlement and legally binding reality) I resumed my meal and discussions of great depth and significance. The nature of which, I am not prepared to expand upon at this point. 
Meanwhile, back on the test bench Tubeless tyre systems are gaining popularity, on account of their tuneable, puncture repelling nature. In the same way “clinchers” began rivalling tubulars (Tubs) during the late 80s and 90s, I can see these overtaking high pressure wired-on rubber once conversion kits are perfected.
Tubulars retain a niche following even now. The need for sewing and gluing induces traumatic flashbacks but aside from reduced weight at the crucial points, rims themselves were proportionately much stronger.  Rather like the common cold, preventing punctures has been around since the dawn of pneumatic tyres.
Solid tyres re-emerge every so often and though they have improved slightly since the days I whizzed round the parental driveway astride my rod braked Raleigh Elf;  its disproportionate to price and overall performance.
Assuming you haven’t obliterated rims during the mounting phase and alienated your neighbours with a seamless band of expletives; those I’ve tried deliver a harsh and unforgiving ride that ultimately shakes spokes and fillings loose with consummate ease.
For most of us, dependant upon rim sections it boils down to a choice between bog standard butyl and puncture repelling tyre casings, thorn repellent tubes or the sealant type. All have their pros and cons and to some extent, rather like the glue-less v traditional patch debate; it’s a question of rider faith.
We’re presently putting a series of each through their paces at Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk) to see how they perform overall, not just in terms of puncture prevention. Are they limited to asphalt, or can the bigger sections cope with canal path and similarly challenging short cuts…
It’s not difficult to appreciate the allure of a self-healing tube, especially for commuting. When I worked behind the counter, these were a real money-spinner but are the premium pre-filled superior to their budget counterparts? Are these repairable or bin fodder in the event they succumb to a big flint or thorn.  Is it better to fill standard tubes with aftermarket sealant, or buy ready made?
In my experience, the goo-filled genre works to the same basic science. Varying quantities of liquid lay dormant until a small hole appears; internal (air) pressure forces it to the affected area whereupon said sealant (theoretically) plugs the affected area.
Some pressure loss is inevitable and topping up with a hand pump, or Co2 inflator is generally required. Sometimes the latter are required to awaken the latex if it’s been slumbering a while, so don’t leave home without them, even using the most invulnerable tyre casings.
Piercings to a millimetre in diameter are pretty much their limit-hit a series of really nasty thorns, or the proverbial nine-inch nail with your name on it and chances are, you will be mopping up a big sticky mess. Hopefully, you didn’t forget the spare, pump, tyre boot etc and your riding companions will rally round, not laugh like crazed hyenas... Now; time for a batch before I head out for another quick blast along the lanes...