I've been riding Conti Race Lights since I started back riding in mid-2021. The first few sets of these have been great. They're thinner than std. road tubes, so I don't expect puncture resistance, but I do expect them to survive for more than an hour or two inside of a brand new tire.
This latest batch from BTD has major issues. 2/3 (and the only two I've installed so far) blew out at the seam less than 10-15 minutes after installation. Bang! They weren't pinched, they just are too thin in places. 90 psi. I think the mfg. quality of these has become very inconsistent. I'm switching to a new tube. These are expensive (for what they are) wastes of time and money now.
Tube failed quickly. I know I didn't pinch it on installation, because it went on entirely without tools, using just the heel of my hands, AND it was slightly inflated and I was really careful. Plus, when it went flat in a few days, the problem turned out to be a pinhole on a flashing line with no sign of a crease. I think that's close to 100% chance that it was a manufacturing defect.
I've also noticed that both tires are losing air slowly (bad tube replaced), and they're only a few weeks old.
These tubes went on with brand-new Michelin racing tires, by the way, and rims and spoke tape were checked carefully before installation.
...but until I do, Continental tubes seem to have an edge on the rest of the competition. These are noticeably lighter and matched with my Conti 5000s, my puncture rate is noticeably lower than riding with other tires / tubes.
I had no problems installing these tubes, and so far about 1500 trouble free miles on them. To insure no twists or pinches or other seating problems, after installation I always pump my tires up to 20-40 psi initially, then deflate them all the way to let the tubes resettle naturally on the rim and within the tire casing. I then pump them up to full pressure. This seems to work for me as a standard practice. For backstory, I have new 700x23 continental 5000 tires on a Giant TCR with with Easton aluminum rims with 20K miles (on the bike and rims), and I'm about 160lb rider (on a good day). Between rides (every day or two) these tubes may lose a couple of psi, but certainly not much. Before every ride I inflate the rears to 120psi and the fronts to 115psi. I know this is high by most peoples standards, but I have ridden thousands of miles, hitting occasional potholes and road debris, with essentially zero flats, no broken spokes, by following these simple procedures. I honestly can't remember the last time I got a flat, and so far (1500 miles) these tubes don't disappoint.
Have bought four, used or still using three, one still on reserve, over the last year. These tubes have worked just fine, lasted well, failures have been reasonable when a thorn or wire or glass shard has penetrated. I've patched and re-used without issue. They are nice and light-weight, yet strong enough. No complaints. Satisfied. Intend to keep buying.
Continental Race Light tubes are very light (78 grams on my scale) and durable. Comes folded to easily fit in a jersey pocket or a small saddle bag. I have been using them for many years and I consider them to be the best dollar for dollar road tube on the market
I have Zipp 404 NSW wheels. These are the only tubes that fit without valve extenders. I ordered the the 80mm length and they work great with my 58mm rims.
I had been an exclusive Michelin tube person but their longest tube is 60 mm and it doesnt work with my 404s.
It is really nice not to have to bother with valve extenders.
Have been using these tubes for few years and now have had 3 of them just blow when riding which blows the tire off the rim when this happens. Two days ago I had just put new tires on my bike and 8 miles into the ride on a steep hill descending the front tube blew instantly. Bang it went at 20 mph I was on the ground in a flash on my left side. After a visit to ER room and multiple stitches in left knee and right hand I took a look at the bike to see if I could tell what happened. Tire bead was good and no damage on it. Rim OK no damage. Tube had 6 inch slit in a straight line were it blew. It was not twisted when installed. So my advice is the weight savings is not worth the risk of these blowing and causing a crash. I now have a lot of damage to my 10,000 bike to repair besides months off the bike recovering. I see other riders had the tubes blow also on a ride. I would not trust this product!
Compared to standard tubes (e.g., Conti Race) the Lights save 30g and about 1 watt per wheel (per bicyclerollingresistance.com). All for a couple of bucks extra. That's amazing value for money. I am using Conti Lights on both my road bikes, paired with 25mm GP4000 SII and GP5000 tires. I find the Lights to be very reliable, and not noticeably more prone to flats than standard weight tubes. I do always check to make sure the core is securely installed - I have had a couple of flats, with other tubes, caused by removable cores that weren't tight and leaked.
