These are super light tubes that you probably want to save for racing (though I've done a ton of training on them and don't get flats any more than anyone else i ride with).
I really like the valve stem length options too - the short one works great my low profile aluminum rims.
Another great feature is that they have removable valve cores so you can replace the core if you break it, and you can use the higher quality more reliable style of valve extenders (like those from Problem Solvers) if you need to extend them for super deep section rims.
This ultra light inner tube is great for racing or hill climbing where every once counts. Mine came in at exactly 45g on my postal scale. I use it for long century rides and hilly races. So far no flats or other issues after 4K miles. Just make sure to take extra precaution when installing it - avoid using tire levers if possible.
Being older and bigger than most of those that I ride with, and with a bad knee, I am always searching for an advantage to help me keep up with the peloton. When a friend purchased a new bike with lightweight tubes, I did some research and being a fan of Continental products I purchased 4 of the Supersonic tubes. I blew up the first one when inflating due to a pinch flat and decided to talc the additional tubes and no longer had this problem. Combining these tubes with the Conti GP 4000S with black chili, I could immediately tell the difference in rolling resistance and was much quicker especially riding uphill(2-3mph faster. On the down size I went through the remaining 3 tubes over around 600 miles with all of them flatting with a pinhole rubbing puncture where I would find the tube with around 30-40lbs the morning after a ride. I finally found that I had a small cut in the GP 4000's that barely went through to the inside with the slight nick on the inside of the tire rubbing through the thin tube after 300 miles or so whereas this would probably not flat a regular tube. A little nail polish or piece of a dollar bill cures this problem on a tire that has a few nicks. I still give these tires a high overall rating and even a 4 star on the value...because how can you put a price on a few extra mph and occasionly kicking a little booty. I will definitely be purchasing the Supersonics again.
I have rode with these tubes 500 miles in one week the Alps this summer and nary a flat.
They are light, not delicate and will definitely help with rotating weight where it counts going up hill. I did coat them with talc before installing and think this help to prevent pinching.
I ordered two of these to replace my latex tubes. Both of these failed at the seam near the valve without any sort of puncture. Easily patched, but I'm sure that it changes the weight of these, which was the reason for the purchase. The latex tubes were far more durable and less expensive but aren't recommended in my Zipp 303s.
It's light and packs easily into my flat kit. It is very thin so the only possible drawback is that you'll need to use extra care when installing it so that you don't pinch it.
Wow! You don't realize the added performance when climbing until you have experienced these light weight tubes. It is such a noticeable difference it puts a smile on your face. I just use them on very hilly long courses rather than everyday training tubes, but they are very easy to get addicted to because of the positive climbing edge they deliver.
Highly recommended.
I'm using these on a pair of Lightweight Standard C clinchers as the manufacturer specifically says not to use latex tubes. I've tried latex tubes. I get lots of flats, lots. There is also a learning curve with the installation and behavior of latex tubes. Having done all of that I was happy to find these butyl tubes at such a light weight, and, boy, do they roll!
I pair these with my race day tires, the Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX II. Fine ride, fine and fast.
They're a bit expensive for everyday training, but they've become one of my secret weapons on race day!
I've been experimenting with latex tubes. I've not been impressed. So many flats. I realize that there is a learning curve for latex tube installation, but even considering this, my experience has been disappointing.
When I found these butyl tubes at BTD, I was intrigued. The durability of butyl with the weight advantages of latex! I've got about 500 miles using these with Vittoria Open Corsa Evo tires. No flats. They hold air well, much better than latex, but not as good as heavier butyl tubes (as one might expect). The ride quality with this combination is extraordinary, even approaching that of my sweet tubulars. The cost... well... that is a sticking point...
In fairness, I'm 150 lbs and I ride on mostly good roads. If my good experience holds up over the life of the tires, I'll be buying more of these babies to mate with my race tires and wheels. IMHO, too expensive for use with my every day tires.
I love these tubes. They are incredibly light weight and hold up much better than the latex tubes I've tried with similar weight.
These obviously aren't for everyday riding. The tubes are very thin so you have to be very careful when installing them. They're much more susceptible to pinch flats so I wouldn't recommend them for rough roads, and even on smooth roads you need to make sure your tires are properly inflated.
On several occasions, the valve CORE unscrewed with obvious loss of all air pressurewhen I was attempting to merely unscrew the valve tip. I've never
had this happen with any other tube.
Most unreliable race tube I have ever used. Double flatted multiple times using different wheel sets. Buy a real tube and give yourself some confidence.
I'm in my mid-50's, and have been riding 50 to 100 miles a week in the Bay Area around Berkeley, CA, on a meticulously maintained LeMond Titanium road bike. I'm always looking for ways to lighten it up. Tried a couple of these with 2 new Michelin Pro4 Service Course tires on HED Ardennes SL rims. Over the course of a month and a half, both tubes have failed. Not from punctures, or bone-jarring potholes, just from irregularities in the pavement. I expect more than six weeks of typical use out of a $XX investment. Definitely not worth it.
I like the idea of light tubes, because in my experience they hold up as well as heavy tubes, and if a piece of glass cuts the tire no tube is safe anyway.
I am an old person 88 years but still build my own bikes. As you might think I am slowing down. I look for the lightest product I can find. The lighter the parts it gives me a slight edge of less weight to pedal around. The supersonic tube is the lightest of the bunch. It holds its pressure for well over a week. It is pricey for that purpose. With a puncher I have to toss it but does real good in that department. My riding on the bike trail for seven miles each day of the week.
