I only buy smooth stem tubes. I stopped using threaded tubes years ago as the threads were chewing up the o-rings in my pumps. That doesn't happen anymore with the smooth stems. I seriously don't know why any manufacturer still makes threaded stems. They serve no purpose other than to damage your pumps. These tubes are perfect for my needs.
What I love about these Michelin tubes is that the stem is smooth, not threaded. That means they do not wear out the grommet in my pump head. Since I air my tires before every ride, the threaded stems I previously used did compromise the pump grommets. Not any more! And, the customer service (when I went to pick up my tubes) was excellent. On the phone order the rep was helpful in getting the best price. Then, when I went to the store for pick up, I was delighted to find it open for some shopping and helpful conversation with the sales rep. I look forward to getting back to BTD. A great service for our biking community. Thank you!
I only use smooth stem tubes on my bikes as they do not tear up the o-ring seal on my pump. Smooth stems are hard to find as most manufacturers insist on putting the unneeded threads on their tubes. However they are available here at a decent price. These are good quality tubes too. I have been using them for many years and have never had a flat as a result of a fault of the tube.
Michelin tubes seem to have a better quality stem than other brands. The presta valve just seems to have a more substantial feel to it than others. The tubes hold full pressure longer than others, not necessary to check pressure before every ride. Not sure if it is the quality of the rubber or just better construction. Before getting these tubes, I thought a tube is a tube, they all hold air, but apparently some do it better than others!
I'm lazy and don't like to pump up tires before every ride. Michelin Airstops loose pressure at a very low rate, so I inflate on Friday and ride all weekend secure in the knowledge that my tires are still in the set pressure range. I also love the smooth valve stems as they don't chew up the rubber seal on my track pump.
I matched A1 air stop tubes with Michelin pro 4 tires witch worked out really well, these tubes a good buy for the money seem to hold air longer and have a nice smooth valve I'm satisfied and feel others will be too.
There's nothing I don't like about A1 Airstops. They have the right balance of lightness and puncture resistance. The valves are smooth so they don't chew up the chuck on my air pump. The 40mm stem length is perfect for HED Ardennes and other low-profile wheels.
Good tube for 25 mm wide tires. I prefer the quality of Michelin tubes over others, less seam splitting and the slightly extra rubber helps resist those tiny pin pricks that can damage ultra light tubes. Probably want something lighter to stay competitive for racing. But if you don't like sitting on the side of the road fixing flats during training or recreational rides give these a try. I use tires weighing 215 to 240 gms on my road bike on city and country roads.
Size and Weight Michelin states on the box 700x1823. This site says 1825. On modern wide rims many 23mm tires actually measure 25mm. For example, Conti GP4000S II 23mm tires measure 25mm wide on my rims. I find these tubes still work fine, probably because they are average weight and a bit thicker than the lightweight Michelin AirCOMP. My 40mm AirSTOP tubes weigh 95 grams each (my 40mm AirCOMP tubes weigh 75 grams each).
Smooth Valve I prefer smooth valves because the don't chew up my pump head internal seal. I just make sure I have at least 15mm of smooth stem sticking out above the rim but 20mm is probably better if you have a pump head that is old.
Even though the description does not say anything about the valve core, I bought these because someone complained that the cores came out when they used screw-on pumps. Unfortunately that information was incorrect. These do not have removable valve cores.
I've been using these for years now and they are high quality tubes that hold air reliably. I buy these specifically because I like the smooth presta valve vs. the threaded one.
My experience with a half dozen of these was different from most reviewers. Out of a half dozen purchased from BTD at a discount price, 3 have so far (within a year) either had the valve stem screw first bend, then break off entirely, or had the valve core blow out entirely from the valve them when inflating them. Today I was stranded 20 miles from home with no way to repair either of the two Michelin tubes I had along. This is on top of the valve cores liking to unscrew themselves if you use a pump with a screw-on chuck like Lezyne. (Though all tubes with replaceable cores have this problem.) Beware!
