Slime Tube protector (not sealant) - any good?

pburns

I read online all about the advantages and disadvantages of Slime tyre sealant and the extra weight and complication they add. However has anyone any experience of the newer tube protector product? Very little info online about this...

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=7837

Where I live thorn protection is a must, especially in the upcoming summer months. When hedgecutting starts I won't be able to travel 200 yards down the road without getting a puncture and on the off-road route I take some protection is a must all year round.

I've read this protector can cause 'friction flats' but otherwise heard very little good or bad.

Also - are Armidillo tyres as bad in the wet as I heard? I'm collecting a Trek road bike next week so fitting Armidillos would probably be too expensive but just wondering what the best options are?

Lumen

I fitted those to a BMX, and never got a flat.

They are quite heavy. I wouldn't want them on a road bike.

rottenhat

I used Mr Tuffy for a while which is similar - they work well as long as you don't get anything through the sidewall of the tire. The one thing you need to watch out for is accidentally folding the strip - the pointy bit at the fold can be sharp enough to puncture your tube. I'd probably be inclined to just use puncture resistant tires these days though - Conti Gatorskins, Specialized Armadillos, there's a Schwalbe one too that's supposed to be good but I don't remember the name. It's just less faffing about if and when you do get a puncture.

I haven't had any problems with Armadillos in the wet, but I take corners pretty easy in wet conditions - if you know that they don't grip well in the wet, then you can just be careful while you get a sense for how far you can take them.

christeb

The 'dillos aren't great in the wet, although you'll quickly get a feel for this and adjust your speed accordingly. Got my first puncture on them yesterday - quite gutted! That's after ca. 1800 km of city riding. I wouldn't want to put them onto any road bike I'd get - too heavy / ugly / lack of grip

pburns

Lumen wrote: »

I fitted those to a BMX, and never got a flat.

They are quite heavy. I wouldn't want them on a road bike.

I know the wheel is the last place you want extra weight but the material feels pretty light, especially the thin sliver that would go on a racing tyre. Also a hell of a lot lighter than a tube full of slime.

Maybe you're right, I dunno, just wouldn't think it'd be a HUGE drawback...

rottenhat wrote: »

The one thing you need to watch out for is accidentally folding the strip - the pointy bit at the fold can be sharp enough to puncture your tube. I'd probably be inclined to just use puncture resistant tires these days though - Conti Gatorskins, Specialized Armadillos, there's a Schwalbe one too that's supposed to be good but I don't remember the name. It's just less faffing about if and when you do get a puncture.

Yeah, I heard that about friction wear at the join. That's the major downside I see. A mixture of sanding down the ends and using electrical tape seems to do the trick.

I've just checked the specs and the Bontrager Galaxy tyres on the hybrid are claimed to be 'puncture resistant' but not on the 7.5... At this stage I think I'll chance the protector. I'm certainly fitting it to the off-road bike I have.

Lumen

My wife's Pashley has the sort of hub gears/brakes that make me never, ever want to change a flat. It came with Schwalbe Marathon Plus as standard, and I've seen these specced on other city/touring bikes.

I wouldn't choose them or Armadillios personally, but that's because I haven't had a single puncture on my Gatorskin skinnies or Vittoria cross tyres since I started riding again last autumn.

now I'm cursed

victorcarrera

After a winter of discontent with many punctures I decided to get serious with this irritating problem and tried slime tube protector on my road training bike.
Some points to note:
Firstly, on inspecting the product it seems strong and flexible and equivalent to doubling the thickness and hence protection for your tube.
Fitting is somewhat tedious as you must ensure it stays in place while fitting the tube and inflating.
The example you show is for a 26 inch wheel and not suitable for your road bike (too short and too wide). You need the 27 inch (700c) version which can be got on ebay for similar price.
When fitting don't cut the tape but overlap the ends.
Unless you are racing the extra weight is insignificant compared to the weight of tools, spares, food, drink etc you will be carrying.
I have had no punctures in four months and approx 2000Km since using this and am hoping for greater use from my tires. I have ridden rear tyre down to the canvas before changing.
I inflate to 110-120psi and haven't experienced the friction problem stated earlier.
Some tips: Before going out run your hand over the tyre to check for any sharp objects that you may have picked up. As far as possible watch out for and avoid potholes and gravel patches on the road as this is where I got most punctures.