Vittoria spent the final yr researching supplies and manufacturing to attempt to produce a brand new era of light-weight interior tubes. With the bike firm’s newest product, the Extremely Mild Pace, it claims to have completed that objective.
In comparison with Vittoria’s normal butyl interior tubes, the brand new ones are 70 % lighter, 14 % sooner and 57 % extra immune to punctures. In case you’re apprehensive in regards to the setting, worry not, as these tubes are additionally recyclable.
Vittoria achieved its meant objective of extremely light-weight tubes by way of a not-so-secret ingredient referred to as thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU. Let’s take a more in-depth look.
Thermoplastic polyurethane
If the technical title of this materials sounds vaguely acquainted, that’s as a result of it’s all over the place. Google it and also you’ll get what we imply. Its excessive sturdiness and vast applicability, which Researchgate.web briefly summarizes right here, made it in style throughout industries and shopper merchandise.
Vittoria clearly agrees. TPU shouldn’t be solely recyclable, however versatile in its makes use of. It’s steady from 47°C all the way in which as much as 100°C (116°F-212°F), and retains its form even when stretched skinny, the corporate stated.
It’s additionally elastic, hermetic whereas retaining air stress, and immune to punctures. Even when it a bike owner does handle to puncture the tube, Vittoria maintains that it retains air longer when in comparison with butyl and latex.
In comparison with butyl interior tubes, which normally are 1mm thick, the TPU tubes measure simply 0.35mm. In consequence, they will solely be welded with “excessive frequency expertise,” Vittoria stated.
Vittoria’s information for riders
Pace freaks amongst cyclists might embrace the Extremely Mild Pace tubes for his or her capability to cut back the rolling resistance brought on by inner friction between the tire and the tube, Vittoria stated
“So if you happen to’re that rider who makes use of folding tube-type tires, that is the simplest technique to drop weight and make your tires roll sooner,” a spokesperson says within the above video. “In case you’re a tubeless rider, that is the last word accent to maintain in your jersey pocket or saddlebag as a result of it takes up no room and weighs subsequent to nothing.”
In case you want a refresher on these variations, take a look at this useful explainer from a Vittoria white paper.
An essential caveat: rim brakes plus TPU tubes equals no-no
Whereas TPU presents many advantages, it additionally has a big draw back. It’s extremely delicate to warmth above its established threshold.
“Excessive temperature is the sworn enemy of thermoplastic polyurethane,” Vittoria stated within the launch. In uncommon circumstances, rim brakes can overheat the rim to extraordinarily excessive temperatures, creating a possible security situation.
That’s why cyclists ought to solely use TPU tubes on bikes with disc brakes, the corporate stated.
“To ensure complete security for the rider, we advocate utilizing these interior tubes solely with bicycles geared up with disc brakes,” Vittoria emphasised.
Extremely Mild Pace closing particulars
Whereas Vittoria stated the TPU tubes resist most punctures, the Extremely Mild Pace nonetheless comes with a restore package included. If a puncture does occur, the restore package required is “not straightforward to search out,” Vittoria stated, electing to chuck one in together with the tubes.
In seeming distinction to the rarity the corporate claims over the package, it features a self-adhesive patch and a serviette.
The Extremely Mild Pace are available in a single size, however with an extendable valve. It’s accessible in 700x25c and 700x30c with a 60mm valve and a detachable Presta core. That makes the tube absolutely compatibility with any rim depth as much as 50mm. By eradicating the Presta core and utilizing valve extensions, the interior tubes may also be used with greater rim profiles, Vittoria stated.
The tubes promote for $30 every.
