Slime Inner Tubes

[Poppiecock]

What's everyone's thoughts on these?

I run Gatorskin tyres on my road bike (used for training, occasional commuting, duathlon / triathlons and sportive) and haven't had a puncture in nearly 2 years.

However, I took the precautionary measure of putting slime inner tubes in before Nightrider London - and had 2 punctures, neither of which sealed properly with the slime. Which makes them a complete waste of time.

We also tried Weldtite's equivalent on her Pendleton 'Dutch' bike - and had a puncture first ride, despite not having one since buying the bike a couple of years ago.

I'm giving up - just swapped a flat Slime tube for a standard Conti tube in the front wheel of my road bike (the rear was done at 12.20am on Nightrider) ready for the Castle Combe Duathlon this Wednesday.

[anonymous-user]

It takes a few minutes to change a tube, and you don't end up covered in crap.

Same argument for not using tubeless tyres, which also don't work (in my experience) on a road bike with a fat bloke riding.

[deadtom]

I've tried them in the past and my conclusion echos yours; slime tubes are expensive, heavy and crap.

[egomeister]

Crazy heavy, but I found they helped against the thorn punctures that I got when riding down canal towpaths.

[ukbabz]

I guess it depends on the type of riding. I use them on my MTB and ride through tonnes of thorns and they stand up pretty well.

Last time I changed my tyres over I pulled out 8/9 thorns that had punctured and re-sealed.

Not had any issues with tubeless on my road bike (Giant's tubeless system) in 1.6k km

[Maracus]

ukbabz said:

Not had any issues with tubeless on my road bike (Giant's tubeless system) in 1.6k km

No issues with tubeless in over 7k on my Giant either. I'm very impressed with them, despite being a Luddite initially

I use a SLime inner tube on the rear of my winter bike. No punctures in 1K miles.

[Lovey1]

Put Slime tubes in my Wife's hybrid and the best thing i ever did. No more phone calls to her "mechanic" to drive out and replace a tube !! Personally i would not fit them on my own bike. Heavy and can be a bit messy but I think if I was using it for commuting i may feel differently.

[Poppiecock]

Maybe I've just been unlucky - but 3 punctures in the space of a couple of weeks where Slime should have saved the day, but didn't, says to me they're a waste of time.

Looking at online reviews, you either love them or hate them - no middle ground at all.