Latex tube longevity

Tech
1

Has anyone had latex tubes degrade on them? I understand they are expected to perish after about a year but I’ve been using a single pair (Michelin green ones) with the same tyres for over 5 years at this point. The tyres (GP 5k’s) are beyond their wear limiters now so I’m going to stop using them. The tubes however have given no trouble over their lifespan. They were installed with talc when new and have survived year after year. Used only in summer time with max temps around 25C and essentially no humidity.

Do I dispose of them or continue to use?

2

I think it’s wise to err on the side of replacing tires and tubes frequently for road bikes. We are literally entrusting life and limb to an inch of rubber.

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3

I’ve had my latex tubes (Vittoria) last multiple seasons, fixing flats to keep them going, year ‘round.

Talc, btw, doesn’t really offer much benefit and can be a heath hazard.

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4

Ozone is the enemy of latex (and other rubbers), causing oxidative cracking. There are ozone resistant formulations of latex, presumably Michelin has used one. If the tube is still flexible it is probably OK.

FWIW if you inflate with nitrogen the problem goes away.

I occasionally use latex tubes to compress composites in odd shapes whilst curing. I have a couple of old Silcas that I must have bought ten years ago and are still flexible.

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