I started using Aerothan tubes a few months ago. While I am not doing roll down tests or otherwise testing to accurately measure rolling resistance, I feel very fast with these tubes and a high performance, low rolling resistance tire. The tubes are easy to install and very strong. I finally managed to develop a slow leak in one, by hitting a pothole so hard it would have pinch flatted any other tube. I just ordered two more...
I am now using these in my light weight climbing road bike wheels, my fast carbon aero wheels, and my winter training wheels... the tubes are very light, very low rolling resistance and very durable, so an optimum choice for each of those uses. I am an ex amateur racer and still doing group rides with younger, fitter, faster racers, so need all the help I can get.
I've been using the 700c version on my regular training bike for a few months. The ride quality is nice; perhaps a tad better than latex. Not scientific, but I went about twice as long without a puncture, which could be luck. However, patches aren't available ANYWHERE and those that have tried the Schwalbe patches seem to find they fail. Not worth it compared to good latex or butyl which you get much more life out of for a small weight difference.
If you like super low-maintenance like me, you probably like the idea of fewer flats, and tubeless sounds like a hassle (having to replace slime every once in a while). So to reduce punctures on my daily commute I went with Schwalbe Marathon tires and these more puncture-resistant tubes (and lighter tube weight helps offset the heavier tires a bit...although I was actually impressed that the tires aren't crazy heavy considering their much thicker construction)
Ordered a pair of these for road bike, 700x25 tires. They are lighter than latex and seem to not lose air as fast as latex do overnight or a day or so. Don't have too many miles with them yet, but they seem comparable to latex in ride quality, maybe not quite as supple. They make mounting tires easy with their small profile when just enough air is added to keep them from twisting when you are putting them in between the tire and rim. Can't speak on puncture resistance since I don't have many hours on them, but sos far so good. They are a bit pricey for tubes.
These things ride smooth and I can tell the difference even against Continental supersonics. I purchased them for their flat avoidance claims first but was curious about ride quality.
These tubes are expensive! For the price of one tube you can get 10 cheap, heavy, poorly constructed, flat prone, toxic chemical laden tubes straight from a Chinese sweat shop. So yeah, I paid more but my expectations were to avoid those issues.
I was let down as I had a flat within 2 months of purchase and claims of patchability are poor (tpu does not repair the same as butyl). Simply finding special Schwalbe glueless patches are currently almost impossible. It's most likely this tube will be going in the trash, a shame as I can buy a tire at that cost.
I was very surprised by the ride quality changes. I have 700x28 tires and run 70psi which probably helps. I have never tried latex, but I was able to pump these suckers up once a week with the pressure off only a couple psi.
Even in light of the issues I will give them at least one more try. The ride that incurred the flat was a day after rains with roads still wet and that breeds flat inducing situations, this was not a pinch flat, no snake bite. These are also very space saving and keeping one as a spare may let you keep an additional inflator in your bag.
I purchased these tubes because they were touted as being puncture resistant. I've only done one ride on them, of about 70 miles. No punctures on the ride but that usually happens, fortunately, on most rides. So, I can't comment on the puncture resistance.
What I can comment on, and what leads me to review them so soon, is how well they improve the performance of the bike. From the first pedal stroke, the bike felt quicker and more responsive. They won't move you from the rear of the peloton to the front, but you'll definitely notice an improvement in your performance.
So, even if the prove to be only as puncture resistant as regular tubes, I'd still purchase them. They just ride better.
I have only two negative comments about them: (1) They are expensive, especially for a tube; $30 for one tube is very high, even way higher than latex tubes. (2) They only come in one value-stem length. I needed to purchase separate valve-stem extenders to use them with my wheels. I don't know whether the price can be decreased but I am hopeful that Schwalbe will start offering them with longer valve stems.
I have these tubes installed on my new Giant Defy, running Schwalbe Pro ONE TLE tires. When you think about how much you pay to save weight, these tubes represent an excellent investment. As noted by another review, they hold air very well. They are MUCH lighter than conventional tubes, and saving weight that rotates really pays off. Installation was very easy, but I did need a valve extender (core is removable). At this point, I do not have lots of miles, but I will slowly add these tubes to all my bikes over time. I am sold!!
Bought this on a whim after reading about the technology. First off, installation is actually easier than a regular tube. It easily slides in the tire casing without snagging and is very slippery. Pumped it up and was ready to ride in less than 5 minutes. My first thoughts when riding was you do feel a noticeable change in how the bike rides. The bike feels lighter more responsive smoother and faster. The tire also holds air for over a week without a change in air pressure. I have ridden only about a week or 100 miles so far but so far so good. Time will tell how puncture resistant these are. Yes $30 is a lot for tube but if you think about for $60 you can get a major change to your ride it makes it justifiable. Recommended!
I decided to try these based on the description and because of my recent rash of flats. I really had no expectations for these tubes to change my cycling experience - but they have! The difference in rolling resistance is noticeable from the first rpm's. The bike is so much more responsive and comfortable. These tubes actually hold pressure even better than the race light butyl tubes I had used. After only a total of 45 miles though the jury is still out on puncture resistance/durability. But so far the Aerothan tubes are definitely game-changers.
Not patchable, 6 tubes for wife and my bike, great until puncture, patches due not stick, especially when weather is hot. At first patches were not available, found some in Europe, very expensive shipping, patches due not stay sealed, form a spider like air leak under patch, Cleaned tube surface with sand paper and alcohol all patches failed after several weeks. Stay away, shame on Schwalbe.
I bought 3 of these expensive inner tubes due to their claimed puncture resistance. One still suffered a puncture. One had an air leak at the valve not fixable by tightening. The third has lasted a few weeks ok. No way are they worth it.
I can carry two of these at about the same weight as one regular tube. I have had to install one of these on the side of the road and use a stem extension. Worked great. The valve is removable. The ride isn't bad. The tube is pricey but not that bad compared to other weight saving options.
I use these with training wheels/tires for winter riding because I do not want to flat (they are very puncture resistant). I use them with lightweight climbing wheels because they are so light. And I use them with medium depth aero wheels because I want to go fast and these are low rolling resistance.
I blew out an Aerothan on a steep decent when I hit a rock. It just popped and deflated instantly. No tire damage (Conti Grand Prix 5Ks). Aerothans may be puncture resistant, but they are definitely not impact resistant. Don't know when I can repair it since the required Schwalbe patch kit is currently unavailable.
The tubes are very light, install easily, and provide a great ride.
However, two of six I bought failed right out of the box, just don't hold air. Another had the valve easily damaged when removing a pump head.
I think they need further development.
I have installed two of these tubes on two different bikes and they seem to roll a bit faster, are lighter and, I have had no flats thus far. I just ordered another tube to put on the rear of my Wife's bike.
