Slime... Who uses it?

[mot]

I've been told of this product before here on Mud.

Since then I've gotten numerous flat tires (as recently as this week) and quite frankly I'M TIRED OF IT/THEM!!!

Curious to see if any of you run it/them and what you think of them, as well as any experience you might have had with the product.

I'm running the 700x28/32C French (Called Presta???) valve now.

And I'm retarded when it comes to bikes (also), but/so can I get their Smart Bike Tube size "700x28-35mm" or is there something else that I can/should choose?

Any advice or suggestions, as well as experience will be very much appreciated!

The way I figure now is that even if it makes it a bit heavier to pedal it would be worth it if I can kiss flat tires good-bye!!!

 

[ravewoofer]

Mot,
I've never used slime or similar products on my mtb, however, from what I have read in bike magazines, it's a well regarded product that really works. Tire and rim technology has advanced so much recently, that on mountain bikes, you can ride tubeless. The catch.....you need to add slime.

 

[Lugboot]

What kind of flats are you getting? Are they punctures from running over thorns/glass/nails/etc., or are they pinch flats or snake bite from hitting obstacles like curbs or large rocks?

A pinch flat is what happens when you bottom out the tire and tube against something and hit the rim. The impact cuts the tube between the object and the rim. These kind of flats won't be helped very much by Slime or any other tire sealant.

Higher tire pressure or bigger tires or really tough tubes will help with pinch flats.

If you are mainly getting punctures from running over debris, then Slime filled tubes will help.

 

[MANUCHAO]

MOT

I never used Slime but I have used Stan's no Tubes or NoTubes.com - About Our Tubeless System

Great product...

No flats so far.....

 

[landcruising]

If you are getting a lot of flats you may still have a thorn in the tire you did not see, happend to me several times. I used slim sucessfully and it was much better that some of the tire inserts that add too much weight. Again it is only good for small thorns and will gum up valve stems a bit. The easiest thing i found to do was buy a case of tubes and bring an extra instead of patching on the trail

 

[mot]

Mot,
I've never used slime or similar products on my mtb, however, from what I have read in bike magazines, it's a well regarded product that really works. Tire and rim technology has advanced so much recently, that on mountain bikes, you can ride tubeless. The catch.....you need to add slime.

This is going to sound like another retarded question, but what are the benefits of going tubeless (weight, maintenance, durability, etc...?)

What kind of flats are you getting? Are they punctures from running over thorns/glass/nails/etc., or are they pinch flats or snake bite from hitting obstacles like curbs or large rocks?

A pinch flat is what happens when you bottom out the tire and tube against something and hit the rim. The impact cuts the tube between the object and the rim. These kind of flats won't be helped very much by Slime or any other tire sealant.

Higher tire pressure or bigger tires or really tough tubes will help with pinch flats.

If you are mainly getting punctures from running over debris, then Slime filled tubes will help.

I used to ride over curbs and stuff when I had my Paramount MTB, but now that I have a cross bike I have both of the tires planted firmly on the pavement, well most of the time!

I'm just getting little metal and glass fragments.
So hopefully Slime would be helpful!

MOT

I never used Slime but I have used Stan's no Tubes or NoTubes.com - About Our Tubeless System

Great product...

No flats so far.....

Well, I'll give it a read and see what it involves!

If you are getting a lot of flats you may still have a thorn in the tire you did not see, happend to me several times. I used slim sucessfully and it was much better that some of the tire inserts that add too much weight. Again it is only good for small thorns and will gum up valve stems a bit. The easiest thing i found to do was buy a case of tubes and bring an extra instead of patching on the trail

I try to remember to check and remove the crap that caused flats. I almost forget sometimes though!

I also carry two tubes and the patch kit when I go riding, just in case! But I find it cumbersome to having to get off the bike and change the tube, etc... getting my body cold, etc...

It sounds like these products actually do work and do a pretty good job!

When I did a search on Slime's site for retailers I saw Sports Authority (in the US), but I don't recall seeing them at the one that is in a shopping mall in my town.

Thanks, guys for your input/advice!!

 

[wxm]

Unlike the conventional clincher tire, the tubular is a "tire" directly glue to the rim. Because of no inflation limitation, it offers lower rolling resistance, and higher thread count. That is probably the main reason why it is so popular among the racing community. On the other hand, however, if you ever need to replace a tubular tire, it is so painful, as you have to remove it off the rim, cleanup the old glue. Not to mention, to glue the tire on properly requires some practices. That alone is enough to keep most of recreational riders to stay away. It seems to be yet another long lasting argument in the bicycle community of which one is better. IMO, it is pretty much personal preference. That's said, if you are use to 700x28, you probably don't care too much about rolling resistance, I probably wouldn't bother with tubular either.

To answer your first question. I used the slimes on my mountain bikes - never get a flat yet (knock on the wood). However, I have never tried on my road bike. To me, it might not work well under 90psi regardless what they are made of... Another thing you might want to try is to replace the tire. I usually try a newer tire after repeat flats. The newer threads do help.

 

[2mbb]

I have a few road bikes and run different tires. I find that I get more flats with some tires than others. I have good luck with continental ties (the grand prix and super sport). I was using another tire on one of my bikes sold by Rivendell (but made in Japan), but it would flat quite often. I'm now trying a Panaracer tire sold by Soma Fabrications (called new xpress) that has a puncture resistant casing. It seems pretty good and you can it in bigger sizes than the grand prix. You can also purchase a liner that fits between the tube and the tire that helps prevents flats.

If you get repeat flats and can't find something in the tire, be sure check that your rim strip is in good condiction and that there are no spokes poking through. The lightweight plastic rim strips are not very good. It's better to replace them with a good quality cloth rim strip.

 

[ravewoofer]

I don't ride tubless mtb tires (not the same as tubular tires) because I'm happy with the regular system, but I believe the main benefit is no pinch flats. There simply is no inner tube to get squished between the tire and rim. Since there's no possibilit of pinch flats, one can ride the tires on lower pressure for better tire contact and a cushier ride. Some weight weenies will ride a tubeless tire on a regular rim to save on rolling resistance, etc., but that's a bit risky and certainly would void a few manufacturer warranties.

Tire technology has advanced so much, that if one picks the correct components, it becomes very hard to pinch flat. I used to get a couple flats a month, but last year, with a few changes I lucked out with ZERO pinch flats. It's a real bugger to change a mtb tire in the woods with mosquitos trying to eat you alive while working on the tire!

 

[Basie]

Hi

Been using Slime as well as a local product called Sludge on MTB tires. It really works and saved me a lot of flats, but no protection against pinch flats and a really large thorn will still spoil your day. Tubeless MTB works and will be on my next tire change, but you still add slime. Pressures on road bike to high to make slime useful. Just hope and cary a spare tube

 

[mot]

Thanks guys!!

I guess although my tires are not that old they're starting to show signs of wear a little. I might have to consider replacing them sometime in the near future, as well as giving Slime (or similar product) a chance!

 

[mustardfj40]

I used slime during my long distance touring on my mountain bike, I used the _light_ version of the tubes, I did not have single flat, it was a big deal to me because, you wouldn't want to fix a flat on a loaded-up mountain bike with panniers, bags,...in middle of nowhere, and you are committed to reach your destination before dark (or all hell could break loose).

Normally, I use the ultra light normal tubes without slime. Ya don't want a heavy bike for no good reason!

 

[Ruadhrigh]

check out Specialized's Air Lock tubes. Much better than Slime brand IMO. Also TrueGoo is another great brand, I use both on mountain and road. Tough tires add a lot of puncture resistance too.

 

[mot]

I used slime during my long distance touring on my mountain bike, I used the _light_ version of the tubes, I did not have single flat, it was a big deal to me because, you wouldn't want to fix a flat on a loaded-up mountain bike with panniers, bags,...in middle of nowhere, and you are committed to reach your destination before dark (or all hell could break loose).

Normally, I use the ultra light normal tubes without slime. Ya don't want a heavy bike for no good reason!

Thanks!

check out Specialized's Air Lock tubes. Much better than Slime brand IMO. Also TrueGoo is another great brand, I use both on mountain and road. Tough tires add a lot of puncture resistance too.

I probably have not seen any of these products in Japan, but I probably just have not looked for them hard enough.

The only thing that came even close was a tube that was filled/made with a hard sponge-like material which was pretty heavy and would ride/handle awful!!

 

[wxm]

Just curious, you don't ride Keirin? I thought Keirin is big in Japan.

 

[mot]

Keirin, LOL!!

It's a form of gambling, like horse races (not as glamarous:sp).

I guess it is a sport, but I just don't know enough about it as I have little interest in it.

How do you know Keirin? Is it well known among cyclists or something??

 

[wxm]

Keirin, LOL!!

It's a form of gambling, like horse races (not as glamarous:sp).

I guess it is a sport, but I just don't know enough about it as I have little interest in it.

How do you know Keirin? Is it well known among cyclists or something??

Japanese Keirin bikes are quire desirable in NY and Philly area. I know someone even brought back one from Japan (crazy?). At one point, I also got one from eBay too...

 

[mot]

Japanese Keirin bikes are quire desirable in NY and Philly area. I know someone even brought back one from Japan (crazy?). At one point, I also got one from eBay too...

I had NO idea!

I guess they're light and strong and are single speed(s)?

I'll have to check them out and see how much they go for!

 

[wxm]

I had NO idea!

I guess they're light and strong and are single speed(s)?

I'll have to check them out and see how much they go for!

Fixed (precisely track).

 

[Topoguide]

Mot,

I have not ridden on road tires for a long time, I am strictly MTB now. But I do use slime, it works great and has saved me MANY times in the past. (Some say it is a must have item here in the desert with all the thorns, etc.)

Recently though I have upgraded tires and have not seen any punctures where the slime saved me. The tires I upgraded to are in the Specialized Armadillo line. I would not go with anything less now.