Tube type (normal, heavy or extra heavy duty)???

Hello friends again:

I am starting race season here in my country (Ecuador) and this is the second year using my FE450 `09

I use maxxis extra heavy duty tubes for enduro riding and they´ve work whell (no flat tires), buy I was wondering that if for the race season it will be better to use the normal ones or just the heavy duty tubes in order to improve handling and avoid hard giroscopic effects because of the tube weight.

In the races there are less chances of a flat tyre caused by a loose nail or something that I could find on the road when I go enduro driving.

So the question really is: in a close circuit with no hard hits will it be better (resulting in better handling or overall weight feeling of the bike) to use normal tubes or I should just stick with the extra heavy duty ones because weight and giroscopic effects doesn´t really feel in the bike changing tubes.

Thanks for answering and I appreciatte anyone who has compare feelings changing tubes.

Ps. The Maxxis X Heavey Duty Tubes are really heave and thick, maybe 3 or 4 times more than a normal tube.

Sebastian

Heres my view, however I am no Pro Racer though,
I have noticed on this site a few people who make comments on how heavier tyres can affect the bikes performance, and they seem to chase down lighter tyres for the bike just to get that bit extra.I thought this was streching things a bit far at first, however, at the moment I have heavy tyres and ultra heavy 4mm tubes in the bike.
I have had some issues with over shooting the odd corner , a lag on braking and the power has become smoother in acceleration. I had looked at the brake pads for wear and so forth before taking note of the tyres and tubes,I believe it now, that you can tell there is a difference from the added weight of tyres and tubes on the bike.A lot more weight to slow down when braking and more there as well when accelerating.It also appeared to require more effort to flick the bike with the rear brake when turning as well.Although the tubes are far less weight than the tyres, it would be fair to say that they to, could have a small effect on the bike in a simular way on their own, wether or not you would be able to feel anything is the question?
I have ripped around the odd race track and there is nothing worse when your on your last breath giving it your best when you notice it is time to change a tube and you really didnt have the spare energy to do it!! For me, i hate changing out tubes,i would spent an extra 2 hours practicing on the bike, than run lighter tubes, however I ride in rough terrain and am not a pro racer.

Funny you should ask............

I ride/race desert here in the American south west and for years have run 6 ply heavy duty tires-Pirell MT-18's- and 4mm tubes with slime in them. Definitely a flat prevention program, as well as run flat technology!

However, since the change in Pirelli tires from their MT-18 line to the SCMH scorpion's, the tires IMHO no longer work as well, so my love affair with Pirelli is over and I'm off to find some tires to replace them ( yes Fritz, another ex LOL)

The main problem in handling with heavy tires and tubes, which the Pirelli's were very heavy indeed, is the amount of unsprung weight. The more the unsprung weight, the more the wheel doesn't want to move initially, and the more it wants to keep moving once set in motion. The heavier tire/wheel weight, the less responsive the suspension will be. So, while my heavy duty tire/ heavy duty tube set up was very flat resistant, I didn't realize how much it had affected handling until recently.

I called Fritz the other day and asked what tires he ran, as the Gunnison area has a very wide variety of terrain, from sharp edged rocks to hard pack clay. He suggested Bridgestone 403/404 front/rear tires. The difference in how the bike feels is amazing, and how much better the tires work is also amazing. The suspension felt a lot softer, and more compliant, and the front end really stuck in the loose sand. And the 403's are probably half the weight of the Pirelli's.

To your point, I am still going to run the 4mm tubes and slime to prevent pinch flats, and to seal up punctures in the tubes. So I'd stay with the thick tubes since you are riding enduro's and go with some really good tires to improve the handling.

I prefer fresh regular with lots of powder.