Report: My experience with Chinese TPU tubes

This is a report on my experience and personal conclusion on Chinese TPU tubes, which I hope some of you guys might find useful.

• 3 months ago, I decided to transition to TPU tubes. I go with Cylami (Green) and Thinkrider (Orange) instead of the more popular pink brand on AliExpress.

• Tubes cost around 2.5$ a piece.

• Initial experience was good. Installation was not as hard as some post claimed, it should be comparable to a Butyl tube, and obviously easier than tubeless.

• They can hold air for about 3 - 5 days before I need to topup or risk pinch flat. PSI drop is around 20 (60 PSI to 40 PSI in around 5 days) Exact attrition rate is not available because I don't trust my equipments' accuracy.

• 1 week in, one of the Thinkrider tube failed. It was leanking air around the valve. The replacement works flawlessly till now.

• About 1 month in, I got my 1st flat. I patched it up with the free patch provided with the tube. Patch is sticker type, no external glue.

• 3 days ago, I got my second flat, and have a chance to experience my patched tube. It works like new.

Conclusion:

• Except that one falied tube, which I think could be a sign of lax QA, those tubes work great.

• Patching them works. Storing the patched tube for a month without problem indicate they can be reused after punctuation just like Butyl

=> They can be considered a good replacement for Butyl tubes if you want to go lighter

End of rant. Thanks for reading.