Latex Inner Tube - worth the extra dollars?

IMO yes. I've used them at many 70.3s without a problem. They do seem to help with speed, but then again on race day I have the whole enchilada (aero wheels, aero helmet, racing tires, latex tubes, etc.)

 IMHO- Not worth the $$ & hassle (latex leaks air faster, harder to patch well) for the minor speed advantage (if any).

Some tests seem to confirm that latex tubes may be SLIGHTLY faster that butyl tubes, but many argue the difference is statistically insignificant. 

www.biketechreview.com did some extensive testing a few years ago & found an advantage for latex tubes of about 1.3 watt (less rolling resistance) with a common race clincher (Michelin ProRace2) at 40kph (25mph).  For a 70kg rider on the flats with no wind that is less than 0.5% of total power- which is less than the documented variance of the power meter used (SRM- see Gardner A et al: Medicine Sci Sports Exerc July 2004).  OTOH- The difference  observed by BTR between various 20-23c well-known tires was up to 12+watts (4.6%- which IS significant). 

Conclusion- I worry a whole lot more about choosing the best tire than latex vs butyl tubes. 

I don't see why it has to be one or the other when you can do both. Also I personally haven't experienced any faster leaks that could affect me during race. I think it was Tom A. IIRC at ST who did testing showing a reduction on Crr when using latex tubes vs. butyl. Also BTR latest posted Crr testing done Nov 2008 for instance shows a Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX (23)/Mich Latex Tube (22/23) @ .00261 Crr or 12.8 watts x wheel vs. Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX (23)/Butyl Tube @ .00307 Crr or 15.1 watts x wheel (I used that example cuz is the 1^st tire tested with both kind of tubes)

Is that significant? Depending who you ask; using analytical cycling it would be worth 42 sec  savings for a 40K. For no big difference $ wise I don’t see why not take advantage of some free speed

But it is a big difference $$$-wise. I'm looking at $2/tube butyl vs $10/tube latex.

Still, I plan on trying them... It's cheaper than paying for a coach!

when I meant there is no much $ difference I meant latex vs premium butyl tubes (i.e. bonti x lite). The cheaper the tube the less it will mold into the shape of the tire hence the higher Crr; that's why latex tubes work so wheel to improve rolling resistance.

FYI - I only use latex tubes for racing and use cheap butyl tubes for training.

I race primarily on tubulars and most high quality tubulars have latex tubes so it is a non-issue for me.  However, when I race on clinchers I go with the best tire/tube combo I can which is going to involve latex tubes.

Consider an AG triathlete with an FTP of 200W; if they can save 5 watts (2.5 watts per wheel), they have effectively improved their FTP by 2.5% with zero training (and it only gets better with a lower FTP).

Shane

I use 'em, but just for racing.  The claims appear true based on the testing (results appear consistent when testing different tires).

It's a good idea to use a butyl spare though since the latex does not play well with CO2 (assuming you are using CO2 cartridges for reairing your flats in races).

that is what I have on my jets. Michelin Pro Race 3 and Michelin Latex tubes.

Felt pretty good on my first race. It was just the legs that didn't