I bought a set of heavy duty tubes (Cycle Gear Double Tough model) thinking it would be a no-brainer to put these in an get a little extra anti-flat security but these things are off-gassing like crazy while they've been sitting in the garage. I haven't bought tubes for years but I seem to remember the German/Japanese tubes I used to use never being quite so smelly. Thinking now that the increased thickness will be offset by cheap manufacturing... and I should just leave the stock tubes in (2010, 2500mi). Could the stock tubes actually be better against flats than these???

 

I don't really know much about that brand of HD tube, but there really aren't a ton of tube and/or tire manufacturers in the world in reality. They're probably made by someone like Kenda or the like. I doubt they'll be a problem. I never liked HD tubes on most of my dirt bikes because they were so stinking heavy, and especially with my KLX there's not a lot of power to spare...along with the additional unsprung weight. Many people use them and like them, however. I prefer the Neutech Tubliss setup, but people have different preferences.

 

The Bridgestone hd tubes are very thick. Way better than the Kenda brand

 

You may be looking at two different tubes. Bridgestone has an HD tube and a UHD tube...both the thicker, tougher style tube. However, the UHD tube is hugely thicker than most HD tubes out there...around 7mm or so. The Kenda and Bridgestone HD tubes are basically the same thickness...around 3mm...which is still noticeably thicker than a regular tube. I think Michelin makes two HD tubes also.

 

Who's gonna notice when you're riding?

 

Well, I'm not particularly against the use of HD tubes, but you will have more noticeable unsprung weight and just overall weight in general. They're also a bugger to change on the trail...or not so bad if you're replacing with a regular tube on the trail. Everything's a compromise.