I had wondered about the question of powdering inner tubes for a long time myself. However, you forget to mention the one benefit of the powder -- that is the impressive cloud of powder that occurs when your tube and tire fail simultaneously and explode with a bang like a gunshot. The cloud of powder, combined with the sudden, frightening noise is an excellent way to terrify passers-by and make them think something really serious has just occurred.
I'm having a hard time letting go of the powdering the tubes thing 😉 I've switched to cornstarch baby powder years ago due to the hazards. I haven't really seen it be a problem when wet. Then again, I'm not sure I've done a tube change in a downpour either. Pretty sure that the nominal amounts will just wash off. Might be interesting if it gets wet and then dries inside.
However, the real reason for the note is on wax temperature. I found that removal at the 'right' temperature makes a big difference in the results. When I was 'guessing', I'd often end up with it a bit too cool and a LOT of extra wax coming out with the chain. (Easily consuming double or more wax on parts that don't need it and only flake off as you run it in). When too hot, it SEEMED too runny and I worry not enough was retained but I can't prove this one. But once I switched to a thermostat-controlled melt at recommended temperature, it comes out thoroughly, but not excessively coated every time. So I would argue that temp management is actually important but not necessarily critical.
I use the pink latex Vittoria inner tubes and seldom get flats. I replace the tubes about twice a year and am careful how I inflate them, since they tend to fail at the stem. I do use talc, which I get from a small aircraft supply catalogue. When removing them I do notice smooth looking sections on the latex tubes where the tube appears to have adhered to itself. Not sure about this, but I think talc does help prevent self-adhesion when installing. I do pump up the tires and deflate them twice before final inflation to minimize any kinking of the tubes.
I had wondered about the question of powdering inner tubes for a long time myself. However, you forget to mention the one benefit of the powder -- that is the impressive cloud of powder that occurs when your tube and tire fail simultaneously and explode with a bang like a gunshot. The cloud of powder, combined with the sudden, frightening noise is an excellent way to terrify passers-by and make them think something really serious has just occurred.
I'm having a hard time letting go of the powdering the tubes thing 😉 I've switched to cornstarch baby powder years ago due to the hazards. I haven't really seen it be a problem when wet. Then again, I'm not sure I've done a tube change in a downpour either. Pretty sure that the nominal amounts will just wash off. Might be interesting if it gets wet and then dries inside.
However, the real reason for the note is on wax temperature. I found that removal at the 'right' temperature makes a big difference in the results. When I was 'guessing', I'd often end up with it a bit too cool and a LOT of extra wax coming out with the chain. (Easily consuming double or more wax on parts that don't need it and only flake off as you run it in). When too hot, it SEEMED too runny and I worry not enough was retained but I can't prove this one. But once I switched to a thermostat-controlled melt at recommended temperature, it comes out thoroughly, but not excessively coated every time. So I would argue that temp management is actually important but not necessarily critical.
I use the pink latex Vittoria inner tubes and seldom get flats. I replace the tubes about twice a year and am careful how I inflate them, since they tend to fail at the stem. I do use talc, which I get from a small aircraft supply catalogue. When removing them I do notice smooth looking sections on the latex tubes where the tube appears to have adhered to itself. Not sure about this, but I think talc does help prevent self-adhesion when installing. I do pump up the tires and deflate them twice before final inflation to minimize any kinking of the tubes.