A proper newbee question - inner tubes

denty85

is an inner tube an just an inner tube or is there more to it than that?

I'm slowly building up my kit and all being well my new michelin krlyion carbon's won't give me too many p*******s. But just in case i want to get a couple of spare inner tubes.

Is there anything you need to know about different types? are some better/stronger than others?

Sorry if i'm being an idiot

MikeWW

They are all much the same unless you are looking at a tiny edge in a race. Main thing is
1) Get the right size 700x 18-25 assuming you are on 23c width tyres
2) Get extended stems if your rims have a bit of depth(otherwise you won't have enough valve stem showing through tobe able to get the pump on)

sungod

some inner tubes have removable valve cores, make sure these are done up *tight*

from the factory they are often a bit loose - can be a slow leak, and if you have a screw-on minipump a loose core will also cause extreme annoyance!

fwiw i use continental race 28 ones, but any brand will be ok, i'd avoid the extra lightweight types for general use as they are a bit easier to damage

check prices before buying, last year i got a batch of conti 28s for 2 quid each, but some places charge over a fiver!

MrChuck

And Latex ones don't hold air as well as regular ones.

Berk Bonebonce

Latex inner tubes are the good ones because they are lighter and more supple. The butyl rubber ones are the more affordable and they offer convenience if you want to chuck them away after puntures rather than mending.

Inner tubes come with varying length of valve, depending on the depth of the rim you are using. There are also valve extenders. The idea is to not get a tube with a valve that is too short.

datpat64

I've a couple of bits of advice :

1. get a stand pump rather than trying to get to pressure with a mini pump or hand pump. I've found an absolute world of difference as it's easier to get tyres to right pressure and they roll so much better.

2. Don't worry about anything lightweight like latex ! The few grammes you save will be long forgotten after the umpteenth puncture. I find the own brand tubes from Decathlon really good value and durable (get the long stens though as previsouly recommended)

Dave

Erudin

You may save a bit if you buy multipacks off the web rather from your LBS.

For example:

Link: 5 x Continental Race 28 inner Tubes £16.79

Link: 10 boxed Continental Race 28 Inner Tube £23.55

Link: 10 x Continental Race 28 700c Road Bike Innertubes £21.95 (credits to rake)

Rema Puncture Repair kits are also good for repairing inner tubes.

rake

i recently bought 10x continental race 28 from high on bikes on ebay. £21.95, cone in a clear bag but who cares. they look genuine conti stamped on them an the correct yellow dust caps.