Touring - Tube Size Help Onegai m(_ _)m

I'm starting to love this site because everyone here is awesome... thanks for all the help to all of you that have replied to my posts. You are awesome!

Well, I got my bike pretty much setup and it's ready to go but I bought some new tires the other day. I currently have the 26 x 1.5 that came with the bike and got some which are a little wider - got the Continental 26 x 1.75 Travel Contacts because they had good reviews online.

A couple of questions. Do tube brands make a difference? That is, are there good tubes and not so good tubes? I've noticed they're all in between 5 and 6 bucks so I imagine there isn't much difference in between one and the other. What size tube do I need for my tire size, that is a 26 x 1.75 tire? I found tubes that are 26 x 1.3/1.75 and others which are 26 x 1.75/2.5. I assume both sizes will work since 1.75 is in the range... am I being an ass for assuming that? Is one size better that the other for loaded touring? Also, what's the difference in between a schrader and presta valve? I currently have tubes with presta valves, should I stick with them?

most tubes regardless of brand end up coming from the same factory and most are VERY similar in quality so i wouldnt worry about brand much.

On the size thing either would work fine but if it was me i would go with the bigger size because it wont be as stretched and will be a little thicker in the walls once inflated. I doubt it makes any practical difference but to me its a mental thing that works for me so i do it anyways. Another option as well is going with a super thick tube to help further prevent flats. To me i wouldnt be as concerned about rotational weight because a loaded bike will never feel "snappy" anyways. You shouldnt "need" it having nicer tires but things in cycling are rarely about need anyways

Both valves work fine and to me are equally as durable. for touring i would rather have schrader valves though. Only reason would be avalibility (you can find them at walmart if you have to) and its also easier to find something easier than your frame pump to inflate them like an air compressor etc..

There is a HUGE difference in the quality of tubes.

I have always used basically cheap tubes, even Specialized (by Kenda) and they all leaked 5-10% a day when over 85 pounds.

I recently put Schwalbe Marathon Supremes on my bike, and decided to buy Schwalbe tubes in the transaction. These tubes leak very little, if at all, over a weeks period.

I won't be buying those cheapies any more, and the Schwalbes weren't but a couple dollars more.....

Schwalbe gets my money - from now on...... for both tires and tubes.