Bicycle Mechanics - Can I re-use tire tubes as spares ?

So I changed my stock tire tubes on my 26'' MTB for gel sealant tubes. The original tubes had not been punctured, so they are still usable. I pressed the little thingy on the valve to let the air out. A lot of air went out, but it didn't get to the point where it is foldable like when you buy it at the store in a little box. This prevents me from putting the tube in my wedgie bag for use as a spare tube. I can't find a way to get the rest of the air out. I've tried squeezing the tube while pressing the valve but no luck.

Is there something I can do or am I out of luck ?

fold the tube in half, take a screwdriver handle and wrap 1-1/2 of the folded tube around the handle with the valve at the unwrapped end.
make sure it's wound tightly enough to not have any air where the tube is wrapped.
keep wrapping and periodically let the air out, rinse and repeat.
eventually you'll have a tube that is fairly close to how it's packaged.

same idea as squeezing out tooth paste.

I assume it has schrader valves. If so remove the valve core with a valve tool. Available at any auto parts store for about 2.00. Then as stated above start rolling the tube from a point directly across from the valve, rolling in the direction of the valve. Once the tube is tightly wound and you have arrived at the valve, reinstall the valve core while still holding the tube. Then you can re-wind the tube starting at the valve stem, just like the way it was boxed. You should be ready.

I assume it has schrader valves. .
:roflmao2:You assume he knows the difference?:roflmao2:

Shrader valves are the type used on cars. They're the most common valve type on bicycles, too.

You can also get a valve core remover and remove the core. Rolling the tube then becomes easy. Then replace the core.

:roflmao2:You assume he knows the difference?:roflmao2:

I know the difference. And they are schrader valves.

Thanks people !

Shrader valves are the type used on cars. They're the most common valve type on bicycles, too.


They are? I haven't owned a bike with a schrader valve in 50 years.

Then what are they called?

there's schrader, presta and dunlop

I've only encountered dunlop in japan on cheap 3-5sp IGH bikes.
presta is usually on rims that are narrow. under 17mm inner width
schrader is usually on rims that are fat. over 18mm inner width
there's no real rule to it, but that's from my observation.

They are? I haven't owned a bike with a schrader valve in 50 years.


Then what are they called?

I think what Al is referring to are the valves you had to use wrenches to allow air...or nitrogen into. Those are also known as schrader and most commonly found on aircraft.

AL... Are you the fellow from Bicycling forums that is an acft mx in ILN?

Actually had dunlop valves on some bikes I've ridden in Europe, and my Swedish-made Kronan had Schwalbes with Dunlop valves. Once you get the hang of them, they really are very efficient valves.

So I changed my stock tire tubes on my 26'' MTB for gel sealant tubes. The original tubes had not been punctured, so they are still usable. I pressed the little thingy on the valve to let the air out. A lot of air went out, but it didn't get to the point where it is foldable like when you buy it at the store in a little box. This prevents me from putting the tube in my wedgie bag for use as a spare tube. I can't find a way to get the rest of the air out. I've tried squeezing the tube while pressing the valve but no luck.

Is there something I can do or am I out of luck ?

After your first flat with those funky gel tubes you will be back to the normal kind so keep those stock tubes around.