Any such thing as "preventative" tube replacement?
02-13-15, 12:29 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Any such thing as "preventative" tube replacement?
Anyone swap out their inner tubes every x miles or x months or whatever even if the tubes have never been damaged?
Any point to this?
The only point I see to this is if one has an extremely old tube. Then swapping tubes might be a good idea since the rubber could be brittle and dry and prone to cracking or the valve stem might have worked its way loose from the tube.
Any point to this?
The only point I see to this is if one has an extremely old tube. Then swapping tubes might be a good idea since the rubber could be brittle and dry and prone to cracking or the valve stem might have worked its way loose from the tube.
02-13-15, 06:46 AM
#2
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,431
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3133 Post(s)
Liked 1,700 Times
in
1,027 Posts
When I'm installing new tires, I will put in new tubes to replace one's that've been patched, but that's the only time I undertake preemptive replacement.
02-13-15, 06:47 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hampton Roads VA
Posts: 1,787
Bikes: '07 Trek 520, '09 Gary Fisher Triton, '04 Trek 8000, '85 Trek 500, '84 Trek 610, '85 Trek 510, '88 Trek 660, '92 Trek 930, Trek Multitrack 700
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
This.
__________________
"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
T. Jefferson
"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
T. Jefferson
02-13-15, 06:49 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Holland
Posts: 952
Bikes: 2007 Nagasawa with C-Record, 1992 Duell with Croce D'aune/Chorus, three Gazelles, M5 recumbent
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 47 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times
in
15 Posts
No. I only replace tubes when they can not be patched anymore.
02-13-15, 07:40 AM
#6
Señor Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,066
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
215 Posts
I have seen, repaired, ridden, and owned bikes with tubes that were older than some of the posters here. IF the tubes suffered long term exposure to UV or ozone then they might have a finite life, but since they are usually protected by a tire, rimstrip and rim, they will last longer than most other parts of the bike. Of course, on any bike that is actually ridden (about 50% of bikes sold IME), just as with most other parts of the bike, tubes die from 'misadventure' rather than some type of decay or fatigue.
02-13-15, 08:15 AM
#7
Senior Member
I have seen, repaired, ridden, and owned bikes with tubes that were older than some of the posters here. IF the tubes suffered long term exposure to UV or ozone then they might have a finite life, but since they are usually protected by a tire, rimstrip and rim, they will last longer than most other parts of the bike. Of course, on any bike that is actually ridden (about 50% of bikes sold IME), just as with most other parts of the bike, tubes die from 'misadventure' rather than some type of decay or fatigue.
02-13-15, 08:23 AM
#8
Señor Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,066
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
215 Posts
I've found tubes that would tear/disintigrate at what appears to be a mold line. Opened up a new Continental long valve tube the other day -- it had never been used or inflated. Had a 2" tear in it. Stretched the tube and the tear increased in length. It was probably about four years old and was still in its original box. I've seen this with Specialized tubes as well. Never seen it with a Kenda or Nashbar or Performance or Bell or any other brand but Specialized and Continental.
02-13-15, 09:48 AM
#10
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,431
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3133 Post(s)
Liked 1,700 Times
in
1,027 Posts
02-13-15, 10:02 AM
#11
Banned
Heavy-Duty, Thorn resistant , instead of Thinner regular tubes ... They hold air a Lot Longer..
2 trailers, winter bike , Bike Friday , and my trusty 40-622 Touring bike all use TR tubes, Now.
2 trailers, winter bike , Bike Friday , and my trusty 40-622 Touring bike all use TR tubes, Now.
02-13-15, 10:09 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Rural Minnesota
Posts: 1,604
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 75 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
The closest to "preventative" tube placement I've done is when I rehab an old bike that has been stored in poor conditions with deflated tires. If the tires are rotted or badly cracked, I'll usually replace the tubes as well, even if they initially hold air. Might not be necessary, but I figure "Why put 20 year old tubes in new tires?".
02-13-15, 10:15 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,899
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2602 Post(s)
Liked 1,925 Times
in
1,208 Posts
+1
+1 again.
Tubes stored outside a bike tire are exposed to more ozone, so they're more likely to become cracked with aged than the tube in the tire!
IF the tubes suffered long term exposure to UV or ozone then they might have a finite life, but since they are usually protected by a tire, rimstrip and rim, they will last longer than most other parts of the bike. Of course, on any bike that is actually ridden (about 50% of bikes sold IME), just as with most other parts of the bike, tubes die from 'misadventure' rather than some type of decay or fatigue.
Tubes stored outside a bike tire are exposed to more ozone, so they're more likely to become cracked with aged than the tube in the tire!
02-13-15, 01:12 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,879
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 104 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I check my tubes when I'm replacing worn tires. If the tube is starting to look beat up, I'll replace it, otherwise I just put it back in the new tire.
02-13-15, 01:48 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Scalarville
Posts: 1,454
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
The closest to "preventative" tube placement I've done is when I rehab an old bike that has been stored in poor conditions with deflated tires. If the tires are rotted or badly cracked, I'll usually replace the tubes as well, even if they initially hold air. Might not be necessary, but I figure "Why put 20 year old tubes in new tires?".
02-13-15, 05:40 PM
#17
Senior Member
The commuter/utility bike and road bike get the most km each year, rotate the tires each spring and replace the tubes. This seems to cut down the need to patch tubes.
02-13-15, 06:30 PM
#18
DancesWithSUVs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Griffin Cycle Bethesda,MD
Posts: 6,983
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I've replaced tubes at my clinic when they have rubber just flaking off them. Tubes are too critical and too cheap to skimp on. I've had old tubes burst when the tires were aired up.
__________________
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
02-13-15, 07:05 PM
#19
Senior Member
I find that the valve (presta) will usually separate from the tube or the valve get busted, long
before I've reached critical mass of patches. Usually caused by many air top ups via the floor pump, eventually does the valve in.
I never put a patched tube in the front tire. My spare tube is never a patched tube, always a new one.
Slightly off topic, new tire goes on the front, and front gets moved to the rear.
before I've reached critical mass of patches. Usually caused by many air top ups via the floor pump, eventually does the valve in.
I never put a patched tube in the front tire. My spare tube is never a patched tube, always a new one.
Slightly off topic, new tire goes on the front, and front gets moved to the rear.
02-13-15, 07:46 PM
#20
Señor Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,066
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
215 Posts
This makes no sense. A tube cannot burst if it is inside an intact tire. It physically cannot happen. A tube can leak or fail to hold air, but a burst is never the fault of the tube.
02-13-15, 07:55 PM
#21
Senior Member
Slightly off topic, new tire goes on the front, and front gets moved to the rear.[/QUOTE]
i usually put a better tire on the rear, as that one wears more quickly.
i usually put a better tire on the rear, as that one wears more quickly.
02-14-15, 09:46 PM
#22
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
yup
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
02-14-15, 09:47 PM
#23
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
Or some other problem with the tire, such as sidewall cut.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Last edited by Homebrew01; 02-15-15 at 12:32 PM.
02-15-15, 12:59 AM
#24
.
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Posts: 3,981
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Comp, Soma ES
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Typically no. But I will preemptively replace tube that's been patched when I'm planning on doing a very long ride. While it still may not make sense, I've never had a lot of confidence in tubes that's been patched when I'm going to be WAY out in the country.
__________________
Demented internet tail wagging imbicile.
Demented internet tail wagging imbicile.
02-15-15, 01:39 AM
#25
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: lower mitten
Posts: 1,555
Bikes: With round 700c & 26" wheels
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have a lot of LUCK with my tubes. Pack them with talc for easy installation, and to minimize the friction. If I get flat - I just replace the tube. If I get few flats on the same trip - will patch it. I don't like to ride on patched tubes. Tubes are cheap, and they last hundreds or thousands of miles in between flats. So to answer the question - No preventative tube replacement here...
On the other hand though, I do "preventative tire replacement" lol I know...makes no sense. It's expensive, and probably not needed. My bike, gear and me weights over 300 lbs. I feel better and safer with fresh tires when going downhill or when just speeding like a youngster
On the other hand though, I do "preventative tire replacement" lol I know...makes no sense. It's expensive, and probably not needed. My bike, gear and me weights over 300 lbs. I feel better and safer with fresh tires when going downhill or when just speeding like a youngster