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Changing tires---should I change the tubes too?

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Changing tires---should I change the tubes too?

Old 05-16-12, 09:07 AM
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Changing tires---should I change the tubes too?

I'm putting on a new set of Conti's today. I changed the front tube about 2 months ago, when I got into some glass and got a flat. When changing out tires, should I do the tubes too? Rear tube is less than a year old, probably close to 1500 miles. My first race of the year is Saturday---4th race of my road "career!"
Thanks for any help!
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Old 05-16-12, 09:11 AM
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If it were me... I would replace both tubes and then keep them as spares. You're gonna have the tires off anyway... might as well put in all new... especially since you plan on racing soon.
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Old 05-16-12, 09:12 AM
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I don't. I use tire liners so I routinely go long miles and calendar months on tubes without need for patching or replacing.
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Old 05-16-12, 09:13 AM
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Tubes don't really wear out. Either they hold air or they don't.
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Old 05-16-12, 09:17 AM
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I look them over when I have them off, but I reuse them until they stop holding air.
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Old 05-16-12, 09:25 AM
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Don't bother to change the tubes unless they're leaking or the rubber looks degraded.
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Old 05-16-12, 09:54 AM
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Thanks for the replies. If it matters, my wheels are Rolf Primas. I'll pay particular attention to the rear tube. I think the tubes are Conti Race Lights, so they may not be the most durable (thickest/heaviest) tubes.
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Old 05-16-12, 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Homebrew01
Tubes don't really wear out. Either they hold air or they don't.
this
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Old 05-16-12, 10:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Cannonsnail Joe
I think the tubes are Conti Race Lights, so they may not be the most durable (thickest/heaviest) tubes.
all of the light/ultra-light tubes are like that. what you need to listen/look for are leaks around the valve and any seams. (I can't remember if the conti has seams or is one-piece.)
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Old 05-16-12, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Homebrew01
Tubes don't really wear out. Either they hold air or they don't.
Another +1. If it isn't broke don't fix it.
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Old 05-16-12, 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by EdIsMe
If it were me... I would replace both tubes and then keep them as spares. You're gonna have the tires off anyway... might as well put in all new... especially since you plan on racing soon.
I don't like to do this because I can NEVER get a used tube, let alone two used tubes, to fold compactly enough to fit into my saddle bag.
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Old 05-16-12, 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Nachoman
I don't like to do this because I can NEVER get a used tube, let alone two used tubes, to fold compactly enough to fit into my saddle bag.
Suck the air out of the tube and close the valve. They will be just as flat as new tubes.
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Old 05-16-12, 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Nachoman
I don't like to do this because I can NEVER get a used tube, let alone two used tubes, to fold compactly enough to fit into my saddle bag.
If you can't fit two tubes in your bag, you can probably get the second tube to fit under your saddle tucked into the rails.
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Old 05-16-12, 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Right Said Fred
Suck the air out of the tube and close the valve. They will be just as flat as new tubes.
FWIW, don't let your significant other see you doing this. They'll never believe the explanation.
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Old 05-16-12, 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Nachoman
I don't like to do this because I can NEVER get a used tube, let alone two used tubes, to fold compactly enough to fit into my saddle bag.
Fold them in half, with the valve at one of the folds. Then open the valve. Fold the (already folded in half) tube starting at the non-valve end, squeezing the air out. When you fold it all of the way to the valve, close the valve. There you go, perfectly flat tube.
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Old 05-16-12, 05:49 PM
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I'd change the tube for the psychological health of the tire.

Imagine you're a fresh, virgin tire that's never been on the road, much less with a tube as a partner, would you want to be constantly reminded things like:

"My old tire didn't squish around like that."

or

"My old tire was much more fillable."

or

"You smell different than my old tire."


You can probably see how this could effect a tire's performance.
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Old 05-16-12, 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by ahsposo
i'd change the tube for the psychological health of the tire.
lol
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Old 05-16-12, 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Nachoman
I don't like to do this because I can NEVER get a used tube, let alone two used tubes, to fold compactly enough to fit into my saddle bag.
Roll the tube up starting opposite the valve. As you roll, touch the valve head to bleed out the air. They come out almost as flat as new.
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Old 05-17-12, 01:50 PM
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That settles it! New tube to the rear and I'll leave the nearly new tube on the front! For $7.00, I'll splurge on the new tube!
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Old 05-17-12, 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Cannonsnail Joe
That settles it! New tube to the rear and I'll leave the nearly new tube on the front! For $7.00, I'll splurge on the new tube!
I'll be putting new tires on soon. Both of my current tubes have around 3,000 - 4,000 miles. They will both be used with the new tires.
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