Should I commute with this?
09-01-09, 11:18 PM
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Should I commute with this?
I am cross posting to get max. input prior to resuming my commute tomorrow. Basically I got a flat today. I had to put in a 1.25" tube in a tire that is rated for 26X1.5. Should I ride tomorrow to work? Is it safe?
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/580709-1-25-tube-1-5-tire-width.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/580709-1-25-tube-1-5-tire-width.html
09-02-09, 12:10 AM
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Slightly narrower is a good thing IMO. Reduces the chance you'll pinch a tube between the rim and tire. My emergency tubes are all smaller then the tires I use them in. If I'm in a hurry I'd rather not have to be super careful making sure I didn't pinch a tube. A 20" tube can be fit a 26+ wheel (with a bit of muscle) and inflated enough to be usable in a pinch btw.
09-02-09, 10:54 AM
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In the words of the Harris Cyclery webmaster, tubes are stretchy. As long as the tire is correctly mounted around the tube, it will prevent the kaboom of which you speak. Due to the material that the tire is comprised being alot stronger than the material that the tube is made with.
In a pinch, I've used off sized tubes in tires before with no problem.
In a pinch, I've used off sized tubes in tires before with no problem.
09-02-09, 11:42 AM
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Great! I rode in today. So far so good. I didn't ride too fast though. Just want to be careful a bit. I might swap the tire/tube with the front. Less weight put on there.
09-02-09, 12:02 PM
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Unless it is a tube made of incredibly inflexible material (highly doubtful that this is the case) you'll be fine.
09-02-09, 12:09 PM
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Just try inflating a tube outside of the tire. You can pump it up to double or triple the rated diameter and leave it overnight if you want some reassurance. I do this to test out my patches.
09-02-09, 12:22 PM
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I think you've gotten your answer
09-07-09, 11:14 PM
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If you get a flat, you want it in the back. A flat in the back is annoying, but hardly a risk of losing control. A flat up front at the wrong time could be disaster.
As for the tube, as long as the wheel diameter is right (26"), don't worry about it. Thousands of cyclists do this every day, including many racers (its lighter!), and if they get flats it isn't the tube that is the issue. If I were you I'd be more concerned about getting food poisoning from your breakfast than that tube.
09-08-09, 05:45 AM
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09-08-09, 06:50 AM
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From experience, I would you suggest that your flat kit include a spare tube as well. I had to run an undersized tube for a while and all went well till I got a flat.
I found that the tube was unpatchable because it had to stretch so much to fill the tire, that no patch would stay. But as a temporary measure, the smaller tube will work fine.
I found that the tube was unpatchable because it had to stretch so much to fill the tire, that no patch would stay. But as a temporary measure, the smaller tube will work fine.
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