Originally Posted by
FBinNY
Tubes do age, but it's slow enough not to make a difference. I've noticed that over time they become less elastic and a bit more brittle. It's never enough to cause a problem in itself, but I've noticed that older tubes sometimes split or tear when newer tubes would only puncture.
I've also had older tubes tear apart when removing them from flatted tires.
I wouldn't scrap a tube over an age issue, but if going on an extend trip might carry one more spare than I otherwise might.
I too have seen tubes stick to the tire and the only way they were coming apart was to rip the tube, but if that's going to be happening then the tire and tube are shot anyways. None of mine ever got that way, even the one that had the severely cracked tires, those were slightly stuck together, but the tubes came out with no damage.