Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
The tubes in my English 3-speed are 50 years old.
Originally Posted by
ddeand
I just cleaned up a couple rims from a 1964 3-speed with the original tires and tubes. The tires were completely deteriorated, but the tubes were still in great condition - no punctures or issues. I’ll use them when I get the rebuild of the bike done.
That has been my experience. I assume these bikes went many years without being ridden. Unless a tube is defective, it will last until until it can't be patched. In general it can be patched unless the puncture is too close to the valve, too close to another patch, or if it suffered a blowout rather than a puncture.
Also, if it has been soaked in motor oil, it cannot be patched.