Tire Sizes
 

Hello All,

I new here and and have a question. I have a tire sized 28x1.75 or 700x45c and the tube needs to be replaced. I'm have a heck of a time finding a replacement. I found simular sized tube at WalMart (700x35/45c with a Presta valve). Not quite the right one since the old tire has a Schader valve. Question is this...is the 700x35/45c a more universal tire to fit from 35 to 45c?

http://www.icyclesusa.com/cst-700-x-...es-10-pack.htm

You're looking in the wrong places for bike parts (wal-mart). There are plenty of local sources for tube with the proper size for your tyre with the proper valve. Your LBS or places like MEC should have them in stock.

28" continental's term for 700c.

700c, 27~29" tubes, even if different sizes, should be interchangeable as long as the width is matched.

I think the italicized tubes is what you meant to ask, so I'll answer accordingly.

Tires are labeled by the manufacturer with a specific size. In your case 700x45. Tubes are very elastic, and as such can fit a pretty wide range of tire sizes. Think of it in terms of T-shirt sizing. A tube marked 700x35/45 will reliably fit in a range of tire sizes from... 700c x 35 up to 700c x 45. You could probably even get it to work in larger tires. Smaller tires and large tubes get a bit tougher, because it's hard to stuff that much rubber inside the tire and get the beads on the rim without pinching it. In T-shirt terms again, you can fit a skinny guy in a XXL t-shirt and he'll still have a shirt on, but try to squeeze a fat guy in an XS and it gets tricky.

Tubes labeled for smaller tires, when stuck inside bigger tires do stretch thinner though, and at extremes can leave you prone to more flats.

I run 26 x 1.75/2.0 tubes in my 650b x 2.3 (roughly 27.5 x2.3) tires without any issues other than having to stretch them some. I know guys who run 26" tubes in their 29" tires.

So with far fewer words, yes, you want to use the 700 x35/45 tubes, but look for some with a Schrader valve.

You're trying to stick a 559 tube into a 584 tyre. That's pretty ridiculous.

Who am I to judge what you find humorous? Laugh away. The day I built the bike, we had just ran out of 650b tubes and there was a trail calling my name, so I used what I had. They haven't flatted yet, so I haven't changed them out. I do giggle a bit at the 29er guys trying to shave grams, but the point was to illustrate that while not the optimum solution, it can and does work. I wouldn't do it to a customers bike, but on that particular day, it offered me some much needed "instant gratification".

Given the choice of waiting a couple of days for the labeled correct tube, or getting in some miles on a new bike, I'm lead to assume you'd stick to your pedantic ways. Perhaps your shop never runs out of any stock. /shrug

heh, you should see my conti tubes... labelled for 28mm to 52mm width.
the other tubes shy away with 28-32mm and 35-45mm, but not conti :lol:

and yeah, using in a smaller tube than required is more of a spare tire thing. It'll work, but it's not to be left there permanently.

What I find most surprising about this is that Wal-Mart had tubes with Presta valves. I didn't think Wal-Mart was even aware Presta valves existed.

Thanks all for your responses. They have been helpful. I realize WalMart isn't the best place to look for tires (or even helpful advice) but it is one of only two stores where I live that actually have bike parts. The nearest real bike shop is over 60 miles away. Thanks again.

The closest shop is the internet. It is in your home. I buy tubes from www.pricepoint.com, $2 each in quantity.

+1 I did not realize Walmart knew presta valves existed. Wild!

FWIW: Walmart's pricing on tires, tubes and other bike stuff is on the high side for a store that typically undercuts everyone else. I routinely buy cables, tubes, and tires on the internet for half of the Walmart price.

Walmart has a full cable kit for $10. Thats hard to beat if your putting them on an older bike. may not be the best cables but on 5/6 speed bikes, it makes little difference.

You can buy tubes much cheaper elsewhere, but walmart is in line with bike shops and Dick's sporting goods near me. So If I didnt want to buy online, Walmart prices ARE similar, though i would go to a bike shop. Tires I buy online, I can save a ton of money. Saw a kid last year pay $25 a tire for cheap Kenda's that can be bought for $14max online. Steel bead none the less. At least walmart's tires are kevlar folding tires, last I checked.

I do enjoy walmarts cheap bell under seat bike bags. $8 and they are HUGE, can fit two wallets, two cell phones, spare tube and a micro pump in there, probably still room for a granola bar or two. Why pay more for a big brand name, when both were made in china? I support the LBS' to a certain degree, some stuff I just dont need high end. I buy my tubes online, but If I am in a pinch and I'm at walmart...I would probably buy one.

I recently ordered tires and tubes for my moms old schwinn, it takes the dreaded schwinn S-5 26x1 3/8" tire that is seemingly made in ONE pattern by Kenda. Walmart does sell tubes for that size, but I ordered them with the tires. Didnt save any money on the tubes though.

The problem with Walmart's presta tubes is the short stems. Those of us with real bikes can't use those with high profile rims like a Mavic CXP-33.

Did there used to be a bike shop that went out of business when WalMart showed up?

You know you can use a presta valve in a Schraeder hole, right?

+1

WalMart was here when I arrived, so I don't know if WalMart pushed them out or not.