Storing Inner Tubes
 

I have about 3/4 inner tubes that are in good condition but out of packaging. Is there anything I need to do to store them safely for a long time or just fold them away somewhere?

Thanks

Daven

I apply a light dusting of talcum powde to the tube and store it in a 1 quart zip-lock bag. There are several old threads around questioning whether the talc does any good, but I find the tube does install easier when I use talc, and the tube doesn't stick to itself in the bag during long storage, bouncing around in my trunk bag.

I've always kept them in a dark place as I've heard that this "cures" the rubber.

Ziplock bags or plastic wrap. The butyl rubber is susceptible to oxidation. The polyethylene of the plastic serves as a very good barrier against oxygen and ozone.

They must be stored upside down in a climatically controled environment under armed guard.

Naw, lad, I just leave 'em in the box and toss them up on the self until I need them. Usually within a year. I'm sure if you left them for a number of years they would get "old" and unreliable.

Store them using common sense; away from a heat source, don't leave them in the back window of your vehicle, or store them in a damp place. Cool (room tempreature) and dry place.

During their time in my seat bag I will put inside an old sock with some baby powder. Sock protects them from chafing and baby powder keeps them unstuck.

EDIT: Oh, they say that rubber should be stored away from electric motors.

Personally I have not found that to be true.

I typically don't leave inner tubes unused for a number of years. I thought though that rubber had to be used in order to stay pliable (?).

I do have experience with 2 bikes that were given to me (to give away to a local charity called Bike Again) for me to refurbish. These bikes had been sitting in a garage or basement for 20 years or more that had dry, crack tires and tubes. I was able to pull the valve away from the tube very easily, and also able to pull the bead off the tire by hand.

Sure, a few years would cause no trouble with a tube or tire, depending on the circumstances. But an extended period of time would most likely. As stated, jusdt use some common sense with storage.

In short, I wouldn't worry too much about the storage of the tube(s). Both are relitively inexpensive, that if left sitting around for a long time and suffered damage, then they are easily and inexpensively replaced.