cordia75

Hi all,

I just took out the tubes and tyres from my previous wheelset. This might seem a silly question (after all I am a noob), but is it alright to re-use the tubes?

I feel I just need to get the air out, press them flat and voila, spare tubes!

mrbubbles

Yes

cordia75

Thanks!
Any advice to keep used spare tubes in good condition?

johnny99

Put them in a plastic bag, away from heat, ozone, or sharp objects.

cordia75

Ok!

Can i wash them them?

rollin

Rub them lightly in talcum powder to stop them sticking together in the plastic bag (seriously!). I used to do this years ago, I have noticed that newer tubes I buy don't have talc on them, maybe I was using first generation vulcanised rubber from trees!

Wil Davis

If the tubes have Presta valves, and if you store them rolled (and who doesn't?) you will find that putting the little plastic caps on the valves will help prevent the nasty sharp bits of the Presta screw from digging into the tube… (what? …you threw those caps away? …on the advice of so many of the "experts" here… …oh well!)

- Wil

FIVE ONE SIX

do they need to be spotless?

urodacus

and also if you have presta valves, and you may keep the tires for ages, unwind the valve stem lock nuts slightly so they are not forcing the rubber hard against the seal. that way, you will preserve the shape of the seal and still have an airtight tube next year when you get it back out of the closet.

washing? nah, dirty tubes work the same as clean ones.

valve caps? many people say throw them away, and i don't use them on the road bikes, but i do use them on the mountain bikes and always am glad when i ride in a lot of mud that the inside of the valve mechanism does not get full of grit. not necessary on the road bike.

cordia75

great. thank you for all the excellent advice!

cheers

Tim

CrimsonKarter21

When they go, cut then down the center and use them as tire covers when you're traveling.

mezza

Awwwww, bless him

Pugsly

What are these "tubes" of which you speak?

markc999

Carefully slice into pieces about 1/2 inch wide, then dip in egg and dredge in a mixture of flour, cornmeal and spices. Finally deep fry till golden brown and enjoy cycling calamari.

cordia75

I'm hungry, but not that hungry

spry

Fill those old tubes with sand and use them on the road as a blackjack when you pass an OCP.

ElJamoquio

Tasty, but chewy.

Treefox

Depends where you live...

cordia75

been meaning to ask, OCP is?

Avalanche325

Like my Dad used to tell me,

"Son, keep your tube clean."

spry

(over compulsive poseur) One who makes sure the elastic band on his undies match the color of his water bottle.They.ve also been known to remove eyebrows and toenails to save grams of weight.

stapfam

Still talc the inside of tyres before fitting any tube. Talc seems to preserve Both Latex and Butyl tubes----Or at least stop it sticking to the inside of the tyre and getting ripped as you try to pull it out.

If storing in a wedge as a spare- Then do not put in a plastic bag-Wrap it in a rag that can also be used to wipe your hands after changing the tube. Plastic bags seem to Abrade Rubber after 6 months of bouncing around in a wedge.

ken cummings

remember to use the light brown natural latex tubes salvaged from old sew-ups if you are into natural foods. Black tubes are mostly butyl rubber, synthesized from petroluem based butadiene.

cordia75

Wow, really inundated with so much excellent advice. Thanks all, for your input and the humour as well.