Due to a spate of flats in the past few months, I came to the conclusion that the stock Kendas on my Torker U District were due to be replaced. The sales person at the bike shop/a bit of internet research on these boards guided me to some Conti Gatorskins. Wanting to have a bit more fun but keep a semi-wide tire for comfort as this is my only bike and I use it for not only commuting but also longer rides on the weekend (40+ miles) I opted for 25c.

When I got home and started changing the tires I happened to see that my tubes are for 28-32c tires. I successfully mounted and inflated everything, but should the tube/tire mismatch cause me concern? Like can I ride to work tomorrow and pick up smaller tubes on the way home, or should I stay off the bike til I have the appropriate tubes?


TLDR: 28c tubes in 25c tires, cause for concern?

IMO if you managed to mount the tires w/o pinching the tubes under the tire beads and the tires are properly seated, I wouldn't worry about it.

It was a pain to get the tube completely under the bead near the valve, so I'm a bit worried about the "pinching the tubes" bit but I'm thinking 115lbs of air pressure would have blown the tube had that been the case?

ditto

I ride with 700x28c tires with 35c-45c tubes. Doesn't seem to pinch and they come cheap. $4 at wal mart and I live pretty darn close.

Works well too. Last me months, until today when I rode my bike on a rocky trail...lol..=\

you better be careful,your tires might explode.

violently

Actually, you may have a slight measure of flat protection. When a 28c tire is mounted inside a 25c tire, there is very little stretching of the rubber. Therefore, it's possible that somethings that may get past the tire, may not actually puncture the tube. This actually did happen to me once.

I have heard that there can be flat problems putting a larger tube into the tire, but I can't figure out why, other than maybe it tends to cause heat/friction problems, or some such.

it's fine.