calbob76

As much as I like supporting my LBS I cannot justify paying ten dollars for a tube and installation. And since I will be putting them in myself why would I go to the bike shop to get one for 6 bucks just to have to ride home to put it in? Basically I'm wondering if you guys order your tubes online or just buy them from your LBS, and if you get them online where can I find good prices/good tubes?

Scrodzilla

I've seen some pretty good deals for bulk tubes on eBay.

TejanoTrackie 

I bought a dozen Continental Race 700 tubes for $30 shipped on eBay, which works out to $2.50 per tube. This was about 2 years ago, and I still have 3 unused tubes left. I've had good luck with Continental branded tubes over the years.

xkillemallx16

I just go to the lbs for pretty much everything except frames... it's worth the price for local support.

Great Pan

I buy tubes from the lbs, but I buy several at a time and whenever I am running low so the riding to the store to pick it up just to ride back home and install it doesn't really apply to me.

Squirrelli

Cheap tooobs from PricePoint.
$20 for 10.

https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/174...-Set-of-10.htm

pjb

I just keep 2 or 3 around the apartment and stock up when need be from the LBS when convenient.

Panda Bear

Gotta support the LBS. Especially when they're only four bucks.

riot2003

My LBS sometimes tosses them in for free on my purchases of several items. If they wanna charge me the full $5... I'll certainly support them, even better when they know my name (because I consistently support them) and give them to me at a discount.

xavier853

+1

With my last 5 flats in a one month period, I decided to buy a bunch of tubes from the LBS and now how them on hand if something happens. I then install myself. Ideally, I would like to carry a spare tube and patch kit with me but never do.

yummygooey

Bike co-op ftw.

Scrodzilla

The shop where I sometimes work charges NINE DOLLARS for a tube. I've tried arguing that it's way too much but the owner won't budge. Eff that.

TejanoTrackie 

The problem I have with buying tubes from the various lbs in my area is not so much the cost as the selection. They often don't carry either the brands that I want or the sizes or valve lengths and have no interest in stocking them. For example, one lbs carries only one valve length in presta, 60mm, so that it will fit all rim depths. Thing is, many of my clincher wheels have shallow box rims that don't need anything more than a 36mm valve stem and look positively goofy with a 60mm valve sticking out, which also tends to rattle. When I made a bulk purchase, not only did I get a much better price, but also a mixed selection of 36mm and 48mm valve stem lengths, which worked out perfectly for my various wheels and rims.

Squirrelli

Seems kind of like a good tactic to force people to learn to install tubes themselves.

Scrodzilla

Dude. That doesn't include installation.

vw addict

900% markup FTW!

Squirrelli

Oh...


Then that's ****ing ridiculous....

Scrodzilla

I know!

vw addict

Some shops just suck, me I carry lots of spare tubes on my road and mtn group rides. If you flat guess what, free tube for you. I prefer to take care of good customers rather than wringing them for every dime.

Scrodzilla

Me too. Unfortunately it's out of my hands. I'm just a free agent working where I can.

vw addict

Yeah well I've found people love freebies and it also helps keep the flow of the ride going not having to wait for someone to patch a tube. A few free tubes is certainly not going to bankrupt the shop and if anything will lead to people spending money out of appreaciation. And I've found after providing someone with a free tube or even road/trail side repair motivates them to be prepared for next time.

inmemoryofpluto

i live across the street from a bike shop.

10 Wheels

And?

Scrodzilla

vw addict

yeah well i live across the street from a package store.