Wal-Mart tubes saved me!
 

I just got back from a three-day trip taking full advantage of the exceptionally nice weather here in the Southeast USA. Both tubes in my 700 X 38 tires developed leaks about 20 miles into the tour. I was stopping every 2 hours to pump up both. This was a real pain! I stopped by a Wal-Mart and purchased a 27 X 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 Bell tube. I removed my front tire and checked that tube as it was leaking the worst. It had pinholes in several places and was obviously a defective tube. I put the new Wal-mart Bell tube in the tire to check it for fit and what do you know? It fit better in the tire than the tubes I had purchased from my LBS just for my 700 X 38 tires! I went ahead and mounted that front wheel and went back and purchased a second Bell tube and mounted that one in the rear wheel instead of using my spare tube. The Wal-mart tire shop allowed me to top off both my tires using a battery-operated compressor. The Bell tube package clams these tubes hold air 50% better than standard bicycle tubes. I believe this clam as the Bell tubes weigh considerably more than the tubes I purchased at my LBS. I could care less about the slight additional weight if they do hold air better than standard tubes, especially on trips lasting several days. When I got home both tires were still reading 75 lbs, which is the rated pressure for my tires.

Thanks for the report. One of the advantages people claim for 26" tires is the availability of tubes, etc. at places like Wally's World. Nice to know that the 27" tubes will work for us 700c people.

I've used Bell 27" tubes in my 700 tires with no problems. If you have a Cummins Tool store near you, I have found them there for anywhere from $.50 to $2 in the past.

While a 27" tube is certainly usable in a 700c tire, I have seen only shrader valve tubes at wally world.

I am not sure where the set against WalMart comes from. While there are people who are going to argue my point, the bicycling shelves at the WalMarts I have visited have some stuff that is cheaper and as useful and durable as what is found in bike shops. Much of it is designed for kids' bikes, admittedly, but even so, there are lights and helmets, kickstands, and a whole host of other stuff available. Why should WalMart inner tubes be any different from the stuff stocked in the LBS? Chances are, they are made in the same factory in Taiwan or China as the cheapies in the bike shop anyway.

No connection with WalMart, but I am a consumer (and a poor one at that), and I can vote with my dollar like everyone else.

Yes, that is a problem if your rims are drilled for Presta valves. My 700c rims are drilled for Shrader, which seam to be common for wider rims used on ATB, commuter, and touring bikes. I had seen the 27" tubes in Wal-mart before but it never occurred to me I could use them in my 700c tires. The tubes I purchased in my LBS were for 700c X 35-44 tires. After opening the package I noticed the printed information on the tube listed 27 1/18 and 1 1/4 tires as well. I filed that info in my head and finished installing the new tubes and packing a third tube in a pannier as a spare while getting ready for my trip. After the tires developed the leaks I remembered the LBS tubes also fitting 27" tires and becoming very desperate I made for the closest Wal-mart listed in a local phone book. I've been back a couple of days now and the new tubes are still at full rated pressure.

Seeing as inner tubes are rubber -- and rubber stretches -- there's no problem putting in a tube that is nominally for a smaller tire.

Within limits, of course. I wouldn't use a 16" tube in a 26" tire.

I use 24x1 3/8 tubes on my 26" wheels, I have for 20 years. This is with tires up to 1.5" width, up to 110psi. They fit better than any 26x1.x tube I've ever used. The problem comes when re-installing the tube (say, after a patch), after the tube has stretched a bit. A 26" tube usually has to be stuffed in, with possible wrinkles. The 24" tube simply stretches and fits perfectly.

Butyl tube technology doesn't need a top-name-brand approach, X-mart tubes are as good as 99% of the tubes in use in the world at any one time. If there's an issue with quality control, you'll probably discover it within the first minute. I've been using dept store tubes (can't get 24" tubes at bike shops...) for 20 years, and have never found a problem in quality. This doesn't apply to tires, just to tubes.

The lack of presta valves is a problem; but if you have Schrader, save money and get 'em at X-mart.

-- Mark

Drill out your presta rims so you can use any valve tube.

For touring I think the presta holes in rims are a bad idea, they should, if possible be enlarged or one should carry lots of spares. On can still run the presta tube in a gromet. A reamer is the best option for enlarging a hole. Just be sure the rim isn't too small to use the valve you have in mind.

I haven't noticed any too terrible air loss from running high performance tubes, and if you are running the right tires for your environment they should be puncture proof enough also. If you have a big problem with thorns you may have to work out a solution that combines tires a liner and some hefty tubes. Otherwise there is a lot of weight to be saved by shaving innertube weight.

The last tube I bought at a bicycle store was 700/27"!!!! They don't even bother making different sizes!

+1 Presta valves are a PITA! There only legitimate purpose is for super skinny light weight rims on racing bikes.

The Bell tubes from Walmart are quite durable. Of course they weigh 500 grams each because of the thick rubber. But on tour I'll sacrifice a pound or two not to have flats.

BTW , Nashbar Tubes are on sale for 2.95 each, so stock up! If you can find a coupon it is another 10% off. That is cheaper than Walmart