Are we going to run out of tubes?
#28
Clark W. Griswold
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A lot of shops are underprepared, nobody really knew the breath and depth of what was to come. There will be shortages for a long time at a lot of places and as times goes on unless we get the virus under control globally and all do our part by wearing a mask, social distancing, and getting the vaccine as soon as possible. We still might see some delays past that as well as everyone is shoring up production and shipping.
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#29
I'm good to go!
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You'll have to patch it for me. At one flat every 18 to 30 months, I don't stay current enough on patching skills. Though the last one I tried and failed at was probably because the patch kit was ten years old before it's first ever and only use.
So I'll just hoard the tubes already on my shelf and go tubeless when I run out.
So I'll just hoard the tubes already on my shelf and go tubeless when I run out.
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#32
Senior Member
That has to do with MEC sellings itself from being a co-op to a for profit business. The new owner must blow out the old inventory and get new suppliers that the new owner wants. Same thing happened to Radio Shack when it became The Source. Just give it time.
#33
Junior Member
Don't know about tubes, but 27" tires are getting scarce. MEC stopped carrying them, and Bike Tires Direct was out of stock except for Gatorskins
#34
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Last fall, I held a mini-clinic in my garage to teach neighbors how to repair a flat tire. They brought their bikes, and I gave them each a Rema patch kit and a pair of Pedro's levers as a graduation gift. I demonstrated on my commuter bike by rotating the tires, which weren't really worn at all (Schwalbe Marathon Plus 35/37s).
I discovered that the tube in my front tire had eight (8) patches on it, and it still held air fine. Solution to the OP: Keep patching the tubes you have until/unless the valve fails or you get a seam torn. PG
I discovered that the tube in my front tire had eight (8) patches on it, and it still held air fine. Solution to the OP: Keep patching the tubes you have until/unless the valve fails or you get a seam torn. PG
#36
Senior Member
Dang near everything is out of stock at MEC in the leadup and aftermath of their bankruptcy / takeover.
#38
Jim
Our Distributors indicated that the raw materials are going to make gloves for the medical profession to help deal with the Covid issue.
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Sharkasaurus,
Kikito from London, ON.
My local MECs' stock is a fraction of pre-pandemic times but they seem to be re-stocking. Can't speak to the tube situation directly.
I shop them online and opt for store delivery.
- Kikito
Kikito from London, ON.
My local MECs' stock is a fraction of pre-pandemic times but they seem to be re-stocking. Can't speak to the tube situation directly.
I shop them online and opt for store delivery.
- Kikito
#40
Sr Member on Sr bikes
The ship stuck in the Suez Canal...the EVER GIVEN...was enroute to Europe. But there were likely ships delayed by its beaching with bicycles and parts on them destine for U.S. ports.
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/03/the-...ing-bikes-too/
Dan
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/03/the-...ing-bikes-too/
Dan
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#42
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If this is helpful to the discussion, I have continued to buy tubes in various sizes and small quantities to keep my stock topped off. I order through AliExpress and wait the requisite 30-45 days for them to arrive. The last batch ordered on March 3rd, and delivered to my home on the 26th. Not bad. I'm stocked up for now.
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local bike shops in London ON
I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Last year bikes were almost impossible to find. Sold out at stores. Classifieds were almost empty. I think it was because of covid, but the city has invested a ton into bike lanes and the core city is far more manageable for bikes.
Are other city's like this? Or is it just Calgary?
Sharkasaurus
Talking to the owners of local bike shops in London ON, both bikes and parts are on backorder. One of the owners I spoke with is allowed to cross to the US despite the border closure due to his essential service provider status.
- Kikito
Are other city's like this? Or is it just Calgary?
Sharkasaurus
Talking to the owners of local bike shops in London ON, both bikes and parts are on backorder. One of the owners I spoke with is allowed to cross to the US despite the border closure due to his essential service provider status.
- Kikito
#47
Senior Member
We will now the hoarders have been triggered.
#48
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This thread was derailed at post #5. Don't point at me.
Much like rim brakes, tubes will become a thing of the past. So I don't really see a great need for tubes right now, nor do I see a shortage...I just looked at Amazon, ebay, Universal Cycles...tubes everywhere to be had so this thread is silly.
Much like rim brakes, tubes will become a thing of the past. So I don't really see a great need for tubes right now, nor do I see a shortage...I just looked at Amazon, ebay, Universal Cycles...tubes everywhere to be had so this thread is silly.
#49
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Maybe in bikes for cyclists but I'd be surprised in knock around bikes for the general public went tubless very quickly; and then there are developing countries, cycle tourists, etc.
You do see the cheap cable actuated discs but still plenty of new rim brakes there, too.
You do see the cheap cable actuated discs but still plenty of new rim brakes there, too.
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Maybe in bikes for cyclists but I'd be surprised in knock around bikes for the general public went tubless very quickly; and then there are developing countries, cycle tourists, etc.
You do see the cheap cable actuated discs but still plenty of new rim brakes there, too.
You do see the cheap cable actuated discs but still plenty of new rim brakes there, too.