Weird Question: Whats the best way you've found to get tubes?
04-16-21, 04:50 AM
#27
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I mentioned in another topic, I am going to motor bike tubes in my fat bike. They are thicker, hopefully will result in less punctures and be reparable more times when they do get punctures. So I get my tubes at a shop which sells motor bike accessories. This is a serious option for wider tubes.
04-16-21, 05:58 AM
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Whats the best way you've found to get tubes CHEAP?
It is unfortunate that some prefer to support online businesses like Amazon, Walmart and others rather than their LBS when a price difference of just a few dollars is involved and often the quality of the product is better at the LBS.
It is unfortunate that some prefer to support online businesses like Amazon, Walmart and others rather than their LBS when a price difference of just a few dollars is involved and often the quality of the product is better at the LBS.
04-16-21, 06:01 AM
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If you have an REI near you, they often run significant sales on tubes. Regular retail price isn’t bad, too, and it’s a good company to support.
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04-16-21, 06:52 AM
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Just ever so slightly OT: what are people favoring for patching? I am finding it hard to locally source real rubber glue/patches as everyone seems to be going to the glueless patches which I understand are not all that good. This thread is timely as I had my first two punctures this year (different bikes) that both appeared to be rose thorns or the like: single pinhole, middle of the tire, no debris in the tire, no marks on the tread.
04-16-21, 08:05 AM
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Just ever so slightly OT: what are people favoring for patching? I am finding it hard to locally source real rubber glue/patches as everyone seems to be going to the glueless patches which I understand are not all that good. This thread is timely as I had my first two punctures this year (different bikes) that both appeared to be rose thorns or the like: single pinhole, middle of the tire, no debris in the tire, no marks on the tread.
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04-16-21, 08:15 AM
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Rema and Rustines are both good. I've also used no-name patches that look similar those (thin black patches with brown border). It is important to follow the instructions to the letter (sand the tube first then let the rubber solution set up and get tacky before applying patch). Many skip these steps and wonder why their patches don't adhere. Most LBSs around here carry regular patch kits as well as the questionable "glueless" ones.
04-16-21, 08:18 AM
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04-16-21, 08:38 AM
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$9 robbery for tubes? Some people have differing ideas of what robbery is.
So I was going to ask if you knew where to score some Gold Lion KT88s... and then I see someone's making them (or making coke bottle KT88s and putting the Genalex Gold Lion name on them)
It's been a long time since my ol' buddy's had some primo tubes loaded up...
https://images.lilypix.com/albums/use...gybackback.jpg
So I was going to ask if you knew where to score some Gold Lion KT88s... and then I see someone's making them (or making coke bottle KT88s and putting the Genalex Gold Lion name on them)
It's been a long time since my ol' buddy's had some primo tubes loaded up...
https://images.lilypix.com/albums/use...gybackback.jpg
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04-16-21, 09:00 AM
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Yes, you are right. This is not limited to bike mechanics. I wrote that because it is specifically taught to you you first day on the job in a bike shop. I should have said cyclist.
Every time you have a flat, you should try to figure out what was the cause. Puncture, snake bite, value failure or other. A blown out tire or the tire not mounted on the rim correctly would be obvious.
Every time you have a flat, you should try to figure out what was the cause. Puncture, snake bite, value failure or other. A blown out tire or the tire not mounted on the rim correctly would be obvious.
04-16-21, 01:01 PM
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I just bit down and got tubes for my Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+.
Three matched quads. That’s 12 6L6s.
I opted for JJs because it was easy/affordable and I’m good with JJs.
Three matched quads. That’s 12 6L6s.
I opted for JJs because it was easy/affordable and I’m good with JJs.
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04-16-21, 07:31 PM
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A few years ago I bought an old Nishiki 3 speed (early 70s) and the tubes in it were seriously thick. I haven't seen anything like it since then and I wish I would have kept them since they probably would have lasted the rest of my life. Maybe that's why they don't make those things anymore?
Someone may chime-in about modern materials, etc. but I am very skeptical. Sell me $20-25 tubes that lasts forever and you will have my $$ yesterday but I'm about utility, not go-fast.
Someone may chime-in about modern materials, etc. but I am very skeptical. Sell me $20-25 tubes that lasts forever and you will have my $$ yesterday but I'm about utility, not go-fast.
04-19-21, 11:30 AM
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I have noticed: last few years, tubes have got way more expensive. And so: I try to find them cheaper, and check Ebay, amazon and online bike stores and find: they're just more expensive than they used to be. MY LBS has sales from time to time, which usually includes some sale priced tubes.
If you think you're making an ethical choice by getting more flats.....you should just accept the fact that tubes cost.
If you think you're making an ethical choice by getting more flats.....you should just accept the fact that tubes cost.
04-19-21, 11:35 AM
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A few years ago I bought an old Nishiki 3 speed (early 70s) and the tubes in it were seriously thick. I haven't seen anything like it since then and I wish I would have kept them since they probably would have lasted the rest of my life. Maybe that's why they don't make those things anymore?
Someone may chime-in about modern materials, etc. but I am very skeptical. Sell me $20-25 tubes that lasts forever and you will have my $$ yesterday but I'm about utility, not go-fast.
Someone may chime-in about modern materials, etc. but I am very skeptical. Sell me $20-25 tubes that lasts forever and you will have my $$ yesterday but I'm about utility, not go-fast.
04-19-21, 11:40 AM
#42
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I just bought these for $4.50 each (when you get the 6-pack) Amazon link
04-23-21, 02:48 PM
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This comes from a pretty beginner cyclist and tinkerer with old bikes. LBS in my neighborhood charge $9 a tube, which I feel like is highway robbery although that might be a little unfair on my end as they have to make money to maintain a brick and mortar presence. So in addition to cost effectiveness (I have been getting flats like crazy, which is the fault of my own inexperience, but it will continue to happen), it's an ethical question.
How do you more experienced tube buyers purchase your wares?
How do you more experienced tube buyers purchase your wares?
For those in need.
04-23-21, 06:14 PM
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i kinda hate more that i can't afford to pay it. seems the consumables have all doubled since my favorite (privately owned) shop closed. now, i go to one of the bike shop chains only if i have to. last time it was almost $50 to outfit one bike with cables. housings, and ferrules. otherwise, i always go to ebay and try for private sellers. $50 for four bikes. big difference
