How often to change inner tubes?

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2005-08-02 10:43 AM

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Subject: How often to change inner tubes?
I got my first ever flat when racing this past Sunday in Philadelphia, and stupid me didn't bring my pump with me. I *majorly* lucked out that this wasn't a USAT race and my Knight on Shining Bicycle (another racer--#163) stopped and had a spare tube and CO2 with him. I was really greatful for him stopping, and its because of him that I was able to finish instead of getting a big DNF. I hope to someday pass along that good karma (and I'm never riding without at least a patch kit and pump again!)

but it got me thinking, I've ridden nearly 700 miles on these tires and tubes. Should I be changing my tubes every X# of miles or after a certain amount of months have passed? Or does everyone just wait till they get a flat and change it then? I'd rather not have to only change my tubes when I'm out on a ride, but I also dont want to waste my money switching out perfectly good tubes before their time. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

~ Annette

2005-08-02 10:44 AM
in reply to: #213840

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Subject: RE: How often to change inner tubes?
Only when you flat.
2005-08-02 10:45 AM
in reply to: #213840

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Subject: RE: How often to change inner tubes?
Just change them when you get a flat.
2005-08-02 10:53 AM
in reply to: #213840

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Subject: RE: How often to change inner tubes?

No reason to change tubes unles you flat, they don't suffer wear like tires do.

As far as tires go, I rotate mine every 500 miles or so and usually get 3,000+ miles out of a set. I know some people (including Sheldon Brown ) don't advocate rotating tires, but I've done it for a good while without problems.

2005-08-02 11:13 AM
in reply to: #213870

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Subject: RE: How often to change inner tubes?
the bear - 2005-08-02 8:53 AM

As far as tires go, I rotate mine every 500 miles or so and usually get 3,000+ miles out of a set. I know some people (including Sheldon Brown ) don't advocate rotating tires, but I've done it for a good while without problems.

I don't understand his reasoning: if a tire is going to blow, either front or back, you're screwed whether it was new or not.  Why would it be ok to rotate vehicular tires, which will also have a different load-bearing, depending on the vehicle (trucks hauling items, front vs. rear-mounted engine, etc.) but not bike tires?  To me, balancing out the wear via tire rotation seems perfectly acceptable.

And I'm not too fond of that scraggly beard and that goofy helmet...



Edited by joeinco 2005-08-02 11:14 AM
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How often to change inner tubes? Rss Feed