Tubes

[p nut]

I went by my bike shop earlier today to pick up a part I ordered. While there, I was going to pick up a couple of tubes. Didn't even look at the price tag and when they rang me up, I saw it was $10/tube. Holy crap. These are just the regular butyl tubes (not lite version). Well, bought it anyway, but couldn't believe prices have gotten so high. That's near latex prices (unless those have gone up as well).

I usually try to support my shop, but quick search on the net reflects prices 50%+ lower. Can't go GIVING money away. These from wiggle are $2/tube. I should just buy a bunch and stock up. Anyone tried these before?

http://www.wiggle.com/lifeline-road-inner-tube/

Or these Vittoria Ultralite's worth it? $3.60/tube (if you buy more than 5). Unless they're more prone to punctures, I'll go with the regular kind.

http://www.wiggle.com/vittoria-road-inner-tube-1/

[73Bronco]

I hear ya. I want to support my LBS as much as possible but sometimes I just can't do it. I'm also curious what others have to say about the tubes.

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[JAGI410]

We charge $8. I've seen other places charging $10-12.

[john903]

Interestingly enough this is what helped push me to get back into tubulars. Although there were other factors I got tired of paying $10-$13 for a tube. I didn't seem to matter what brand the prices are high and the quality has decreased. Anyway I know what you mean everything is spendy these days.
Have a great day.

[yinzerniner]

About $10 per tube is pretty standard in my area, which has very expensive retail everywhere.

Granted it was for name tubes (bontrager) it's still a bit steep, yes, but immediate gratification comes at a small price IMO. More exorbitant was $20 for valve extenders. Total ripoff.

I just hope the tubes I picked up last a good while. Have had great luck with specialized, no luck with Contis or Michelin.

[dustyrider]

One of my local shops has "two for Tuesday" on tubes. Buy one get the second one free. I sold a bike through them for in store credit, and I haven't worried about tube prices for half a year now.

[Nooch]

Just bought a bunch of Kenda's (with the smooth valves) for $5.66/each off BikeTiresDirect.com -- in both 48 and 80mm lengths.

But locally, I'm inclined to say they're running $7-$10 a piece. Longer valve, usually higher pricetag.

[Idris Icabod]

When pricepoint went belly up I bought 200 tubes for around $1 each. They arrived in 2 huge boxes. I've sold about 100 to friends (for what I paid) but still have about 4 lifetimes supply especially since I patch my tubes.

[OtayBW]

Originally Posted by p nut

Or these Vittoria Ultralite's worth it? $3.60/tube (if you buy more.

These have been my preferred brand for years, mainly because they are (or you can get them as) threadless. The only way I go nowadays....

[Seramount]

use Kenda 48mm smooth valves...routinely find them on ebay for under $5 and free shipping.

no way I'm paying a shop ten bucks plus tax for a tube.

same deal for CO2 canisters.

[choke]

Originally Posted by yinzerniner

Have had great luck with specialized, no luck with Contis or Michelin.

It's always interesting to read how some people have problems with certain parts and others don't. I have been using Michelin tubes almost exclusively for 20+ years and they've been great for me.

[Louis]

Earlier this week I needed some tubes, so I decided to buy them from biketiresdirect.com, one of our forum supporters. They had a nice variety and the prices were fine.

I probably could have saved a bit by scouring the web, but decided that supporting btd was the right thing to do.

[charliedid]

We charge $7 tax included for most tubes. $20 to fix a flat.

Seems fair.

[yinzerniner]

Originally Posted by choke

It's always interesting to read how some people have problems with certain parts and others don't. I have been using Michelin tubes almost exclusively for 20+ years and they've been great for me.

I hear ya. I always try to keep an open mind but some impressions are hard to shake. That being said I decided to try both Michelin and Conti ultralites with my newest set of deep section wheels just to offset some of the increased rolling weight, and hopefully they'll hold up a bit better than my previous experiences. Especially Michelins, for whatever reason then never lasted more than 5 rides when I had them mounted on an old Allez with Mavic wheels.

to charliedid: $7 for tubes and $20 to fix a flat are pretty decent in my book.

[Jgrooms]

Originally Posted by charliedid

We charge $7 tax included for most tubes. $20 to fix a flat.



Seems fair.

That anyone calling themselves a "cyclist" would need someone to fix their flat, let alone pay for the pleasure, is most assuredly another indication of the decline of the west. Brooks, where art thou?


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