Avid cyclists and bike commuters will agree that the last thing they want on their bike ride is a flat or punctured bike tube. In such a situation, their trek may go from smooth to choppy. Since bike tubes are low-priced items, cyclists often ignore them. But, being avid cyclists, it is a good idea to understand the different kinds and sizes of tubes and how much it costs.
How Much Does a Bike Tube Cost?
A bike tube costs between $5 and $30, depending upon the type and size of the tube. There are also affordable bike tubes available for as little as $2. The expensive bike tubes may go beyond $35 and even more. The puncture-resistant, specialized bike tubes cost even more than conventional tubes.
Repairing the flat bike tube can be an affordable choice. But, full replacement of bike tubes is a reliable option. The best place to buy bike tubes is the local bike repair shop, and these retailers have different options for bikers.
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How Much Does a Bike Tube Cost – In Brief!
Different factors influence the rates of the bike tubes, including the type of bike, size of bike tube and more. But, the best deals on bike tubes are found online and at local retailers. But, it is essential to understand what an expensive bike tube can deliver that a cheaper version can’t.
Firstly, the size of the bike tube influences the price of bike tubes significantly, but not the way you expect. The price of bike tubes increases with the size. So, for bigger tires, you have to buy big tubes; for such tubes, you have to spend a bit more than normal-sized tubes.
Secondly, the bike you ride also influences the bike tube prices. The mountain bike tubes are a bit more expensive than the traditional bike tubes. The mountain bike tubes come with extra width and materials. So, the price is higher than traditional bike tubes. The standard 29 inches mountain bike tubes are $5 more expensive than matching-size road tubes.
Is It Worth Repairing Bike Tubes?
Repairing a bike tube is a temporary solution. But cyclists can repair the punctured bike tube to complete their trail in an emergency. There are patch kits available that can help fix the puncture in the bike tube. But, before repairing the bike tube, you have to ensure that the bike tube is good enough to continue and complete the ride.
If you notice a large hole or multiple punctures on the bike tube, avoid repairing them and replace them with new bike tubes. The patch kit costs around $5 and is readily available at local bike stores and retailers. The kit includes everything required to repair and fix a puncture, including sandpaper, adhesive, and patches, making it the easiest and cheapest way to fix the puncture on a bike tube.
How to Save Money on Bike Tubes?
Bike tubes are not very expensive, but there is a cost. The expenses may add up significantly if your bike needs frequent tube replacement. So, here are a couple of tips to save money on bike tubes.
- Buy in Bulk – Like any other product, buying bike tubes in bulk can help save money on your bike tubes. You may buy bike tubes in packs of two to save money. It is not only a cheaper option, but you also have the tubes on hand and don’t have to order again and again during replacements.
- Fixing Your Tubes – Repairing the punctured bike tube is an affordable option. But it is a temporary remedy and not a permanent solution. Repairing is the best remedy for single and small punctures, but for larger holes and multiple punctures, it is best to replace the bike tube.
- Switching to Tubeless Tires – Tubeless tires are bike tires without a tube. However, tubeless tires are more costly than traditional bike tubes. But, bikers must make a one-time investment to get rid of punctures and flat bike tubes forever. There will be an upfront cost, but you don’t have to deal with the expenses of replacement and repair in the future.
How to Choose the Right Bike Tube?
There are a couple of things you have to consider when choosing a bike tube for your bike.
- Size – Cyclists must ensure that they know the right size of their bike tube before buying. The standard tube sizes are 66cm and may decrease or increase depending upon the bike tire and the type of bike they are riding.
- Width – You also must ensure that you choose the correct tube width. The width and size are written on the tire’s sidewall, and you have to buy tubes according to that size.
- Valve Type – There are two types of valves, Schrader ad Presta. Ensure to choose the correct type of valve for your bike tube.
- Material – The bike tubes are made of natural rubber or butyl rubber. The bike tubes made of butyl rubber are durable and last longer than natural rubber. But, you must spend a little extra for butyl rubber bike tubes.
You can find the perfect tube for your bike tire if you get all these factors right. And, if you do a little research, you can grab the best deals on bike tubes.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Bike Tube?
The average cost of replacing a bike tube ranges between $189 and $204. It excludes labor charges that range from $55 to $70, and the parts cost you around $135. The estimate doesn’t include the fees and taxes. Other repairs may also be required during bike tube replacement and may add up to the total cost.
Do You Need a New Bike Tube or a Bike Tire?
If the tire has a pin-sized nail and not a large railroad tie, you may replace the tube and not the entire tire. But, you must ensure that the pin is not in the tire before putting a new bike tube, or it may cause another puncture to the new tube. If the tube has a small puncture, repair it with the patch kit.
How Long Does Bike Tube Last?
Depending upon the storage and maintenance of the bike tubes, they may last up to 15 years or even more. The shortest lifespan of a bike tube is one week. Some common factors that determine the lifespan of the bike tube are temperature, air pressure, storage, light, heat, riding conditions, and exposure to elements. The bike tube not exposed to petroleum fumes, UV light, and high ozone levels can last up to 15-20 years.
Do Bike Tubes Go Bad?
UV Light and heat cause damage to the rubber. So, where you store the bike tube can be a significant factor. Bike tubes made of natural rubber or butyl rubber start deteriorating when stored outside or exposed to UV rays, light, sunlight, and extreme temperatures.
Final Thoughts!
Bike tubes fail for many underlying reasons, but most of the failures can be prevented by using correct size tubes, quality tubes, and inflating the tubes properly. With these simple tips, the lifespan of a bike tube can be prolonged and avoid the need for bike tube replacement.
It is recommended to find the correct size of your bike tube and order them from a local repair shop or online store. How Much Does a Bike Tube Cost depends on different factors, and you may find bike tubes for as little as $5, especially when you do the research work. So, search online and research to save money on your next bike tube purchase.
