This article discusses the typical bike tube cost and the best place to get them. I’ll also provide a few tips on choosing the proper tube for your bike.
A bike tube can typically cost anywhere between $5 and $30. The best place to get them is at your local bike shop, as these retailers have various options available. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can always try Walmart or Amazon.
For more details, please read on.
Where Is the Best Place To Get Bike Tubes?
The best place to get bike tubes is at your local bike shop. They have a variety of sizes and brands to choose from and can help you find the right tube for your bike. The only problem with this option is that local stores can be expensive.
For example, 26 in (66 cm) bike tubes cost $12 to $15, and a 700c tube for mountain bikes costs between $9 and $20.
Keep in mind, though, when it comes to bike tubes, you get what you pay for. The cheaper tubes are more likely to leak and burst in just one season. So it’s worth spending a little more on a quality tube. The premium products are made with butyl rubber, which is more resistant to punctures and leaks, while the cheaper tubes are made with natural rubber, which is less durable.
Still, even the best bike tubes are not indestructible. They can puncture, leak air, and burst. That’s why it’s always a good idea to carry a spare tube with you when you ride. This is especially true when going on a longer ride or riding in an area with a lot of debris on the road.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can try Walmart or online retailers such as eBay and Amazon. You’ll likely find various brands and sizes available, and the prices are usually much lower than a specialty bike shop. The table below shows some typical costs of various bike tubes based on size from each of these retailers:
| Marketplace | Size 16 | Size 20 | Size 24 | Size 26 | Size 700c |
| eBay | $3.90 | $6.99 | $7.42 | $12.60 | $4.81 |
| Walmart | $4.96 | $4.29 | $6.96 | $12.96 | $10.74 |
Click here to check the latest bike tube prices on Amazon.
If you buy online, just be sure to read the reviews so you know what you’re getting, and be sure to get the size right. If you’re not sure what size you need, it’s best to buy from a local store so you can get professional help.
How To Choose the Right Bike Tube for Your Bike
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right bike tube for your bike:
- Size – You need to make sure you get the right size tube for your bike. The most common sizes are 26-inch (66 cm) and 700c.
- Width – You also need to make sure you get the correct width tube for your bike. The width will be written on the sidewall of your tire.
- Valve type – There are two types of valves: Presta and Schrader. Make sure you get the correct type of valve for your bike.
- Material – As mentioned earlier, bike tubes are made with either butyl rubber or natural rubber. Butyl rubber is more durable, so it’s worth paying a little extra for this tube.
If you get these four factors right, you’ll be able to find the perfect bike tube for your bike. And with a little bit of luck, you won’t get any flats on your next ride.
What Are Some of the Common Causes of Bike Tube Failure?
Some common causes of bike tube failure include punctures from sharp objects and failure at the valve stem. This can be caused by the tube being overtightened or simply from wear and tear. Manufacturing defects and freezing are also common reasons for bike tubes failing.
Manufacturing defects are usually due to a problem with the vulcanization process, which is used to bond the rubber together. If it’s not done right, the tube can easily split open.
Also, when water gets into the tube and freezes, it expands and ruptures the tube. This is why you want to make sure you always dry off your bike after riding in the rain. It might also help to get high-quality tubes designed to resist freezing.
Signs of a Worn-Out Bike Tube
It’s important to check your bike tubes regularly for signs of wear and tear. This will help you avoid getting a flat tire while on your ride.
Here are some signs of a worn-out bike tube:
- Bulges or gaps in the rubber – This could mean that the tube will burst. You want to replace it as soon as possible if you see this.
- Cracks in the rubber – If you see any cracks in the rubber, the tube is ready to bulge and even burst while in use. Replace immediately.
- Leaks – Bike tubes should not leak air, so if you notice any slow leaks, the tube may have a crack and needs to be replaced.
- Wear and tear on the seams – This means that the tube has been stretched too much and is likely to burst soon.
How Can You Prevent Bike Tube Failure?
Tube failure can be prevented by making sure the tube is the correct size for your bike and regularly checking the tube’s pressure. It’s also important to use a good-quality tube and inflate it properly.
The wrong size tube can cause the tube to overheat and blow out, especially if it’s used on a road bike. These types of bikes go faster, and the tires are narrower, which causes the tube to rub against the sides of the tire. This friction can cause the tube to wear down and eventually fail prematurely.
Check your bike’s owner’s manual to determine what size tubes it takes. Once you know this, you can purchase the correct size tubes. You can also buy a slightly larger tube than the one specified in the manual. This way, you can avoid having to replace the tube as often.
Since most bike tubes are made of rubber, they’re subject to degradation over time. The sun, wind, and rain can cause the rubber to break down and weaken. This is why it’s critical to regularly check the pressure in your bike’s tires.
Is It Worth Repairing a Bike Tube?
It usually is worth repairing a bike tube if it’s punctured. You can use a patch kit to fix the hole, and the tube should be good for another ride. The only time repairing the tube isn’t recommended is if it has a large hole or multiple punctures. In this case, it’s best just to buy a new one.
Patch kits cost around $5, and you can usually find them at your local bike shop. They come with everything you need to fix a puncture, including the patches, adhesive, and sandpaper. This makes it the cheapest and easiest way to fix a bike tube.
Final Thoughts
Bike tubes can fail for various reasons, but most failures can be prevented by:
- Using the correct size tube
- Inflating it properly
- Using a good quality tube
By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your bike tubes and avoid having to replace them often.
I recommend figuring out the correct size and ordering bike tubes from Amazon. They have a wide variety, and you can find tubes for as little as $5. It’s also a good idea to get a bike pump to keep the pressure in your tires at the correct level.
For more, check out Can You Use WD40 on a Bike Chain? | What You Need To Know.
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.