Stupid 'inner tube' Q re size.

ThisIsWeird · 18 July 2024 at 4:38PM

Hi all on the cycling forum that I didn't know existed.

I have a new, second-hand, bike, and upsizing the scary-skinny 28's - that's width and not dia - to a far more sensible 47. Got the tyres, and looking for tubes for best fit.

Tyres are 700-47; am I best to go for tube sizes to suit these that have the '47' as their max size, or go the next range size up which begins at '47'? I can't see any that have 47 in their mid-size.

And, why would you choose one range over t'other - assuming you would?

Thanks. :-)

ThisIsWeird · 19 July 2024 at 8:35AM

The gurus - well, a fellow called 'Guru' on a cycling forum - said; "I'd go with the smaller size, the tube will fit comfortably, and the larger one will likely weight quite a bit more and be slightly harder to fit and ensure nothing gets caught between the tyre and rim. There is no downside to picking the smaller sized tube."

I'm not anticipating a weight saving..., but as long as there's no downside, then smaller it is.

bouicca21 · 19 July 2024 at 9:00AM

Once you have a bike your best friend is someone in the local independent bike shop. Go in and ask. The other things to do are 1) find out where your nearest Dr Bike happens and rock up there (free but a donation always welcomed) and 2) join your local cycling group and ask them for the collective wisdom. Here in London each Borough has such a group, with a social media presence as well as organising rides and cycling campaigns in real life.