Old inner tubes, or just get new to cut up?

[LittleGreyCat]

I have a couple of flasks which are just a bit too slim to fit into a bottle cage.
Solution - pad them out with sections of old inner tube.

I'm now about to search through the archaeology of my various useful parts containers to see if I do have any old inner tubes.
I don't remember replacing any tubes in the last few years.

However looking at the price of new inner tubes and seeing them at £4 or less each including delivery it seems almost foolish to search for old ones when I could sacrifice one new tube to the fettling kit to pad out multiple bottles and have loads left over for padding accessory clamps and other useful things.

Which I suppose leaves the question, how sensible is it to buy a new tube, then fit it to the bike and use the old tube for scrap?
The risk is pinching the new tube whilst fitting.
The effort to change the tube may not be massive but is it worth it for £4 or less?
I presume that I should at least use the oldest unused tube from stock and replace it with the new tube as a spare.

Yeah, I know, 1st world problem.

[pwa]

Have a good rummage around your old stuff first. If you don't do that, what are you keeping it for?

[mattheus]

If it will make you feel better - and why not?? - I'll post you a couple at cost (or for charidee donation, if you prefer!)

M

[Brucey]

inner tubes vary in quality (often in an unpredictable way) ; the rubber in many is not really suitable for any exposed use, because it will soon crack. The only reason why such tubes have an acceptable life under normal circumstances is because they are -for the most part- kept away from heat, light, and moisture when they are inside a tyre.

So whether it is a new or old tube, it is pot luck really.

FWIW I would ask for an old tube or two at the LBS; they are always throwing them away.

cheers

[Paulatic]

I’d brush up on your tyre fitting if you’re in fear of nipping a tube. I think the last time I did that I was a teenager.
I’ve used old socks on a flask to stop it rattling in a cage. A few wraps of gaffer tape might do it also.

[reohn2]

The problem with old inner tubes is that they degrade when exposed to UV.
Idea; if you have any old neoprene overshoes or an old wornout wetsuit you could make a sleeve out of them.

[Sweep]

Bits of old tyre can be used as well, tread bit or sidewall depending on thickness needed. Easy to cut with a pair of decent timplate snips.
I have used it to help hold a trangia bottle in a cage.

[LittleGreyCat]

Thanks, as usual, including the point that my proposed solution may not be the best one.

I am reluctant to use Gaffer Tape because I may want to remove the padding at some point, or only fit it when I want to use the flask/bottle.
Cleaning all the residual sticky off isn't always easy.

I may have a sheet of truly ancient neoprene somewhere (we are talking early '70s here) so that is an interesting thought.

Again, I could pad the bottle cage with fuel line or similar.

[rmurphy195]

Thanks, as usual, including the point that my proposed solution may not be the best one.

I am reluctant to use Gaffer Tape because I may want to remove the padding at some point, or only fit it when I want to use the flask/bottle.
Cleaning all the residual sticky off isn't always easy.

I may have a sheet of truly ancient neoprene somewhere (we are talking early '70s here) so that is an interesting thought.

Again, I could pad the bottle cage with fuel line or similar.

Is it a bendable bottle cage that can be "adjusted"?

[rjb]

You can buy new ones from pound shops. Just don't ask how much they cost.

[geocycle]

You can also buy 'stubby coolers' -neoprene sleeves to hold drinks cans very cheaply in the usual online shops. That way you could remove when washing the bottle and you get some extra insulation?

[LittleGreyCat]

You can also buy 'stubby coolers' -neoprene sleeves to hold drinks cans very cheaply in the usual online shops. That way you could remove when washing the bottle and you get some extra insulation?

Darn and poot, I think.

Bought one or two in Oz a few years back and never used them since because they don't fit UK stubbies.

I think they were donated, but I will look.

Edit: I could also wrap a plastic bag round under the Gaffer Tape to aid easy and clean removal.

[lescargo]

To pad out flask try simple "green" solution.
Recycle a JIFFY BAG/padded envelope.
Stops any rattling in cage and also extra insulation.

First time I did this clubmate pointed to address and said-
His mam has put that on in case he gets lost!!
! was 73 then!

[NickJP]

inner tubes vary in quality (often in an unpredictable way) ; the rubber in many is not really suitable for any exposed use, because it will soon crack.

Some of them are very stable when exposed to UV etc. At our last house I slipped a length of old inner tube over a chain that I was using to padlock a wooden gate. We were in that house 18 years, and when we left, the inner tube didn't appear to have deteriorated at all from exposure to the sun and elements. I think it was a Schwalbe tube...