Spare tube: 17 or 19 inch?

**Frodo** · 16th April 2010, 20:25

I know this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find it.

Are you better to carry a 17 inch tube and stretch it over a 19 inch rim, or try to fit a 19 inch tube around a 17 inch rim?

I have both, but want to cut back on the stuff I'll carry, so would prefer to carry one.

Off around Taranaki tomorrow and a flat tyre earlier this week while commuting reminded what a PITA they are.

Thanks

**Howie** · 16th April 2010, 20:37

Personaly I'd go with the 19" if I was just going to carry just one, or in my case 21". As it would be easier to fit the extra diameter into the the wider rear trye, than it would be to to try and bead the tightly streched smaller diameter tube without pinching it.

**gav24** · 17th April 2010, 18:59

Yep, almost impossible to not pinch a 17 inch when fitting into a 19 inch tyre.
But the other way - easy 'no-pinch' squeezy!

**pete376403** · 17th April 2010, 19:46

Would an 18" tube fit the 19"wheel without too much stretching? I've put an 18" in the back wheel of the KLR (17" wheel) and it made it a lot easier to get the tyre on without the tube getting pinched between tyre and rim. Seems to have lasted ok so far including the CCA

**cooneyr** · 17th April 2010, 20:00

I use to carry a 19' for the DR650. Have put it in either end with no worries. Bit of a pain over the 21' front but not impossible - just be careful with the leavers. I use to run 18'HD tubes on the 17' rear of the DR650 cause I had trouble getting a 17'HD tube. Fitted better in the 130 tyre (stock was 120). KTM has such huge rear tyres/rims and good locations to carry both a massive 18' and 21' so I do.

Cheers R

**bart** · 17th April 2010, 20:51

I carry both 17' and 21' tubes, levers, and even a small rubber hammer (DR650 rear needs a good beating). I've never had a flat on the trail, but when I do, I want to be able to fix it quick. It's really not that much gear to carry.

**dino3310** · 17th April 2010, 21:39

shit i just carry a patch kit

**NordieBoy** · 17th April 2010, 23:00

Originally Posted by dino3310

shit i just carry a patch kit

Giving up smoking?

**warewolf** · 18th April 2010, 00:01

Carry just one tube of the bigger diameter. If it is a standard duty tube, it will be the smallest and lightest for your bike, yet fit both ends okay. Back it up with a patch kit, same as you back up the gas cartridges with an mtb pump.

Unless you are a RTW rider going to lots of remote places, there's no point carrying more.

**Woodman** · 18th April 2010, 08:43

I carry both tubes and a patch kit. Doesn't take up too much room and i would rather put the correct tube in and then not have to change it again when i got home.