Inner Tubes

[bobg56]

My nose tire went flat so I'm shopping around for 3 since they are all 10 years old now so I might as well replace them all, Tire's are Areo Classic 5.00-5...looking at Spruce a 5x5 tire tube is $72.75 each, the tube that's in it is a "Leak Guard" with is about $25.00 but it's not a 5x5 size...anyone know of a cheaper alternative to paying $72.75 for a tube?

[Piper J3]

About ten years ago my wife and I were grocery shopping and discovered that butter was exorbitantly priced. My wife asked the store manager why the recent price escalation? The answer they gave her was an El Niño caused a disruption with cows producing milk from which butter is made.

So, my answer to you is… It costs what it costs. Tires and tubes have been increasing in price.

It’s like the airlines – they own (or lease) the planes and if you want to fly you buy a ticket.

[12vaitor]

You could buy them from the Van's Store for $59 each.

https://shop.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bi...duct=tire-tube

John Salak
RV-12 N896HS

[Ironflight]

If you’re only going to replace your tubes every ten years, then maybe think about putting in the best - the Michelin Air Stops. You’ll probably only have to add air once every six to eight months, so you’re more likely to keep them at a good pressure. And yeah - they’re expensive!

[bobg56]

Thanks for the reply's, $59 is better than $73...I will order from Van's...

[NinerBikes]

You're taking a trip to the moon... would you want the rocket ship built by the lowest bidder, when your life depends on it?

It's something I think about with tires and tubes. If you have to pull wheel pants every time you want to check the air pressure in your tires, a good leak free set of tubes is worth the extra money, vs monkeying with those screws on you back all the time down there.

[BH1166]

Cost are going to run up the price....one corner USA to the opposite. Pricey getting stuff from VANS to Georgia, takes a week or more too. YMMV.

[seagull]

Originally Posted by NinerBikes

If you have to pull wheel pants every time you want to check the air pressure in your tires, a good leak free set of tubes is worth the extra money, vs monkeying with those screws on you back all the time down there.

I have 1" holes in the pants that align with the tube stems. 1" caps cover the holes for flying. I check pressure monthly to be sure I don't see a "leak" trend. The time to check and adjust all 3 is 10 minutes.

If I had tubes that are advertised to go 6 months without air loss I would still check them monthly.

I don't suggest going cheap on parts, if it is equal quality based on your research or qualified recommendations then spending more money just to get a "name brand" is a waste.

[swjohnsey]

I wonder where the Michelin Air Stop tubes are made?

[bobg56]

I'm not trying to be cheap, just trying to get the best price possible, I can't see how an inner tube is worth $150, I'm thinking a little gouging going on...