I sometimes use it as bar tape, you might consider wrapping on top of that a layer of conventional bar tape, makes the grip a little softer and thicker.
Yes, that will work although it may be a bit bulky to grip, but certainly help smooth out the ride. Far cheaper then some of the bar liners available that go under the bar tape. Thanks for the comment and safe cycing, Tony
I have done that. I have also used it to protect the chainstays from chain bounce chips. The possibilities are endless really. We throw so many useful things away. Our imagination and ingenuity is what defines us in the animal world.
That sounds like a great idea. It will make the handlebar softer and absorb some of the ground vibration. Do you cut the tube length wise and then wrap it around to make it less bulky under the regular tape?
I cut the valve out of an old tube by cutting the tube about 2 cm on each side of the valve. It makes a good tool for holding new rim tape at the valve when you're stretching it over the rim. Remove the valve cores on your old tubes for your spare parts kit.
The best use I have found for old inner tubes as as bungie straps/ giant rubber bands to tie things onto my car roof rack. The road bike ones work best as they are more easy to stretch and they will stay tight. They work so good that you only need a ratchet strap to function as a backup.
I've been repurposing my old bike's inner tubes for years. I cut them up into long strips with a razor blade knife and make great elastic bands for holding stuff together. They work like giant rubber bands, knot the ends together, and cut them down to size as needed. I use the strips in the garden to train bushes and stake plants.
That's a great idea. You can also cut them cross wise to make small diameter rubber bands that are useful for a variety of tasks. Thanks for your comment and safe cycling, Tony
Great uses.. I use them for many things, as you can get them in all sizes if you look into the dumpster behind the bike shop. I first used them to make inner tube patches of any size, and as tube liners. They are great for wedging and holding implements, with the right circumference.
Pieces of tubing would make good tube patches on the road if you carry the glue needed for repair in your saddle bag or you bring home the punctured tube and patch it there. I find the store bought patch kits to be compact and easy to use myself. Uses as wedges and shims, most definitely. Thanks for your comment and safe cycling, Tony
Great video! I use pieces of tube on everything I attach on my bike to prevent marks on it. I also use tubes to cover the old rock hard platen of my typewriters.
You may be able to get some from your local bike shop or some friends. Or some very cheap tubes from Ali Express (not worth using on in your tires in that they may not be well made but good for a variety of other uses as in the video and the comments).
Good idea. You can cut a strip the length you need and tie the end on the rack or around the rack and tie them together. The elasticity of the rubber tube can firmly hold what you carry. Thanks for your comment and safe cycling, Tony
I rarely toss a used tube that can't be patched, just cut out the valve stem and throw it in the pile. Cut 'em up to make rubber bands or tie sections in a loop to do all kinds of things. Cover a bike lock that might scratch once the plastic covering cracks/splits with a section of tube, the things you can do with 'em are endless!
Your right, they are endless. I keep a bunch of old tubes on a wall hook just waiting for the next project. Also visit our UA-cam home site at: ua-cam.com/users/MrTony10speed Regards and safe cycling, Tony
I'll use an old tube for extra grip, like a strap wrench, but even better because you can wrap it around multiple times. For instance I used an old tube wrapped around the can of my shock after servicing it so I could screw it back together.
I ride with a carbon sole road shoe. The area under the arch is very, very slippery and hard. To give it some grip, I put a piece of old tube attached with two-faced carpet tape in the area between the heel and the cleat. Its purpose is to allow me to push off from a stop light, on the back of a road pedal, without being clipped in. Without this added traction, it is very unsafe to pedal off in this way, even for a few strokes, as the sole is too slippery. A bit of rubber in this area can also protect the carbon sole from scratches and provide a bit more traction when walking on uneven surfaces. I've also used old bar tape for this purpose, but an old tube is more durable.
@@tony10speed Yes. Not because the sole is carbon, but because the brand I use (Lake) offers sole plates in different widths. In terms of comfort, it is really the shape (articulated) that matters more than the material. Carbon sole plates can be precisely molded and they will easily outlast other materials, especially since mountain bike versions will have protection of the sole plate. Modern carbon soled mountain bike shoes are so light, stiff and durable, that there is little reason to buy a road shoe, if you don't need the added ventilation or have to put shims under the cleat.
@@bengt_axle Lots of pro's and con's concerning carbon sole bicycle shoes but your reasoning is by far the most logical. Will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks and safe cycling, Tony
@@tony10speed There is an industry standard stiffness index which goes from 1-14 or so. Most high end carbon soled RACING shoes are around 12 or so. In my experience, anything above 7 would be very suitable for enthusiast sport riding, as a bit of flex can make the shoe more comfortable, if the sole plate doesn't have the perfect shape for your foot. Going up a hill, dancing on the pedals is where you'll most appreciate the stiffness and shape of a carbon sole plate. However, some world-touring cyclists, ride tens of thousands of km....in Birkenstocks on flat pedals. For sure, a narrow, stiff carbon soled racing shoe can be much more uncomfortable than a pair of Crocs, if they are not of the right width or shape.
Well, I moved to latex tubes from butyl a few years ago and was amazed at the difference in comfort and noticeable rolling resistance…..tested rolling down a few small hills, not very scientific, but in comfort alone would never go back to butyl. recently been trialling TPU on a 38 mm carbon wheel set, and do not notice much difference to the latex. The latex maybe a tad more comfortable on a rougher road surface, but not much in it. So far havent punctured either….In my view, either are a substantial upgrade over butyl.
The thing with butyl tubes is that i can get them for 2$ each and still fix them a lot of times if i want, i had one with over 40 patches lmao. TPU you can only patch big punctures, once you get micros ones, its done, the 100 grams weight difference is nice but you are better off buying lighter tires.
Personally I think that they are costly and the weight gain reduction is minimal. Here's an interesting discussion: www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/16nmqbb/tpu_tube_users_how_are_they/ If you decide to go with TPU, don't buy the cheap China made ones which will give you many problems. And please don't go with RideNow. See the following review: theradavist.com/ridenow-versus-tubolito-tpu-bicycle-inner-tube-review/ Is the TPU tubes worth it? I have yet to made up my mind. Good question. Regards and safe cycling, Tony
My real life experience. They are very inexpensive mail order from China. They pop when used with rim brakes on steep descents where I live. I recommend disc brake use only. I keep them in my bike bag for when I get a flat because they are so small. Hopefully never get a flat on top of Mt. Baldy where I ride.
There seems to be mixed feelings on TPU tubes. The cheaper RideNow seem to be more fragile then the Tubolito Road and Tubolito MTB-PLUS. I have not seen enough convincing evidence for me to switch from Butyl or Latex to TPU. Here's an interesting review: theradavist.com/ridenow-versus-tubolito-tpu-bicycle-inner-tube-review/ Safe cycling, Tony
@@tony10speedHey Tony, I read that linked article and it in no way resembles my experience having exclusively used RideNow TPU tubes for 1000's of kms over the past several years. Also, the information is dated in important ways. RideNow now makes several versions of its TPU tubes. The most recently released by the company have threaded, metal stems with removable cores. They are more expensive than earlier versions, but still much less than the competition and they perform incredibly well, IMO. With regard to patching punctures in TPU tubes (or any tubes for that matter), I offer you this tip. The 3M company makes a double sided, elastic, tape call VHB. It is used in manufacturing when extreme strength is needed. It makes incredibly effective, air tight, patches for TPU tubes. Simply wipe the TPU tube with alcohol, cut a patch out of the roll of VHB tape, and apply it over the puncture. I never bother to repair inner tubes out on the road. I just install another tube. So I make these repairs at home. Because of that, I clamp the tube with its VHB tape patch overnight. That's overkill as the VHB tape adheres instantly. But why not! Next day I roll up the patched TPU tube and put it in my repair bag on my bike as a spare. Like all double sided tape, one side is covered with a plastic film. That side faces outward on my tube. I remove it after the repair is finished and coat the exposed adhesive side with talcom powder so that it doesn't stick to the rest of the tube when rolled up for storage or to the inside of the tire when installed. I presently have a RideNow TPU tube on my bike that has been repaired this way. It is still going strong 6 months after the repair.
A an old and well known use is as waterproof firelighter in your camping or survival gear: Thread a short length over a rucksack strap from which you can cut off rings to burn as required, or just stretch rings around any piece of kit you’d be carrying anyway (field knife handle / gas lighter?). Free, Instantly available, all weather sustained burn to get damp kindling going - smelly fumes but who cares in a survival situation
@ Forgot to thank you for the bike stand wheel straightening tip - That issue has bugged me for years: but used it today and it was absolutely brilliant. I will forevermore use this trick and it be called it the “Tony10Speed Band” (even though I was rebuilding an 8 speed!). atb.
I was a captain, 1st Cav, Medivac, assigned to the ER at Fort Hood during Vietnam. The base was the largest in the US at that time with over 100,000 soldiers and dependents. Very challenging but a great education in emergency care. Are you a vet? Regards and be well, Tony M.D.
Use of an old clincher as a chainstay protector does work well, especially on mountain bikes or kids bikes. However, on most adult mountain and road bikes, I prefer 3M Helicopter Tape because it's transparent and easy to apply. See: ua-cam.com/video/odURZ1aIai8/v-deo.html Thanks for your comments and safe cycling, Tony
I use them to cut small rubber bands that go over the little pill box I keep in my pocket. Keeps them from opening in my pocket and having pills in my pocket instead of my pill case.
I use the entire tube to make a giant rubber band which I use to secure my electric blanket to the bottom of the bed. Keeps me from kicking off the blanket at the bottom in the night.
Never thought of that. Very clever. How do you secure the tube to the blanket and then the bed? Does the blanket have some hooks or places to attach? Regards, Tony
@@tony10speed The end of the blanket normally hangs off the end of the bed. You put the "rubber band" on the end of the bed over the blanket with the ends of the "band" looped around the ends of the bed. Sounds complicated, but it's not.
A old tube and some zip ties make a pretty good chainstay protector as well.
Yes. I've used that on several mountain bikes. Thanks for the comment, Tony
I sometimes use it as bar tape, you might consider wrapping on top of that a layer of conventional bar tape, makes the grip a little softer and thicker.
Yes, that will work although it may be a bit bulky to grip, but certainly help smooth out the ride. Far cheaper then some of the bar liners available that go under the bar tape.
Thanks for the comment and safe cycing, Tony
I have done that. I have also used it to protect the chainstays from chain bounce chips. The possibilities are endless really. We throw so many useful things away. Our imagination and ingenuity is what defines us in the animal world.
That sounds like a great idea. It will make the handlebar softer and absorb some of the ground vibration. Do you cut the tube length wise and then wrap it around to make it less bulky under the regular tape?
@@tony10speed correct
I like the tip with the torx bit. I had to recently use a T27 on my 5mm hex bolt. Didn't need the inner tube, but it's a great suggestion
Great to know that my tips are helpful to you! Regards, Ton
I love the tire tender for the front wheel, I'll be using that in a couple of hours for sure!
Works great when doing bike repair and maintenance. Also visit our UA-cam home site at:
ua-cam.com/users/MrTony10speed
Regards and safe cycling, Tony
I cut the valve out of an old tube by cutting the tube about 2 cm on each side of the valve. It makes a good tool for holding new rim tape at the valve when you're stretching it over the rim. Remove the valve cores on your old tubes for your spare parts kit.
Cool tips. Will give it a try. Thanks and regards, Tony
The best use I have found for old inner tubes as as bungie straps/ giant rubber bands to tie things onto my car roof rack. The road bike ones work best as they are more easy to stretch and they will stay tight. They work so good that you only need a ratchet strap to function as a backup.
That would work, although I would be a little more comfortable with several ratchet straps. Thanks for your suggestion and safe cycling, Tony
I was just having a problem with my garmin mount. You saved me!
Glad it worked. Also visit our UA-cam home site at:
ua-cam.com/users/MrTony10speed
Regards and safe cycling, Tony
I've been repurposing my old bike's inner tubes for years. I cut them up into long strips with a razor blade knife and make great elastic bands for holding stuff together. They work like giant rubber bands, knot the ends together, and cut them down to size as needed. I use the strips in the garden to train bushes and stake plants.
That's a great idea. You can also cut them cross wise to make small diameter rubber bands that are useful for a variety of tasks. Thanks for your comment and safe cycling, Tony
Great uses.. I use them for many things, as you can get them in all sizes if you look into the dumpster behind the bike shop. I first used them to make inner tube patches of any size, and as tube liners. They are great for wedging and holding implements, with the right circumference.
Pieces of tubing would make good tube patches on the road if you carry the glue needed for repair in your saddle bag or you bring home the punctured tube and patch it there. I find the store bought patch kits to be compact and easy to use myself.
Uses as wedges and shims, most definitely.
Thanks for your comment and safe cycling, Tony
Like your channel! Greetings from Berlin, Germany. 👍
Greeting from the USA and thank you. Glad you find it useful which is my goal. Safe cycling, Tony
Great video! I use pieces of tube on everything I attach on my bike to prevent marks on it. I also use tubes to cover the old rock hard platen of my typewriters.
Old typewriters are like old bicycles... they are both complex machines that will last forever if taken care of.
@@campbellpaul Awesomely said!
Agree. Thanks, Tony
Nice tips. The light one made me think I could use the tubes for my frame bag protection too
Not a bad idea. Thanks and safe cycling, Tony
Wraping up my metal chain locks to prevent it from damaging my bike paint.
Always a great idea if you have a heavy metal chain with lock. Thanks for your comment, Tony
I love the light one. I've got that problem with my light, but I don't have any spare tubes, typical 😂
You may be able to get some from your local bike shop or some friends. Or some very cheap tubes from Ali Express (not worth using on in your tires in that they may not be well made but good for a variety of other uses as in the video and the comments).
Thanks! Great ideas
You're welcome. Also visit our UA-cam home site at:
ua-cam.com/users/MrTony10speed
Regards and safe cycling, Tony
Thanks! Tony🚲
You're welcome. Also visit our UA-cam home site at:
ua-cam.com/users/MrTony10speed
Regards and safe cycling, Tony
I use them as straps to secure stuff on a rear rqck
Good idea. You can cut a strip the length you need and tie the end on the rack or around the rack and tie them together. The elasticity of the rubber tube can firmly hold what you carry. Thanks for your comment and safe cycling, Tony
I rarely toss a used tube that can't be patched, just cut out the valve stem and throw it in the pile. Cut 'em up to make rubber bands or tie sections in a loop to do all kinds of things. Cover a bike lock that might scratch once the plastic covering cracks/splits with a section of tube, the things you can do with 'em are endless!
Your right, they are endless. I keep a bunch of old tubes on a wall hook just waiting for the next project.
Also visit our UA-cam home site at:
ua-cam.com/users/MrTony10speed
Regards and safe cycling, Tony
i've used a tube to get out a stripped screw before, it saved the day
Nice going, thanks. Also visit our UA-cam home site at:
ua-cam.com/users/MrTony10speed
Regards and safe cycling, Tony
I'll use an old tube for extra grip, like a strap wrench, but even better because you can wrap it around multiple times. For instance I used an old tube wrapped around the can of my shock after servicing it so I could screw it back together.
That's a clever idea! Thanks for the tip. Regards, Tony
I ride with a carbon sole road shoe. The area under the arch is very, very slippery and hard. To give it some grip, I put a piece of old tube attached with two-faced carpet tape in the area between the heel and the cleat. Its purpose is to allow me to push off from a stop light, on the back of a road pedal, without being clipped in. Without this added traction, it is very unsafe to pedal off in this way, even for a few strokes, as the sole is too slippery. A bit of rubber in this area can also protect the carbon sole from scratches and provide a bit more traction when walking on uneven surfaces. I've also used old bar tape for this purpose, but an old tube is more durable.
Question for you: Are carbon sole road shoes really worth the expensive in terms of comfort and shoe longevity?
@@tony10speed Yes. Not because the sole is carbon, but because the brand I use (Lake) offers sole plates in different widths. In terms of comfort, it is really the shape (articulated) that matters more than the material. Carbon sole plates can be precisely molded and they will easily outlast other materials, especially since mountain bike versions will have protection of the sole plate. Modern carbon soled mountain bike shoes are so light, stiff and durable, that there is little reason to buy a road shoe, if you don't need the added ventilation or have to put shims under the cleat.
@@bengt_axle Lots of pro's and con's concerning carbon sole bicycle shoes but your reasoning is by far the most logical. Will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks and safe cycling, Tony
@@tony10speed There is an industry standard stiffness index which goes from 1-14 or so. Most high end carbon soled RACING shoes are around 12 or so. In my experience, anything above 7 would be very suitable for enthusiast sport riding, as a bit of flex can make the shoe more comfortable, if the sole plate doesn't have the perfect shape for your foot. Going up a hill, dancing on the pedals is where you'll most appreciate the stiffness and shape of a carbon sole plate. However, some world-touring cyclists, ride tens of thousands of km....in Birkenstocks on flat pedals. For sure, a narrow, stiff carbon soled racing shoe can be much more uncomfortable than a pair of Crocs, if they are not of the right width or shape.
Well, I moved to latex tubes from butyl a few years ago and was amazed at the difference in comfort and noticeable rolling resistance…..tested rolling down a few small hills, not very scientific, but in comfort alone would never go back to butyl. recently been trialling TPU on a 38 mm carbon wheel set, and do not notice much difference to the latex. The latex maybe a tad more comfortable on a rougher road surface, but not much in it. So far havent punctured either….In my view, either are a substantial upgrade over butyl.
The thing with butyl tubes is that i can get them for 2$ each and still fix them a lot of times if i want, i had one with over 40 patches lmao. TPU you can only patch big punctures, once you get micros ones, its done, the 100 grams weight difference is nice but you are better off buying lighter tires.
@@BostilCensurado Personally, I would tend to agree with Bostil. The ride difference is very subjective and I'll leave that up to the cyclist.
Hey Tony , always a great video. I currently use latex tubes in my GP 5000 . What are your thoughts on TPU Tubes (RideNow) seems to be all the buzz
Personally I think that they are costly and the weight gain reduction is minimal. Here's an interesting discussion:
www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/16nmqbb/tpu_tube_users_how_are_they/
If you decide to go with TPU, don't buy the cheap China made ones which will give you many problems. And please don't go with RideNow. See the following review:
theradavist.com/ridenow-versus-tubolito-tpu-bicycle-inner-tube-review/
Is the TPU tubes worth it? I have yet to made up my mind.
Good question. Regards and safe cycling, Tony
My real life experience.
They are very inexpensive mail order from China.
They pop when used with rim brakes on steep descents where I live. I recommend disc brake use only.
I keep them in my bike bag for when I get a flat because they are so small. Hopefully never get a flat on top of Mt. Baldy where I ride.
There seems to be mixed feelings on TPU tubes. The cheaper RideNow seem to be more fragile then the Tubolito Road and Tubolito MTB-PLUS. I have not seen enough convincing evidence for me to switch from Butyl or Latex to TPU. Here's an interesting review:
theradavist.com/ridenow-versus-tubolito-tpu-bicycle-inner-tube-review/
Safe cycling, Tony
@@tony10speedHey Tony, I read that linked article and it in no way resembles my experience having exclusively used RideNow TPU tubes for 1000's of kms over the past several years. Also, the information is dated in important ways. RideNow now makes several versions of its TPU tubes. The most recently released by the company have threaded, metal stems with removable cores. They are more expensive than earlier versions, but still much less than the competition and they perform incredibly well, IMO. With regard to patching punctures in TPU tubes (or any tubes for that matter), I offer you this tip. The 3M company makes a double sided, elastic, tape call VHB. It is used in manufacturing when extreme strength is needed. It makes incredibly effective, air tight, patches for TPU tubes. Simply wipe the TPU tube with alcohol, cut a patch out of the roll of VHB tape, and apply it over the puncture. I never bother to repair inner tubes out on the road. I just install another tube. So I make these repairs at home. Because of that, I clamp the tube with its VHB tape patch overnight. That's overkill as the VHB tape adheres instantly. But why not! Next day I roll up the patched TPU tube and put it in my repair bag on my bike as a spare. Like all double sided tape, one side is covered with a plastic film. That side faces outward on my tube. I remove it after the repair is finished and coat the exposed adhesive side with talcom powder so that it doesn't stick to the rest of the tube when rolled up for storage or to the inside of the tire when installed. I presently have a RideNow TPU tube on my bike that has been repaired this way. It is still going strong 6 months after the repair.
A an old and well known use is as waterproof firelighter in your camping or survival gear:
Thread a short length over a rucksack strap from which you can cut off rings to burn as required, or just stretch rings around any piece of kit you’d be carrying anyway (field knife handle / gas lighter?).
Free, Instantly available, all weather sustained burn to get damp kindling going - smelly fumes but who cares in a survival situation
Thanks for the tip. You obviously are well informed. Regards, Tony
@ Forgot to thank you for the bike stand wheel straightening tip - That issue has bugged me for years: but used it today and it was absolutely brilliant. I will forevermore use this trick and it be called it the “Tony10Speed Band” (even though I was rebuilding an 8 speed!). atb.
@@SpacePodCommander Thanks. Regards, Tony
They make good resistance bands and floss bands.
I've seen that mentioned but do you really use them for those puposes?
@@tony10speed I use them myself. But I don't use them extensively. They are a bit makeshift for occasional use.
Go Army!
Ist Cav, Medivac during Vietnam era. Thanks, Tony
Genius
Thank you. Also visit our UA-cam home site at:
ua-cam.com/users/MrTony10speed
Regards and safe cycling, Tony
Is that a 1st Air Cav belt buckle?
I was a captain, 1st Cav, Medivac, assigned to the ER at Fort Hood during Vietnam. The base was the largest in the US at that time with over 100,000 soldiers and dependents. Very challenging but a great education in emergency care. Are you a vet?
Regards and be well, Tony M.D.
Wrap the chainstay.
Use of an old clincher as a chainstay protector does work well, especially on mountain bikes or kids bikes. However, on most adult mountain and road bikes, I prefer 3M Helicopter Tape because it's transparent and easy to apply. See:
ua-cam.com/video/odURZ1aIai8/v-deo.html
Thanks for your comments and safe cycling, Tony
@@tony10speed $65 for a 15' x 2" wide roll of helicopter tape or old butyl tube... hmmm, tough one
I use them to cut small rubber bands that go over the little pill box I keep in my pocket. Keeps them from opening in my pocket and having pills in my pocket instead of my pill case.
Yes, when you cut the tube cross-wise, they make great small rubber bands with many purposes. Thanks for your tip and safe cycling, Tony
I use the entire tube to make a giant rubber band which I use to secure my electric blanket to the bottom of the bed. Keeps me from kicking off the blanket at the bottom in the night.
Never thought of that. Very clever. How do you secure the tube to the blanket and then the bed? Does the blanket have some hooks or places to attach?
Regards, Tony
@@tony10speed The end of the blanket normally hangs off the end of the bed. You put the "rubber band" on the end of the bed over the blanket with the ends of the "band" looped around the ends of the bed. Sounds complicated, but it's not.
@@johnshadle4817 Got it. Thanks and regards, Tony
Nothing to do with bike tricks but you can cut a length of tube and use it as a garlic clove peeler. Wash it first of course...
Very ingenious. Will give it a try. Regards and safe cycling, Tony
Rubber tube for under the light he never even tried to move it up and down after just back and forth lol.
Up and down is the same as to and fro. It is not rotating.
Old school tricks or treats never dies,,,,,,,,boooooo,,,,,,,,I used them as chain/ frame protector on the mountain bike….
I have also used them on a few mountain bikes and kids bikes. Yes, old tricks never die because they work. Regards, Tony