Can I use 700x23 tube in a 700x25 tire?
#8
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so the tube will stretch a little more, 23 to 25 is nothing. A lot of 25mm tires are like, 24.1 actually and a lot of 23s are like, 23.9. Not much difference
#9
Senior Member
The 18-23c tube is exactly the size you want to use with a 25c tire. In my book the 25-35c tube is TOO big. The tube will stretch easily to size. Try pumping up a tube free from a tire and see how far it will expand (don't go overboard though).
When fitting a tube to a tire its MUCH easier to have a small tube which expands rather than a larger tube which your trying to stuff into the space available. You are MUCH more prone to pinching a larger tube when fitting rather than a smaller one.
Anthony
When fitting a tube to a tire its MUCH easier to have a small tube which expands rather than a larger tube which your trying to stuff into the space available. You are MUCH more prone to pinching a larger tube when fitting rather than a smaller one.
Anthony
#12
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Also, since xx-23mm tubes are more common, it's easier to find them with the features you want, like long unthreaded presta valves.
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It's rubber, it stretches to fit.
This is an area where precision is meaningless. First of all, tire widths aren't precise, and one brand's 700X23c will be the same width as another brand's 700x25c (or wider or narrower than 23). The width of the rim also affects tire width, regardless of markings. Likewise with tube widths. The maker has to allow for expansion, and different manufacturers make different allowances.
So obviously, it can't matter too much if there's a difference between nominal tube width, and nominal tire width. As a rule try to buy as close as possible, but tubes up to 35% narrower, and 20% wider will usually work without any problem at all.
Note- Ultralight polyurethane tubes are less forgiving, and should be bought as close as possible.
This is an area where precision is meaningless. First of all, tire widths aren't precise, and one brand's 700X23c will be the same width as another brand's 700x25c (or wider or narrower than 23). The width of the rim also affects tire width, regardless of markings. Likewise with tube widths. The maker has to allow for expansion, and different manufacturers make different allowances.
So obviously, it can't matter too much if there's a difference between nominal tube width, and nominal tire width. As a rule try to buy as close as possible, but tubes up to 35% narrower, and 20% wider will usually work without any problem at all.
Note- Ultralight polyurethane tubes are less forgiving, and should be bought as close as possible.
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#15
#17
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#18
Mechanic/Tourist
What do you mean by "will it work?" It will go into your tire, it will inflate, it will hold air and it will be slightly thinner from stretching. It might need air more often - that is the only appreciable difference.
#22
Mechanic/Tourist
Either you are joking or you are not following the discussion above, especially FB's post 14. Again, "will it work" has little meaning. How well it will work depends not only on the actual size of tube and tire, but also on your ability and care installing the tube and how willing you are to push the limits to avoid buying a better sized tube. Nobody here is able to determine all of that for you.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 01-02-14 at 08:54 AM.
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I didn't want to start a new thread and I know I'm digging up an old one. After being told by a lbs that the 18-23 tube will indeed inflate a 25 tire, I went ahead and purchased some Gatorskins in 25 for my bike. I'm actually going up in size from a 23 to a 25. Front tire went on and inflated fine, the back tire ended up having a sidewall blow out. Seems as if the tube gave out and caused the blowout. Sucks that I wrestled with the tire to get the rest of the bead over the rim, and when I finally did and got it aired up, psssssssssh. Any input to this? ****ty tube perhaps? I'm quite hesitant to use another 18-23 tube to inflate a 25 tire at this point.
#24
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I didn't want to start a new thread and I know I'm digging up an old one. After being told by a lbs that the 18-23 tube will indeed inflate a 25 tire, I went ahead and purchased some Gatorskins in 25 for my bike. I'm actually going up in size from a 23 to a 25. Front tire went on and inflated fine, the back tire ended up having a sidewall blow out. Seems as if the tube gave out and caused the blowout. Sucks that I wrestled with the tire to get the rest of the bead over the rim, and when I finally did and got it aired up, psssssssssh. Any input to this? ****ty tube perhaps? I'm quite hesitant to use another 18-23 tube to inflate a 25 tire at this point.
Once you have the second bead on, you should put a couple psi in the tube, and work your way around the wheel, pressing the sidewall away from the rim to make sure the tube isn't caught in between.
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If you inflate any butyl tube outside a tire you'll see that it can easily stretch to 2-3 times it's unstretched width without bursting.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.