Gaadi inner tubes????

[Stul]

Hi all, I have a Raliegh E bike that came with these as "standard". After having a few punctures I really need to get some more, but try as I might I am really struggling to find a supplier. I specifically want 28 inch Schrader valve types. I phoned up our local major specialist bike shop and they had never heard of them, (or the concept of double ended tyres).
I think they are really good as it is a real pig to drop the back wheel. Just can't understand why these are not more popular???

 

[mjr]

Firstly, they're inner tubes, not tyres, aren't they? That could cause some confusion.

Second, SJS have two sizes in stock covering tyres between 32-622 and 47-635. I'm not sure if that includes what you call "28 inch" because there are many 28 inches. https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/inner-tubes-double-ended/

Thirdly, they're not more popular because tubes don't need changing that often (especially if you learn how to patch without removing the wheel, but also if you use sealant), these add the risk of splits and so on where the closed ends overlap, and they're slightly fiddlier to use than a closed O because there's no rubber band effect holding them inside the rim when correctly fitted.

 

[I like Skol]

Schrader valve - https://hollandbikeshop.com/en-gb/b...ner-tube-28-x-2-00-2-10-sv-40mm-black-812583/

 

[I like Skol]

Apologies, that link/supplier won't ship to UK apparently?

 

[Stul]

..oops yes, inner tubes....(only cocked up on this post, always ask for tubes when contacting the various shops...), header updated accordingly...

 

[Espresso vecchio]

these add the risk of splits and so on where the closed ends overlap

This is not correct.

I have two Raleigh Motus bikes, fitted with Gaadi tubes when new, as I discovered when I took the wheels off the second-hand bike. It had both valves pointing bizarrely at 45 degrees to the rim rather than pointing to the axle...the previous owner had got the LBS to change the tyres, and they obviously hadn't a clue as the ends were overlapping by at least 10cm. I put a standard tube on the front and keep the Gaadi in the saddlebag as a spare.

If SJS are out of stock of a particular size they will get them. Also available on Amazon

The Gaadi website (below) shows the correct fitment, and a video. Also YouTube videos on how to fit them.

Brilliant invention, especially for rear wheel punctures where there is no QR, eg with hub gears

 

[mjr]

This is not correct.

Why not? Simple denial doesn't explain why those pictured ends aren't going to rub on each other and why there isn't an added risk of incorrect fitting of a type impossible with an O tube.

How is that perfect butting-up of ends possible when the same tube size is sold for both 622 and 635mm diameters anyway?

I'm not saying it's a big risk but it is extra risk.

 

[Espresso vecchio]

Hi mjr - It wasn't a blunt or rude denial but partly opinion and partly fact. You mentioned the risk of splits where the closed ends overlap, but they don't and shouldn't overlap. The point of my original post was about incorrect fitment.

When properly fitted and inflated the abutting ends are no more likely to move or rub against each other (or split) than any bike tube is likely to rub against the tyre or the rim in normal use. They work. Gaadi tyres have been used since 2004, commercially since 2009 and won the Eurobike award in 2013 against 495 competitors. Gaadi are now partnered with a major tyre company, Rubena, which would not have taken them on if they were risky. I cannot find any mention of splits etc. Cycling websites like Cyclechat would certainly have told us all by now.

In terms of sizing, almost all bike tubes are designed to fit a relatively small range of diameters. Rubber expands. In this case (622 to 635) the length of the tube will safely shrink or increase to accommodate the 4cm difference in circumference, just as tyres stretch to accommodate slightly different widths.

 

[Pale Rider]

I put a standard tube on the front and keep the Gaadi in the saddlebag as a spare.

Don't forget to carry a blade to snip the old tube to fully remove it.

Why not? Simple denial doesn't explain why those pictured ends aren't going to rub on each other and why there isn't an added risk of incorrect fitting of a type impossible with an O tube.

How is that perfect butting-up of ends possible when the same tube size is sold for both 622 and 635mm diameters anyway?

I'm not saying it's a big risk but it is extra risk.

Gaadi tubes are much heavier duty than ordinary tubes, and the butted ends are lightly corrugated.

Once inflated inside the tyre, I can't see any way the butted ends could rub together.

 

[Stul]

Hi again all, and thanks for the replies. I had not considered repairing them "in situ", probably good idea assuming you can find the leak. But I do like these tubes, and thanks to a message from Stephen on this forum I have just ordered a couple for £12 off ebay...so ta for that..!!

 

[Stul]

..I am going to remove the one out of my front wheel and replace it with a standard tube and keep the Gaadi as a spare...

 

[Stul]

..as an uodate the Ebay ones arrived today. They are on the original Gaadi boxes and seem new, so I will double check them when I get the front one out....so many thanks to Stephen for link and heads up....

 

[albion]

Decathlon do them.

But if you pop into Lidl you should find their self sealing "28" being sold off at £2.99.
I simply fix the puncture without taking the wheel off on mine so added to my stock and bought a twin pack of their 28" standard inners for £2.99

 

[Big John]

I'd never seen one of these double ended tubes before....you learn something new every day. I guess they're unique selling point is that you can replace one without removing the wheel or the tyre. Ok. So we have a puncture which may or may not have been caused by a sharp....glass, thorn, whatever. We're now going to replace the punctured tube with our double ended tube WITHOUT taking the wheel or tyre off. So the sharp remains in the tyre. Is it just me that removes the tyre so I can check for what caused the puncture in the first place so I don't replace the tube only for it to deflate again once I ride the bike? Are these really such a good idea? I've changed many an ebike tube at the charity where i work and yes, I agree, they're a pain in the butt to fix but we still remove the wheel to do a proper job and try to ensure the customer doesn't get punctured as soon as they pedal away from the shop.

 

[numbnuts]

Schrader valve - https://hollandbikeshop.com/en-gb/b...ner-tube-28-x-2-00-2-10-sv-40mm-black-812583/

This product cannot be shipped to the following countries: United Kingdom
They don't sell anything to the UK now