How long do inner tubes last (unused)?

[e-rider]

I'm considering buying a pack of 10 as it's a lot cheaper, however, these will probably last me about 3 years on average. Will the rubber degrade much during this time? Obviously I won't be leaving them in direct sunlight!

 

[Rob3rt]

They would be fine IMO. I've had the same inner tube in my wheel for about 3 years.... hah

If worried about shelf life, buy a box with a mate and split them.

 

[helston90]

Or buy a box and sell some of them? get a few squids on the bay towards the cost of the box?

 

[02GF74]

difficult to say. I've had inner tubes stored in their original box in a dry garage away from sunlight perish with age. It may well depend on the brand.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

3 yrs in the dark and a cool temperature will be fine. I keep mine in the wardrobe

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

not had a problem over that kind of time span.

 

[sittingbull]

I've got one I believe to be 27 years old, I've had the bike 21 years and it was mint with matching tyres (700 x 20c) and tubes when I got it (no signs of outdoor use anywhere on the bike). Both valve stems were ridiculously short and difficult to get a pump on. I eventually discarded them but left one lying around.
The bike's been on the turbo for the last 8 years and when I got a flat a couple of years ago I put the old tube back on. It's still fine although a pain to inflate.

 

[wisdom]

Never had an issue with any of my spare tubes. I do however wrap them tightly with cling film before i put them in my seat bag.minus the box of course

 

[e-rider]

Or buy a box and sell some of them? get a few squids on the bay towards the cost of the box?

I decided to buy a smaller box as the £6 saving (over 3 years) wasn't really worth it!

 

[User16625]

I keep mine near my arse. Spare tube has been inside a small seat bag along with puncture repair kit for donkey years. Seems fine but havent really examined it.

 

[compo]

I keep mine in a plastic bag with a couple of shakes of talcum powder. Not seen any signs of perishing.