Inner tube - is size that important?

[Danny]

Realise this may be a stupid question, but here goes.

I normally ride on 700c x 23mm tyres, but have just fitted some 28mm tyres as I am off touring next week.

I think the inner tubes I have on the bike are for 23-25mm tyres. Is there any reasons why I shouldn't use them with my new 28mm tyres (I have inflated them and they seem to be fine).

 

[Mr Phoebus]

They'll be fine, they'll just lose pressure over time a bit easier than you fitting wider tubes.

 

[ufkacbln]

It's a cross between good practice and practicality.

Pumping a 23 mm tyre to 28 mm is not a problem, in fact if you look at some tubes they are designed over a greater range (the Schwalbe SV15 is rated 18 - 28)

I have successfully (in an emergency) run tubes way out of spec (26" in 700c tyres)

 

[peejay78]

i ran a 23 in 32 once to get home.

 

[Danny]

Phew...it was only after I fitted the bigger tyres, and spent 30 mins adjusting my mud guards so they didn't rub, that it I started wondering about the inner tubes. Glad I don't have to start again!