Quick question about Fat Bike Tubes

huffster

huffster

Well-Known Member
I am running tubes on my fat-bike. I may convert at some point, but I have read that my wheels aren't real conducive. Anyway, I have been carrying around a 300+ gram fat-bike tube when I ride this bike. Its heavy and bulky and forces me to wear the Camelbak - which I have been trying to get away from.

I think I have heard folks using a DH tube as a trail spare.

True? If so, brand/size recommendations please.

Other options?

Thanks in advance.
 
Only issue is some of the non-fat tubes stretch the tires and make them narrower, this can create issue when seating the tire tubeless.
 
You can run a downhill tube on a 4" tire w/out any real complications... If it's a 5" tire, the area near the valve gets all wonky and weak.

2c.
 
@Johnny Utah Not really worried that this tire might be effected for a later tubeless conversion. If I go tubeless it will happen at the same time as a fresh set of tires. I am mainly looking for a more compact "trail fix". I would put a full size tube in at home.
@Juggernaut It is a 4.8" tire. "wonky and weak"...is that if I run it long term or can I run it for a couple hours to get out of the woods?
@Kaleidopete I may resort to something like that. Damn thing is still huge for under the seat.
 
huffster said:
@Johnny Utah Not really worried that this tire might be effected for a later tubeless conversion. If I go tubeless it will happen at the same time as a fresh set of tires. I am mainly looking for a more compact "trail fix". I would put a full size tube in at home.
@Juggernaut It is a 4.8" tire. "wonky and weak"...is that if I run it long term or can I run it for a couple hours to get out of the woods?
@Kaleidopete I may resort to something like that. Damn thing is still huge for under the seat.
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If you were close to the end of the ride you'd probably be ok, but if it's like more than 40 min to the car, you're running a risk and a patch would never hold on the hyper stretched tube.
 
huffster said:
I am running tubes on my fat-bike. I may convert at some point, but I have read that my wheels aren't real conducive. Anyway, I have been carrying around a 300+ gram fat-bike tube when I ride this bike. Its heavy and bulky and forces me to wear the Camelbak - which I have been trying to get away from.

I think I have heard folks using a DH tube as a trail spare.

True? If so, brand/size recommendations please.

Other options?

Thanks in advance.
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Get some type of frame or top tube bag. Should be able to stash at least a tube, and avoid needing the camelbak. I know @Johnny Utah uses a frame bag as do I on the fat bike. Frame size is a limiting factor in terms of capacity, but for just a tube a revelate jerrycan will do.

Haven't trusted the idea of downhill tubes. Running tubeless, but still carry 1-2 fat tubes in the frame bag along with a water bottle or 2 and other odds and ends.
 
This is the monstrosity I am carrying. Its listed as 4.00, so I figured I'd be stretching it a bit to the 4.8 tire. It's 458 grams. A friggin' pound for a tube. I rolled it up tight and it may fit snuggly under seat (barely) if I'm stuck with it. Or the Jerry Can is a decent option.
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That is a big boy, but like @moray42 stated, I use a frame bag to stow my gear and swore off the camelback, especially on 30+ mile rides. When I am really limited on space, I zip tie one to my seat rails, but always carry a full size surly tube when I am further than 3 miles from the car. My wheels are tubeless and I usually add fluid every month or two and re-tape ever four or five months, unless I swap tires.
 
@mattybfat and @ebineezer and others, I'm sure tubeless is inevitable on this bike. I've gone there with all my other MTBs and I'm a fan. I just need to take the plunge with the ghetto set-up. More significantly, is the expense of a fresh set of tires when that happens. Even tubeless, I wouldn't chance riding without a tube. With a 4.8" tire, I think I need something burly like I have. I can't imagine that Q-tube stretching to twice its intended size for very long. So, I think the Jerrycan or tying it under the seat, will be my plan. Getting all the weight off my back has been kind of "liberating". My back feels better and I feel more agile without it.

Thanks all!
 
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