Author Topic: Which inner tubes would be best to get for standard Brompton 37-349 tyres? (Read 7797 times)

Oxford_Guy · « **on:** 09 May, 2017, 10:18:06 pm »

Which brand/model of inner tubes would be best for the standard 37mm Brompton Schrader valve tyres (37-349)?

Was thinking either Continental Compact 16 (fits 32-305 to 47-349) or Schwalbe AV4 (fits 28-349 to 37-349)

Both have proper threaded metal stems with a nut.

The Schwalbes are narrower and lighter (85g vs 99g) and a little cheaper, but are they going to be stretched to the limit (and therefore possibly more prone to punctures) filling the 37mm Brompton tyre?

I don't want to get Marathon or Marathon Plus tyres, too hard to get on/off and I don't like how they make a bike feel, though I know they're more puncture-proof than the standard Brompton tyre, but I know many like them.

LittleWheelsandBig · « **Reply #1 on:** 09 May, 2017, 10:22:38 pm »

We use the AV4 for the cheap weight savings without noticeable problems.

Oxford_Guy · « **Reply #2 on:** 09 May, 2017, 10:47:07 pm »

With the standard Brompton tyres, or Schwalbe Marathons?

LittleWheelsandBig · « **Reply #3 on:** 09 May, 2017, 10:48:44 pm »

Brommie tyres on mine, Kojaks on HK's. Marathons are as slow as a wet week.

Oxford_Guy · « **Reply #4 on:** 09 May, 2017, 10:56:39 pm »

Quote from: LittleWheelsandBig on 09 May, 2017, 10:48:44 pm

Brommie tyres on mine, Kojaks on HK's. Marathons are as slow as a wet week.

I'm not a fan either, unless I was touring on gravel or something, though my experience is with 700c Marathon Pluses, harsh ride and made my Hewitt Cheviot feel like a truck, on Marathon Supremes she flies, though

Oxford_Guy · « **Reply #5 on:** 09 May, 2017, 10:57:31 pm »

Quote from: LittleWheelsandBig on 09 May, 2017, 10:48:44 pm

Brommie tyres on mine, Kojaks on HK's. Marathons are as slow as a wet week.

How puncture-resistant are the Kojaks? Much worse than the Brommie tyres, or only a little?

Kim · « **Reply #6 on:** 09 May, 2017, 10:59:20 pm »

AV4 on standard Brommie tyres here. No complaints, but not enough mileage to expect many (one visitation in 1000 miles, and that was on the OEM tube).

LittleWheelsandBig · « **Reply #7 on:** 09 May, 2017, 11:02:35 pm »

Puncture resistance of Kojaks and Brommie tyres is too close to call.

Kim · « **Reply #8 on:** 09 May, 2017, 11:05:44 pm »

Quote from: LittleWheelsandBig on 09 May, 2017, 11:02:35 pm

Puncture resistance of Kojaks and Brommie tyres is too close to call.

Interesting. That seems like a strong argument for Kojaks, unless there's going to be mud.

Oxford_Guy · « **Reply #9 on:** 09 May, 2017, 11:06:33 pm »

Quote from: LittleWheelsandBig on 09 May, 2017, 11:02:35 pm

Puncture resistance of Kojaks and Brommie tyres is too close to call.

Good to know. Do the Kojaks lower the gearing by much (because of the smaller overall wheel circumference)? I'm already running a -12% 6-speed and don't want the gearing much lower.

I like the fact that there's a (even lighter) folding version too, I have folding Supremes on my Hewitt

LittleWheelsandBig · « **Reply #10 on:** 09 May, 2017, 11:14:15 pm »

Yes, Kojaks lower the gearing noticeably. HK and I both have standard 6sp gearing but she pedals a little quicker than me, so all good. I don't see the point in steel tyre beads most of the time.

Oxford_Guy · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 May, 2017, 09:35:02 am »

Quote from: LittleWheelsandBig on 09 May, 2017, 11:14:15 pm

Yes, Kojaks lower the gearing noticeably. HK and I both have standard 6sp gearing but she pedals a little quicker than me, so all good. I don't see the point in steel tyre beads most of the time.

Okay, I'll probably stick with the standard Brompton tyres for now, gearing is low enough already at -12%

LittleWheelsandBig · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 May, 2017, 09:59:44 am »

Nothing requires you to have the same tyres at both ends.

rogerzilla · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 May, 2017, 06:57:15 pm »

I have a lot of trouble with the AV4 tubes because they really, really don't like oil. They literally fall apart at the seams. If you're going to use them, try and find some non-porous rim tape to keep any chain (or hub!) oil away from the tube.

Oxford_Guy · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 May, 2017, 07:54:13 pm »

Quote from: rogerzilla on 10 May, 2017, 06:57:15 pm

I have a lot of trouble with the AV4 tubes because they really, really don't like oil. They literally fall apart at the seams. If you're going to use them, try and find some non-porous rim tape to keep any chain (or hub!) oil away from the tube.

Which inner tubes do you use now then? Continental Compact 16?

rogerzilla · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 May, 2017, 09:03:27 pm »

No, I have to use AV4 because they're all that will fit. I park the bike with kitchen roll wedged under the hub flanges if I've oiled it recently - and I mean about 0.5cc of oil, not half a pint!

Oxford_Guy · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 May, 2017, 10:30:37 pm »

Quote from: rogerzilla on 10 May, 2017, 09:03:27 pm

No, I have to use AV4 because they're all that will fit. I park the bike with kitchen roll wedged under the hub flanges if I've oiled it recently - and I mean about 0.5cc of oil, not half a pint!

Are you running Kojaks then?

rogerzilla · « **Reply #17 on:** 11 May, 2017, 07:52:55 am »

Yes. Stelvios were the same (actually a claimed 28mm rather than 30mm for Kojaks).

Oxford_Guy · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 May, 2017, 08:16:45 am »

Quote from: rogerzilla on 11 May, 2017, 07:52:55 am

Yes. Stelvios were the same (actually a claimed 28mm rather than 30mm for Kojaks).

Okay, for my standard Brompton (37mm) tyres I'm going to give the Continental Compact 16s a go, as they're on sale at SJS and I'm buying some other stuff from them anyway (Carradice Barley saddlebag):

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/inner-tubes/continental-compact-16-34mm-schrader-tube-16-tyres-32305-to-47349/

Gattopardo · « **Reply #19 on:** 28 September, 2017, 05:35:51 pm »

I just bought a presta valve one from decathlon https://www.decathlon.co.uk/16-bike-inner-tube-presta-id_8311087.html