Hello. In the recent geek-warning podcast there was again talk of the perils of storing TPU tubes in saddle bags. As a PSA, I have started storing my TPU tubes in old soft bags from my sunglasses. No unwanted puncture so far. Another storage option is old socks from a toddler. Obviously having a child to get some discarded socks is not a very cost effective process even for protecting TPU tubes but if you already have one there’s another use for those tiny socks. To find tiny socks, just look behind your couch or under the fridge or washing machine. ![]()
I’ve done ok with a small ziplock baggie so far. I do also have tons of tiny socks in random places though…
What happens if the toddler’s parents find out someone is stealing their toddler’s socks?
I pay baby sitters. Got a whole black market network going.![]()
@jasedepuit no abrasion issues with the canvas lining?
Nope. Tool roll is cinched down sufficiently. Nothing really moves or rattles. The insides of the slots are smoother than the external.
Based on general advice it seems common to protect the tubes more than I do. I just haven’t found it necessary personally.
Same here, as @jasedepuit. I just stash 2 tubes in the little pocket of the Attaquer saddle bag, and have had zero issues whenever I had to use on TPU tube for road side repairs.
Other notes:
- I always make sure I’m using tubes sized a little larger than the tyres I’m on. If the plan is for 28mm tyres, the 18-32C tubes go into the tyres, and into the saddle pouch. If I’m on the 40mm tyres, then the 47C TPUs kick in. The additional headroom makes for a (slightly) more durable ride, as there’s more material to stretch out while inflated.
- When swapping TPUs in the saddle pouch, I also check if other items might have slipped in there, like valve, cores, etc, that could accidentally puncture/damage the tubes while stored.
- Also, like Jase, for an additional fail safe, I’ve got the TPU patches in the pouch elsewhere, cos things happen.
Yeah, so zero (non-human error) failures in the few years since I made the transition from butyls > TPUs.
What saddle bag is that one
? ![]()
It’s a “Big Top” tool roll. I have had it for years and have no memory or records of where it came from unfortunately!
I wrote about it here:
How aero do these socks need to be??
I put my TPU tube inside a nitrile glove, which is in turn stuffed inside another nitrile glove. It’s handy to have the gloves anyway, and saves carrying around an extra plastic bag.
Caveat that I haven’t actually needed to use the TPU tube yet. Visually they still look fine, but couldn’t say for sure that they would actually hold up to being inflated (or to what extent my method has influenced that outcome, in either direction).
As aero as possible of course. It remains to be noted that for best results, use a tube sock.
I’ll see myself out,.
This is how I do it, with no issues to date.
Small ziploc baggie, freezer grade with the thicker plastic, works wonders for me. I carry two TPU tubes per bag and there’s still room for other tools in my small sized VeloColour bag. Haven’t had a problem with the TPUs getting wear spots when carrying them this way.
I 3d print my TPU tube holders. The containers look a bit like those travel toothbrush holders. LMK if you want the file. Costs next to nothing and provides 100% peace of mind.
