I want to upgrade my tire to a Maxxis Hookworm 24" X 2.5", but i cannot find the inner tube to match its dimensions! I'm concerned that the incorrect size tube will end in an accident or something bad. The closest size i found was the Duro 24"X 2.6" inner tube at unicyclist.com. Please advise me on this matter. Should i get this tube and end my search or continue searching for a tube that would fit this tire exactly?
*Check your local bike store and buy a 24 x 3" IRC Downhill tire.
No need to go to the unicycle.com site for that! *
I think you'll find that's a very different tyre you're talking about. One being downhill and knobbly, the other being a smooth slick.
Inner tube sizes don't have to match exactly. A 24x2.6" inner tube will be fine, but you probably don't need something that serious unless you're riding serious off-road downhill or intending to run a very low pressure and ride stairs on it. You probably just want a normal 24" inner tube, like you'd put in the tyre you've currently got.
You can use a smaller tube than called for, but, if you use a larger one there will be folds when it's inflated which -*will*- develop leaks. Personal experience with car tires/tubes (tyres/toobs 😉). Consider that some people are using 29" tubes on Cokers. A 2.5 to a 2.6 -*may*- be close enough that there won't be a problem.
-- brian.slater - Nellfurtiti, the Wonder Cat
Brian C. Slater AKA: Snoopy
Ok, I am now officially in my normal state of -advanced- confusion. Don't try to confuse me, it won't make any difference.
Inner tube size doesn't have to match the tire size exactly. The main thing is to use the same diameter. I'm using a 24x2.5 tube in my 24x3.0 tire right now and I don't have any problems with it.
There's one unicyclist who is even using a 29 inch tube in a 36 inch unicycle.
For the hookworm, I don't think you will need the Duro tube. That tube is a Down hill tube and is extremely thick and heavy. Go to your local bike shop and pickup a standard 24 inch tube. Anything from a 2.2 inch to 2.6 inch should be fine.
