strange inner tubes

[biggs682]

working on latest project this morning involved sorting tyres out , so pulled old tyres off rims and fitted new tyres and tubes as original ones were 10+ yrs old . before putting original bits in the bin i had a better look at the the inner tubes and was shocked to see they were 1 strip with 2 sealed ends rather than the normal round innertubes ?

anybody seen these before as i hadnt bike was an early 80's racer, would have taken a picture if i thought about it but now in bin which was emptied earlier today .

 

[thegravestoneman]

Seen them a few times although obviously not for the 25 years of being bike free. I can't remember what on or where they came from probably the 'Universal' brand type of bike?

 

[Titanium]

I've never had one, but seem to remember seeing them online.
Do you reckon that an inner tube like this could be 'one size fits all'? - Within reason of course. One tube does 26" and 700c... and maybe 24". Snazzy.

 

[simon.r]

I think I remember Halfords selling these a few years ago. The idea is that you can fit them without removing the wheel. A quick Google brings up this: http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/sidewind...der-tube-for-24-and-26-inch-wheels-prod11126/

 

[tyred]

You see them described in old cycle manuals from many years ago. Probably a bit pointless on a derailleur geared bike but they would potentially be a Godsend if you were stuck at the side of the road with a damaged tube on a hub geared, rod braked roadster with chaincase.

 

[02GF74]

The idea is that you can fit them without removing the wheel.

.... that was my first reaction. never seen such a thing myself.