700c tube in 650c tire?

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2012-05-23 9:41 AM

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Extreme Veteran
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Torrance, CA
Subject: 700c tube in 650c tire?

So I took my tri bike to the LBS to get it tuned up and he called me to tell me it was ready.

He said "You had a tube that was losing air.  Well, I didn't have any 650c tubes, so I crammed a 700c one in there, it should be fine"

To me this doesn't seem right.  In addition, my "20 second google search" yielded mixed results.  Some people say that it's a shoddy but workable fix, some say it's a temporary fix at best, some say that it will create flat spots in the ride that will make it uncomfortable and *gasp* slower.

Any thoughts on this?  My initial inclination is to tell the guy to take the 700c tube out and that I won't be paying for the tube since I didn't ask him to do that, much less put the wrong size tube in there.  

BTW, I have spare 650c tubes at home.  Maybe just bring one in to him and have him swap it out real quick while I'm there, let bygones be bygones and take my business elsewhere in the future?

2012-05-23 9:49 AM
in reply to: #4224888

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Master
1970
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Somewhere on the Tennessee River
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?
Swap the tube yourself and return the 700c tube to the LBS.  Ask for a refund and suggest that the bike shop do their homework.  Jamming a square peg into a round hole is shoddy business ethics.  
2012-05-23 9:52 AM
in reply to: #4224888

Veteran
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Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?
I would switch it out, the differnce is around 2" in circumfrence. I would imagine that would create some bunching of the tube and a bump in the ride.
2012-05-23 9:54 AM
in reply to: #4224888

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Champion
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?

As you found, "work" has different meanings depending on who you ask. Yes, it'll "work" to get you home if no alternatives are available (by rolling the tube into itself), but not something that I'd accept from a shop. Ever.

I've said before, and I'll say it again, if just ONE shop in an area advertised that they stock, sell, and service 650 wheels, the tri community and small bike owners will support that shop and keep it afloat.

2012-05-23 9:57 AM
in reply to: #4224888

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Veteran
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Atlanta
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?

I did it once as quick repair since I flatted twice on the road and only had 1 650 tube, so a buddy of mine gave me his spare so I could make it home. It felt a little weird to ride on, but thats about it. I changed it right when I got home. 

If I was in your situation replace it with a 650 you have at home and take your business else ware next time. 

2012-05-23 10:43 AM
in reply to: #4224888

Master
1946
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Memphis, TN
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?
Probably not a bad thing if you have a flat on the road and have to get back home but that's bush league work by you LBS.  I agree with the other poster to return it and ask for a refund and find another LBS.

2012-05-23 10:46 AM
in reply to: #4224888

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Expert
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Floriduh
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?
I have a stock of 650C tubes at home for exactly this reason.  I "may" work but do you want to test it at 20 mph in aero position?

Edited by Oysterboy 2012-05-23 10:46 AM
2012-05-23 10:50 AM
in reply to: #4224888

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Pro
5892
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?
You need to find a different LBS... You can use a 700 tube to roll home in a pinch, but for a mechanic to use it (and I assume charge you for it!) is completely unacceptable
2012-05-23 11:21 AM
in reply to: #4224888

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Pro
5011
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Twin Cities
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?

1. It's a workable solution for an emergency flat to get you home. It's NOT something a shop should do if they discover a leaky valve while they are dinking around. And they CERTAINLY shouldn't charge you for it (labor or parts) if you didn't ask for it or okay it.

2. If that's his exact quote, he sounds like a douchecanoe. If he had no 650s in stock, he should have let you know the issue, and asked if you wanted him to order one or take it as is.

3.

Maybe just bring one in to him and have him swap it out real quick while I'm there
. I'd change it out yourself. And make sure he didn't charge you for anything with the first one.

2012-05-23 11:24 AM
in reply to: #4224888

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Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?
SurfingLamb - 2012-05-23 10:41 AM

So I took my tri bike to the LBS to get it tuned up and he called me to tell me it was ready.

He said "You had a tube that was losing air.  Well, I didn't have any 650c tubes, so I crammed a 700c one in there, it should be fine"

To me this doesn't seem right.  In addition, my "20 second google search" yielded mixed results.  Some people say that it's a shoddy but workable fix, some say it's a temporary fix at best, some say that it will create flat spots in the ride that will make it uncomfortable and *gasp* slower.

Any thoughts on this?  My initial inclination is to tell the guy to take the 700c tube out and that I won't be paying for the tube since I didn't ask him to do that, much less put the wrong size tube in there.  

BTW, I have spare 650c tubes at home.  Maybe just bring one in to him and have him swap it out real quick while I'm there, let bygones be bygones and take my business elsewhere in the future?

 

did they write that on paper?

OP u want to make some money?

2012-05-23 12:33 PM
in reply to: #4225202

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Extreme Veteran
391
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Torrance, CA
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?
camaleon - 2012-05-23 11:24 AM
SurfingLamb - 2012-05-23 10:41 AM

So I took my tri bike to the LBS to get it tuned up and he called me to tell me it was ready.

He said "You had a tube that was losing air.  Well, I didn't have any 650c tubes, so I crammed a 700c one in there, it should be fine"

To me this doesn't seem right.  In addition, my "20 second google search" yielded mixed results.  Some people say that it's a shoddy but workable fix, some say it's a temporary fix at best, some say that it will create flat spots in the ride that will make it uncomfortable and *gasp* slower.

Any thoughts on this?  My initial inclination is to tell the guy to take the 700c tube out and that I won't be paying for the tube since I didn't ask him to do that, much less put the wrong size tube in there.  

BTW, I have spare 650c tubes at home.  Maybe just bring one in to him and have him swap it out real quick while I'm there, let bygones be bygones and take my business elsewhere in the future?

 

did they write that on paper?

OP u want to make some money?

 

hahaha.  There is a REALLY steep hill along my route....

2012-05-23 12:34 PM
in reply to: #4225373

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Extreme Veteran
391
100100100252525
Torrance, CA
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?
I'm gonna call the guy up and tell him to take the 700 c tube out.  I'll bring a tube with me when I pick up the bike and let him swap it out and keep the $4 or whatever he was charging me for labor.  I think that's reasonable.
2012-05-23 12:43 PM
in reply to: #4224888

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Elite
3498
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Laguna Beach
Subject: RE: 700c tube in 650c tire?

"To me this doesn't seem right."

correct. End of discussion...

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