Is $9 a lot to pay for a new innertube?

Ok well, not $9 but $8.73 (with tax)

At "On the Route Bicycles" (3144 N Lincoln Ave) -  700x23 schrader

This is a lot right?  For one tube that I installed myself. 

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Permalink Reply by ian t wilson on May 5, 2013 at 3:19am

seems a bit high but not ridiculous to me. I feel like I usually pay about 6-7 for a single tube. I tend to buy in bulk when performance is having a sale and then they are 5 or less a piece.

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on May 5, 2013 at 4:22am

Depends - did you get the basic tube? flat/thorn resistant? extra light?

If it was anything other than basic, I can see where it may be more than the usual $6.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on May 5, 2013 at 5:47am

I bet it was a Bontrager tube because they come priced at 7.99 right from Trek.

I think it is high but that is apparently what tubes cost at Trek shops.

Permalink Reply by mike w. on May 5, 2013 at 7:18am

yes

Permalink Reply by OLB 0.1 on May 5, 2013 at 8:49am
It's not too much if you have a flat and don't have a spare. I'm glad there are more LBS open on Sunday with the warmer weather.
Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on May 5, 2013 at 9:30am

I remember I used to pay 4 or 5 bucks in the mid 2000's or so. Anything over that is robbery for a basic tube. Perhaps the only bigger ripoff is the price some LBS' charge for a new tube install. It's a good thing a flat is extremely rare for me.  

mike w. said:

yes

Permalink Reply by Eric R on May 5, 2013 at 9:46am
Sure does make you feel deflated.

peter moormann said:

Seems like inflation is affecting everyone these days

Permalink Reply by dana on May 5, 2013 at 10:53am
I think they do sell Bontrager tubes. I think it's ok to pay an extra dollar or two to support what is a really solid local bike shop.
Permalink Reply by Jeff K on May 5, 2013 at 2:06pm
I would pay it. For a moment I can be a little taken aback at the price of small items at local bike shop, compared to the chain store/Internet.

Last week I had a little bike failure on my way to work. I limped my bike to the nearest bike shop. They sold me a $2 bolt and lent me a wrench. Ta da!

I'm glad to give them a few bucks for tubes and such, doing my small part to keep the LBS in business.
Permalink Reply by Michael A on May 5, 2013 at 2:40pm

It sucks to have to mail order a tube on a sunday and have it delivered via jimmy johns

Plenty of local shops sell tubes in bulk. Smart bike parts usually has em 4 for under 15, stock up and keep a spare with you. 

Permalink Reply by Bailey Gene Newbrey on May 5, 2013 at 5:01pm

For what it's worth, the wholesale price of a basic tube has nearly tripled in the last decade. The price most bike shops charge for tubes has (typically) less than doubled.

As for the comment about what bike shops charge for tube & install, I will state that most Chicago shops base their labor charges off a $60 hourly rate which breaks down to roughly $10 for labor on a flat fix. Although it isn't a particularly specialized skill to have in comparison to other aspects of bicycle mechanics, it does take time. In some cases it is less than ten minutes, but in others (think dutch bike or any variety of IGH/drum brake/roller brake, & etc.) this simple task can take a considerably longer amount of time and most shops prefer to charge a fixed rate regardless of bike.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on May 6, 2013 at 3:39am

+1 for the bulk deal at smart bike parts. they are the best price I have seen. and they have all different

valve stem lengths (short/med/long/etc.)

 

but also +1 for supporting a LBS (On the Route) and not paying shipping.

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