Use for old bicycle tubes?

I have many, many ripped tubes. Yeah, I know I could patch them, but I'm gonna be realistic and admit that I probably won't. Are they good for anything else? Once I used a couple of them to strap a large container to my back. But that's it. Is there a reason to save these?

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Permalink Reply by Barry on September 29, 2009 at 3:47pm
I wrapped handlebars with tubes once. Looked pretty ghetto but it was comfy and grippy. You could do that and finish it with real bar tape on top.

A giant slingshot would be cool. Bungie jump off your garage. Baby sling? Maybe combine all 3 of those.

saw an inner tube wallet instructable once.

furniture.

I think you pretty much nailed it, they are good for tying stuff down.

Don't save more than one as they just multiply in the basement.
Permalink Reply by Duppie on September 29, 2009 at 4:09pm
How about making handbags out of them?
Permalink Reply by T.C. O'Rourke on September 29, 2009 at 4:17pm
Give them to me!

If I don't/can't patch them, I'll use 'em to strap cartons to the trailer.

Ditto on the handlebar tape thing.

T.C.
Permalink Reply by Ken Gray on September 29, 2009 at 4:18pm
Funny you ask this now. This weekend I saw a number of pieces of artwork all made of bike inner tubes. It was in Pilson at a neat shop called Concrete Age. They must know the artist as the work was displayed there. They are at 1932 S. Halsted, phone 312-226-3542. Maybe they can help you have your tubes turned into art!
Permalink Reply by Francis Buxton on September 29, 2009 at 4:52pm
If they are unrepairable, I like to cut them in half length wise and remove the valve half, thus leaving a half tube--still a full circle. With this, I place it, sometimes with disk glue by 3M, to the inside of the tire itself, then install the tube as normal.

I have a lot LESS flats from doing this and have never felt any extra weight or negatives. From time to time, I will replace tires and and pull out the half tube liner I usually find glass that never got to the inflated tube.

(this is for clinchers only; tubulars don't work as well)

If that doesn't work, I suggest suspenders.
Permalink Reply by RodimusPrime on September 29, 2009 at 6:42pm
Old Thread About Used Bike Tube Uses

plenty of old goodies in there.
Permalink Reply by mattbikes1 on September 29, 2009 at 8:57pm
Make a belt with the tubes. Get creative. Clothing and what not. I like the hand bag ideas. I saw new biker bags made by Bontrager made of tubes and what not. I think the handle bar wraps is awesome (totally gonna do this next), no more cork needed. Tie downs, suspenders (I would giggle if I saw this in public), shoe ties, wrap your whole bike in tubes for a scuff free surface, I like the idea of making a sling shot, wrap around young saplings to keep the rabbits from eating the bark, but art is the best use I have heard of yet!
Permalink Reply by Ryan on September 30, 2009 at 1:37am
More on furniture:

Someone was telling me about chairs that were made from old rims for the frame and used tubes for the cris-cross webbing that you actually sit on. Similar to outdoor furniture (chairs and loungers) that you would find at the pool or the beach. I don't have a link or picture, but it sounded cool.
Permalink Reply by alvin mitchell on September 30, 2009 at 2:48am
I got tired of buying handle bar tape.so I cut one inhalf last year and used it for handle bar tape.It steal in tack.I used electric tape to wrapit in securely.Its nice.
Permalink Reply by Mark Kenseth on September 30, 2009 at 7:57am
cut the tubes to make rubber bands.

or

http://eco-handbags.ca/catalog/index.php?cPath=102
http://www.alchemygoods.com/products.html
Permalink Reply by Chris Thornton on September 30, 2009 at 11:30am
Heather,

I've successfully repaired dozens of tubes that have been given to me by my cycling friends over the years. My reputation is such that people toss me punctured tubes from the trunks of their cars at ride meets. Usually the puncture is nothing more than a "snake bite" impact-type flat and easily repaired.

Tubes with blowouts, large holes and tears I can't repair. These I collect for recycling. REI sponsors a recycling program at the annual Chicago Winter Bike Swap. But I always keep JUST ONE old tube in the garage for DIY repair projects. I've cut them up and glued them on the bottom of chair legs, used them as makekshift gasgets and seals, and even used them to replace the rubber cushions on my Thule bike rack.
Permalink Reply by Brian Ellison on September 30, 2009 at 2:23pm
hey man, you wouldnt happen to have an extra male piece would you?

Video_Drome said:
I just took an old bike tube, and some chrome bag clips, and made extension clips for work. now i can take whatever i want.

they're adjustable too!

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