The cost of tire tubes.

I stopped in at a bike shop, after a long (two year?) hiatus from cycling. I decided that instead of the nice new tool bag, I really ought to buy a spare tube.

The clerk remarked that they are not pricing the boxes of tubes, because of the rapid changes in the petroleum market, but it was $6.50.

I chatted a bit with him at the register, considered shopping for baskets or panniers. The total at the register was more than I expected (always is, isn't it?)

So we look over the receipt. The tube was $7.50. I told him that I didn't expect the prices to be rising THAT fast.:D

what kind of tube was it?? Was it a brand name like continental, or a super light or something??
Our basic off the shelf tubes are currently 3.99, but I need to raise the price to 4.50.
Rubber went SKY HIGH the last few months!!! Conti and maxxis tires went WAY up. I ordered conti gp 4000's one week, and the next week they were 5.00 more from my supplier! :eek:

The box says Specialized Schaeder Valve Tube. The model number is 030-1303. Gee that is a big difference in price, maybe I will call a different shop for a price next time I buy something, or rejoin the co-op that I used to belong to.

On the other hand every time I take a cab ride it seems to be about $15. So the irons and tube will save me $ when I need them!:D

Actually, I want to look around for another bike. My tires are getting crazed. It will be cheaper to buy a bike at a rummage sale, than buy two new tires.

I've been doing pretty well on tires & tubes from chainlove.com.

Bikenashbar, performance, jensonusa, and pricepoint.com also frequently have good prices on innertubes. I shoot for paying about $2 each, but I think it was $2.50 before.

Rubber degrades overtime, so innertubes are definitely things that stores have to move, so they do go on sale fairly often.

Why are they chenging the price of tubes they have already bought? They pay a certain price when they buy them why would you chenge the price? This doesn't seem right to me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brandi

Why are they chenging the price of tubes they have already bought? They pay a certain price when they buy them why would you chenge the price? This doesn't seem right to me.

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The same reason that when the price of oil goes up, all the gas stations jack their prices up instantly on fuel that's already in their tanks.