Inner tube sizes

[hebe]

I've swapped out an inner tube on my hybrid for the spare that the LBS gave me when I bought the bike. But the tube that I took off the bike is 26 x 1.95, whereas the replacement that I put on is 26 x 1.2. Will this be ok or should I buy one in the 26 x 1.95 size (presumbly the same as is on the rear wheel)? Thank you.

[Sky King]

Tubes usually have a range - do you still have the box? should tell you on the side the range of the tube example 26 x 1.25 - 1.75. A 1.2 may be a tad narrow and you could risk over filling and popping the tube.

[hebe]

Thanks Sky He gave it to me in just a bag, so no box to read. I could take the tube out tomorrow and have a look to see if there's a range on the tube itself.

[OakLeaf]

Does the new tube look considerably narrower than the old one, deflated?

[hebe]

Thank you, yes it did Oakleaf, by about a third of an inch (folded, so I guess it's more like two thirds of an inch). I needed the practice so I put it in anyway, but I'm minded to buy a new one from the other LBS (the one that values my business) and replace it again. The bike's not being ridden at the moment, I'm learning maintenance basics on it.

[hebe]

Updating this to say that I did some more tube-changing practice, and the tube is the correct size. There was a whole string of numbers on the tube and the last one was 1.95. Thank you again for your help, much appreciated.