I hate inner tubes, but I think I have to run them on my wheels? Stock rear 16" spoke wheel on '02 FXDL. The front wheel is a new knockoff Heritage wheel, 16" with 80 spokes.

I've got the wheels back from powder coating, now I have to take them to get laced and trued, then have the tubes/tires mounted. Already have the tires, haven't ordered tubes yet.

The rear wheel has the valve stem hole off to the side. The front wheel has the valve stem hole in the middle of the rim. I'm a complete noob with this stuff, so any help on which tubes to order would be great.

I think I'd be looking for "middle of the tube valve stem with 90 degree valve stem" for the front wheel, and a side valve tube for the rear? Not sure about terminology.

Also, any brand preferences would be great, but trying to keep cost down. I assume a tube is a tube is a tube? Thanks!

 

why do you hate tubes? sealed wheels suck, when you get a hole you ahve to replace the tire vs just swapping a tube. to me that is a easy fix. Just pick up a stock Herritage tube and you will be golden. if you want an easier fill you can get them from JP cycles with different stem set ups on them

 

Thanks, I'll check out JP Cycles. As far as the hating tubes part, if I get a puncture, I'm dead in the water and have to arrange for a trailer, etc. (happened once). If I catch something in a tubeless tire, I can plug it and get back to where I need to be. (happened a few times). I'm not advocating riding on a plugged tire, which I've done before, but it makes it a lot easier to limp the bike back home than if it has a tube in it. I suppose it's not really a big deal, and like you said, a tube is cheaper to replace than a tire.

 

Not to hijack, but....

Joe, do you powder coat spoked wheels? The spokes on '10 are rusty already, and I'm debating on whether to replace, etc

Chase