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A bicycle tube is predominantly made of Butyl rubber. Butyl is a very elastic and airtight synthetic rubber. But as with the tire, other fillers are necessary to make up the rubber compound. The quality of a tube can vary significantly depending on the rubber compound. For instance Schwalbe tubes have extremely high air retention and elasticity. This high elasticity allows a wide range of different tire sizes to be covered.
There is a difference between heat moulded and autoclave tubes. Vulcanizing in a mould improves the uniformity of wall thickness, thus reducing weight and improving air retention. For this reason the autoclave tubes which can be produced easier have become less common over the past years. Schwalbe tubes have always been made using the heat moulding process.
Every tube also needs a valve, which is bonded to the tube during the vulcanizing process.
Why Choose Schwalbe Tubes?
Besides the quality of the ingredients, the purity of the Schwalbe rubber compound is decisive for the quality of the tube. Before extrusion, the basic material is forced through a total of seven filters under enormous pressure. All tubes are inserted and inflated into a mould for the vulcanization process. Only this ensures an even wall thickness and high air retention.
All tubes are inflated and stored for 24 hours to test for air retention. Afterwards, every tube is carefully checked individually by visual inspection. The Schwalbe tube has been valued by German bicycle dealers for its high reliability for many years.
A tube covers many tire sizes through its high elasticity and quality. Tube no. 17 works with tyres from a width of 28 mm up to 47 mm - a great advantage for stockholding in the trade. At the same time, it is proof of the quality of the tube.
All valves are nickel-plated and threaded. The valve core is always replaceable. Also, Schwalbe tubes with a classic bicycle valve can be inspected for pressure as they have a high-pressure valve core.
SIZES:
47-203, 12 x 1.75 50-203, 12 x 2.00 54-203, 12 x 2.10 62-203, 12 x 2.50
Code:
DELIVERY
Delivery to mainland UK addresses are free for orders over £40. Except when you choose delivery to a third party (Click and Collect) there is a charge of £5.95 to cover some of the additional cost the couriers charge for this service. If you choose to collect from Fawkes warehouse there is no shipping charge.
There will an additional charge for deliveries to Highlands and Islands.
RETURNS TO FAWKES
Whether it’s a jersey that doesn’t fit, or the colour is not quite right, sometimes you’ll need to return items to us.
If an item is 'as new' and has not been used or fitted in any way, you can return it to us by post within 90 days of delivery for a refund. Please ensure that the goods are returned in their original packaging and are in an unused condition.
Please click HEREto print and then complete the returns form and include it inside your parcel.
If you wish you can use our Royal Mail Returns service please follow the instructions on the link below to return your parcel to us.
Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping.
Customers need to pay the cost of return delivery unless the item is faulty and this will be deducted from your refund, currently £3.95.
If your have a large item e.g. Child seat, Bike, trailer etc. please contact our customer service team at Guy@fawkes-cycles.co.uk to arrange the best way to return your item, the cost will be deducted from your refund.
You will not receive a refund for the retail value of any free or promotional items you are sent, and you will be charged if they are not returned.
UNWANTED ITEMS
If you change your mind on your purchase, you have a full 90 days to return it for a refund. All Goods must be unused, in a saleable condition and in their original packaging with all labels still attached.
Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping.
There are some exclusions to our 90 day returns policy, which are detailed below:
Nutritional products or those with a best before date must be returned within 28 days*
Any customised items such as wheel builds cannot be returned*
GPS systems such as sports watches or cycle computers can only be returned if unregistered*
For hygiene reasons, any intimate garments such as facemasks, underwear and swimsuits can only be returned if the items are faulty.
*Unless faulty
If you wish to return your item for a refund, please follow the returns procedure above.
We try our best to process all refunds within 14 working days. We'll refund your item via your original payment method.
You will not receive a refund for the retail value of any free items you are sent, and Fawkes may charge you for this item if you fail to return it
FAULTY ITEMS
If you feel that your purchase has developed a fault, then please contact us with photographs of the issue before returning any goods - we may be able to solve your problem without you incurring any further inconvenience.
If you find a fault with your item, send it back to us and we'll take a look at it as soon as we can. Items sent back to us will undergo an inspection and it may be necessary to send the item away to the manufacturer to confirm the fault. If we confirm a manufacturing fault, we'll happily replace or refund it.
Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping.
Faulty items should be returned within a reasonable time and in a clean and dry condition. PLEASE NOTE, WE WILL NOT PROCESS DIRTY ITEMS.
Please enclose all your details and a covering note explaining the fault and any other useful details.
We'll try to get back to you within 14 working days of receipt of your parcel, although during busy periods this may take slightly longer.
Your statutory rights are not affected.
We reserve the right to recharge return carriage on items where no fault is identified.
Customer Service Email: Guy@Fawkes-Cycles.co.uk
Please contact us for our Payment & Security policy.
There are three types that have become market standards and it is difficult to make any particular recommendation. The most important aspect is that the valve fits the rim valve hole and that an appropriate pump is available. Contrary to popular belief, major air retention differences are now a thing of the past. All valves provide excellent performance and are adapted to high-pressure use.
The SCHRADER (Auto/Car) valve can be inflated very easily at a filling station and is pleasantly unproblematic. A wide variety of general purpose pumps also fit this valve type.
The PRESTA (Sclaverand) valve is narrower than other valves (6 instead of 8 mm). It needs a smaller rim hole and is therefore particularly well suited for narrow racing bike rims. It is also approx. 4-5 g lighter than a car valve or Dunlop valve.
It can be locked manually with the knurled nut. Before inflating, the knurled nut must be loosened. First time users frequently have some problems. Also the thin top pin can be easily bent when attaching and removing the pump connector.
Caution: Be aware that using Presta valve tubes on rims with larger valve holes often leads to a valve tear off when the sharp metal edges around the valve hole cut the valve stem off the tube.
The DUNLOP or WOODS valve. The classical bicycle valve or Dunlop valve is still the most common worldwide but is becoming rare on modern bikes. Most cyclists are familiar with it. The valve core can easily be replaced and air can be released very quickly. Fitting a tube with a Dunlop valve is more awkward, as the valve core and locknut need to be removed in order to fit the valve through the valve hole. Inflation is only possible once the core and the nut are back in place.
With traditional Dunlop valves, it is impossible to check the inflation pressure. However, the special Schwalbe Dunlop valve allows a return airflow, so that it is now possible to check the inflation pressure with an Airmax pressure gauge.
