Customer Reviews

Bell No-Mor Flats Bike Inner Tube

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This might work for smaller sizes but the 26" one states it is for the 1.75 - 1.95.
I have a 26 X 1.95 and it didn't fit right. It is suppose to appear too large for the tire and you should have to force it in . I have put these in before so I know how to do it. But this one fit right in the rim and I could seal the tire without any effort at all, the problem is the tire and tube are too loose and it feels like riding on a flat tire. It should fit so tight and feel rock hard to work right.

We live in a area where the aptly named "puncture vines" are abundant and my kids were getting flat tires every week. I bought the "guaranteed not to go flat" tubes for $7.00 and of course they only lasted 2 weeks and had to be replaced. For the price of 3 tubes, or 2 months or riding, I have tubes that will never go flat and leave my kids stranded somewhere. They do add a lot of weight to the bike, making it not as maneuverable, but the trade off is worth it.

I bought these 7 years ago for my 12 speed touring bike, I can ride over broken glass or anything and not worry about getting a flat, ever! Anytime I want to ride my bike, it's ready to roll, never have to check the pressure, it's always there!

Let me preface my review by saying that I am relatively tall and weigh about 200 pounds. I replaced both of my 26 x 1.95" tubes with these.

I had hoped these tubes would be adequate for riding primarily on the street and through the occasional thorn-laden dirt patch. I knew they would be heavier than a standard tube, but I also expected that they would be firm and usable. Unfortunately, it was like riding on flat tires, including an unpleasant squishy noise as I pedaled along. On the plus side, I got an excellent workout from a very short ride, as they probably doubled the amount of energy I might have normally expended.

I think that my experience with this product might differ greatly from that of someone needing a smaller tube for a smaller rider. I would definitely not recommend them for adults.

Before this bike inner tube, I invested in $13 "heavy duty" inner tubes. They had that nasty Slime in them and a slightly thicker skin. After the 3rd one broke and spilled its Slimy innards all over my rims, I decided it was time to buy this slightly more expensive inner tube. It's a pain in the butt to install, but man, is it great! No Slime, no air pump, just constant pressure and no worries. The small amount of weight it adds is nothing compared to the constant pain of taking off the tire and replacing the tube every 3 weeks. I got hit by a car back in May, but before I threw the old bike out, I tore the rear tire off so I can put this on my new bike! I saw someone used this on a front wheel...interesting. I have had no problems with air leaking or tire popping on my front wheel, ever. But still! Should you ever need to replace any bike tire, for any reason, don't waste your money on inflatable tires, especially ones with Slime in them. Slime never works. Buy this one instead! It's not an investment for a week, or a month, or even a year: it's an investment for a lifetime of biking.

I knew I was taking a gamble since the reviews were inconsistent. While I'm sure they would have eliminated the possibility of getting a flat again, they slowed my bike down so much it was like peddling through sand. On top of that they had a "lumpy" out of round feel to them. I was also afraid the beads on my tires were going to slip off the rim. They'll probably work in a utilitarian application like a hot-dog cart or wheel barrow but they're useless for a bicycle unless you want an extra workout.

These inserts are known to promote wheel failure in traditional spoked wheels. The inserts remove the risk of punctures but also eliminate the natural dampening of vibrations caused by riding. These vibrations cause the spokes to loosen up and when one pops loose they cause a catastrophic collapse of the entire wheel. I had it happen to me personally and have learned to check the spokes to make sure they are kept properly tightened.

The "sandy" feeling described by some is noticeable but you get used to it. Kinda like the first time you get a bike with a rear shock. The bouncy motion throws you at first. I think this is caused by the Inserts smaller size than a properly inflated innertube. Necessary to get it able to be installed by hand.

In the long run, it might be more work to check the spokes a few times a week, but it will prevent you from getting stuck with a flat. I have been experimenting with leaving the standard innertube installed between the insert and rim and inflating it some to lessen the risk to spoke loosening and firming up the ride. This year I was planning on another version of this experiment using fix a flat in the tube instead of air.

If I hit a "magic spot" in my experiments I will post it.

I think these are wonderful. I hate replacing inner tubes and this solves everything. These Bell aren't "squeshy" but at the same time they aren't a solid hunk of rubber like the ones in the 80's were either. But be warned - these are EXTREMELY difficult too install! It's an all day project even if things go well. I read the negative reviews and I'm not sure what they were talking about... for me they gave me aired up tires all the time - which is what is all that counts. They ride decent too. My only complaint (besides how hard they are too install) is Bell needs to re-evalulate the sizes they say they work for. I put the ones they call for in a 26x1.95 tire and they were loose and sloppy and no way they would work. But I replaced the tires themselves with 26x1.75 tires and they are great!

The box does not have a weight limit marked on it.I weigh 170 pounds and this solid insert is not firm or tough enough.It nearly was not wide enough for my 1.95 size tire.I would recomend it for up to 1.90 or 1.85 size tire.It is for children not adults.

Installation was simple and it seems like a good product; however, it made me feel like I was riding in molasses. The tube is a bit too soft once you are used to a fully inflated tube.