An easy-to-follow tutorial for how to fold an inner tube into a compact package for your cycling everyday carry.
One of the regular cycling EDC necessities is the inner tube! Having one, or even better two to hand on longer rides can get you out of some sticky situations. The downside is they do tend to be a bit bulky, but if you’ve ever tried to patch an un-patchable puncture in the rain, or just wanted to get back on your way as soon as possible, it truly is an essential piece of cycling kit.
How To Fold An Inner Tube
In this tutorial I’ll show you my preferred way to fold an inner tube for a tight and compact tube.
Remove the air and kinks from the inner tube.
Fold the tube in half with the valve facing outward at one end. From the other end roll tightly towards the valve releasing the air and removing kinks as you go.
You want your innertube to be as flat and air free as possible for a tight and compact final fold.
Take up space around the valve moulding.
Position the air free tube over your hand with the valve facing upwards (I find it easiest to have the valve at my pinky finger). Fold the inner tube in an accordion fashion a little taller than the valve height. Once the folded inner tube is thick enough to take up the space of the valve moulding, fold the valve on top. Continue the accordion fold to take up the space of the valve moulding on the other side.
Wrap around the remaining inner tube and secure.
Once the valve is neatly nestled within the accordion fold, begin to wrap the remaining inner tube around the outside and secure it with an elastic band.
If you’d like to provide an additional layer of protection to your inner tube, you can also wrap a plastic bag around it before applying your rubber band.
Result
There you have it your folded inner tube ready for the road!
If you’re unlucky enough to have to use your spare inner tube, please remember to take your punctured one away with you where it can either be patched, or disposed of properly.
