MTFCA Forum

Is anyone selling Michelin 30X3 1/2 tubes in the US?

Coker Tire lists the 30” x 3 1/2” brass stem Michelin tube.

The catalogue photo does not show a Michelin tube. That tube has a rubber valve stem. The Michelin tubes have a brass stem mounting vulcanised into the tube. A separate brass valve stem, the same size as the more prevalent Schraeder [Read larger than the original T] stem then threads onto that base in the tube. The metric equivalent shown is the size to fit 30 x 3.5" tyres.

Allan from down under.

The catalogue photo does not show a Michelin tube. That tube has a rubber valve stem. The Michelin tubes have a brass stem mounting vulcanised into the tube. A separate brass valve stem, the same size as the more prevalent Schraeder [Read larger than the original T] stem then threads onto that base in the tube. The metric equivalent shown is the size to fit 30 x 3.5" tyres. These do actually hold air, unlike most of the stuff presently marketed.

Allan from down under.

If I can buy a Michelin tube with a rubber stem, that is what I want. I don't want to buy any tube that has an incorrect valve stem! My understanding is that the Michelin tube are better quality than what I can buy from Lucas.

I don't care. When shopping for a part, I consider three elements. 1 Will it work (Will it improve something)? 2 How well will it survive normal use long term? 3 How much does it cost?
Those numbers are irrelevant. I consider the three elements equally important, and any one of them can outweigh the others in relation to a certain part. I won't take the time to discuss parts other than tubes. Will the Michelin tube work? Given Michelin's reputation, I assume so. Have I used other tubes that worked? Over the years there have been several. Will the Michelin survive long term use? Again, I assume so. Will others last? Yes and no. I've used some that failed badly in a few weeks or months, and at least one that didn't. That one is Hartford, sold by Coker and some other dealers. How about cost? That factor takes some otherwise acceptable choices off the table. The Michelin tube is listed at $83.25. Can that be beat? Boy, howdy. A rubber stem Hartford was under $25 the last time I bought tubes. Fortunately I have some old time metal stems I picked up cheap at swap meets when the opportunity turned up. So I can buy a rubber stem Hartford tube and replace the rubber stem with original metal for less than $30 a pop. I'll take that deal.

$83.25 is a bit steep! Current price here in Australia is $100. That equates to approx US$65, and we are a good deal further from the source. They may go up even more if they come from one of the countries resisting the annexation of Greenland.
Allan from down under.

Heavier puncture resistance motorcycle 3:00 X 21” tubes work excellent and are at a cost of about $28.00. And they are DOT approved! You can easily modify an adapter to fit the stems for covers.

Thanks Henry,
I just bought one to put in the spare parts toolbox.