Are new tubes necessary?

[Galactica]

Here’s a question.  If you are replacing tires because they’re worn, is there any compelling reason to replace tubes and rim tape at the same time.  Shops like to up sell this, but really, is it all that important?

[Steve G.]

  Rim tape should be no problem. I think a tube is more important that the tire, and tire replacement always should come with new tubes IMO.

[hardrockminer]

I only replace tubes when they show signs of damage or if they have been punctured.  That goes for my pedal bikes as well.  If the rim strip is in good shape I will reuse it forever.

[Hawkeye]

We were heading to Vintage in the Valley and approaching Merritt. My Goldwing suddenly got mushy. When I pulled over, the front tire was flat. We found out that the valve stem was split open. I guess previous owners had replaced tires, but not valve stems. Not worth having a tire go flat at highway speed.

[Steve G.]

  Valve stems are part of the tube, from what I think your explaining?

[hardrockminer]

It was a tubeless tire.

[Galactica]

Here’s a question.  If you are replacing tires because they’re worn, is there any compelling reason to replace tubes and rim tape at the same time.  Shops like to up sell this, but really, is it all that important?

In my original post, I should have stressed the word “compelling”. 

[Hawkeye]

Basically, if you don't know the age of the tube (or valve stem, in the case of tubeless), change it. Then you'll know how old it is.