Should inner tube have excess length? I've recently changed the default 700x35 tires and 35mm Schrader inner tube to 700x25 slicks with 25mm Presta inner tubes.

However whilst fitting the new tire and inner tube, I noticed that the inner tube had about an inch or two of excess length to it. This mean I had to tuck it into the tire, doubled back on itself.

I've doubled checked the inner tube packaging and it's definitively for a 700 diameter rim.

I presumed that it would sort itself out when I pumped up the tires. Is this normal?
A tube should not have excess length, and doubling on itself will cause the tire to feel uneven while riding, as well as increase the likelihood of flats.

Assuming the tube is the correct size for the tire, as you said it was, there are 2 common causes for this problem.


If you installed the tube without inflating it first, just a tiny amount, then it hasn't got the shape to sit in the tire completely, and it will appear to be too long. It isn't, just add enough air to the tube to give it a little shape and try it again.
If you did that already, then in the process of inflating the tube to make easier to install in the tire, you have probably inflated it too much, and so it has gotten larger. It's not permanent, just let the air out and inflate it only enough to give it shape before installing it in the tire.


If these don't work, there is likely a problem in manufacturing, and you should get the tube exchanged.

Hope that helps.