26" tube in 24" wheel

[davee]

So I got my youngest son a specialised 24" rip rock used.
Was in a worse condition than I originally thought it was but is still a decent bike for an 8yo air forks, hydro brakes, 1x9 alivio.
Guy messaged me 30mins after picking up the bike that he forgot to give me the spare tube he had, I had other things to do and just said not to worry about it.

Anyway on a ride on around the streets my son rode over broken glass and I heard the air escaping straight away. 3km walk home after that.
It has plus sized tyres which seem good for traction and a bit more cushioning the bumps.
Patched tube, looks really worn but seems to hold air.
Fast forward 2 months and that tyre can hold air for about a day before being flat again, no obvious holes. Assume it is escaping from all the wear marks.

Cannot find a 24x 2.8 tube anywhere as out of stock at specialised and trek that also have a plus size 24.

Could I fit a 26 inch tube in the 24 inch wheel or am I asking for more trouble doing that. I know you can go the other way.

 

[Jpez]

It will work.

 

[moorey]

What he said.

 

[The Duckmeister]

There is a caveat. Stuffing an oversized tube in will bunch it up and cause creasing. Over time, as the tube squirms around these creases will become weak points, and you'll get spontaneous punctures.

 

[davee]

There is a caveat. Stuffing an oversized tube in will bunch it up and cause creasing. Over time, as the tube squirms around these creases will become weak points, and you'll get spontaneous punctures.

Thanks hopefully by that point he will either have outgrown the bike or the right size tubes are available

 

[hellmansam]

My first step into 29ers was putting a 29" tube in my 26" tyre, due to looking at the box upside down, post night shift brain saw it as 26"

It worked fine, could see wrinkle marks when I took it out a coupla years later.