A bike tube is an important component of the tire. It helps maintain the optimum pressure. You see, a bike tube fits inside the casing of your tire. When you inflate it, the inner tube will provide support and the outer tube will help the tire achieve more grip.
Sounds boring doesn’t it? But there is no denying that a bike tube is crucial in many aspects. They make your tire puncture-resistant, contribute towards a safe ride by providing better control, and like I said, help maintain the pressure. Did it convince you to find out more about bike tire tubes yet?
Great! because I will be discussing some of the most positively reviewed bike inner tubes available in the market. I have used most of them myself and researched about the rest. Getting a flat tire is inevitable, so why not be ready for it when the time comes? Ready?
Top 10 Bike Tubes Review
| S/N | Tube | Size | Price (MSRP) |
| 1. | Vittoria Latex | 700c x 19-23 mm, 700c x 19-24 mm, 700c x 25-28 mm | $15.51-$18.99 |
| 2. | Surly Ultra | 26 x 3.0 in, 26 x 4.8 in | $20-$35 |
| 3. | Continental Race | 700c x 18-25mm, 27in x 1¾-in options | $7-$11.95 |
| 4. | Challenge S.C. | 700 x 29/38 mm, 700 x 19/28 mm | $17.99-$19.99 |
| 5. | Q-Tubes Cyclocross | 700 x 30mm | $6-$9 |
| 6. | Street Fit 360 | 700c x 28-35 | $14.89 |
| 7. | Kenda Bike | 26in x 1. 90in to 2. 125in | $14.25 |
| 8. | SCK | 20″ X 1. 75″ To 2. 125″ | $15 |
| 9. | GatorSkin Tire & Tube | 8.94 x 6 x 3.8in | $89.99-$99.99 |
| 10. | Michelin Aircomp | 700cm x 18/23 mm | $11.99 |
Let’s get started!
1. Vittoria Latex Road Tube- Editor’s Choice
Price: MSRP $15.51-$18.99
Available In: 700c x 19-23 mm, 700c x 19-24 mm, 700c x 25-28 mm
When it comes to tube-built material, my go-to has always been latex. This is because latex tubes are light and more durable. They are also more elastic which helps avoid pinch flats. Vittoria Latex Road is one of the most positively reviewed in the market.
It is best suited for a deep dish wheel, the removable valve cores make everything easier. The only thing I don’t like about this tube is its price. But the quality does justify the tag here. It is also a very user-friendly tube!
Latex Tubes can be more leaky as compared to others. So I would recommend that you check the tire pressure before going out for a ride. Especially in the winter.
2. Surly Ultra Light Fat Tube
Price: MSRP $20-$35
Available In: 26 x 3.0 in and 26 x 4.8 in
Thinking of fat biking anytime soon? Well, take a look at the Surly Ultra Light Fat Tube. It suits the 26-inch bikes. The tube is currently available in two different sizes: the 3-inch variant and the 4.8-inch variant.
It has a Presta valve system. I tested it out and found the tube weighs around 310 grams. It is light but not when compared to the road bike tubes. Moreover, this tube is covered with a 1-year warranty!
3. Continental Race Tube
Price: MSRP $7 – $11.95
Available In: 700c x 18-25mm and 27in x 1¾-in options
The Continental Race Tube has a butyl tube. Many people would want to go for a latex tube, but you also have to know that they don’t go that well with carbon. You combine a latex tube with carbon and you are definitely going to get a flat tire!
With that said, it is actually wise to opt for traditional tubes to be on the safer side. That is why I chose the Continental Race Tube for this list. It may be simple but it is easy to use and gets the job done.
The downside is that sizing isn’t that flexible. It is available in a 700c x 18-25mm size. That is suitable for normal road bikes.
Learn how to install new bike tires with ease. Follow our simple steps showing how to install new bike tires and get on with it in no time
4. Challenge S.C. Latex Tube
Price: MSRP $17.99 – $19.99
Available In: 700 x 29/38 mm, 700 x 19/28 mm
The Challenge S.C. Latex Tube claims to protect you from all kinds of debris and sharp objects. It is one of the expensive ones sure but it brings down the weight of your bike. However, I weighed it and found it weighed around 86 grams.
This latex tube has a 47.5mm Presta valve. It works fine with the majority of the rims. The Presta Valve is durable but if you have a bike with a deep rim then you would have to get an extender.
It is available in both 700 x 29 / 38 mm and 700c x 19 / 28 options. The first option works great with gravel bikes while the latter is best with road bikes.
5. Q-Tubes Cyclocross Tubes
Price: MSRP $6-$9
Available In: 700 x 30mm
The Q-Tubes Cyclocross is actually a collaboration between Kenda Tires and QBP, and let me tell you, it is one of the finest team-ups that I have seen in a while. These tubes have the Presta Valve in them and it is about 48mm long, making them great for cyclocross and racing wheels,
These tubes weigh around 125 grams each, but then again, as beefy as the cyclocross wheels are, tubes like these are better suited for them. The Q-Tubes are available in 700 x 30mm.
6. Street Fit 360 Tube
Price: MSRP $14.89
Available In: 700c x 28-35
The Street Fit 360 Tubes can be considered good replacement tubes. But these may be a little different than the tubes that you are used to. This is because these tubes use the Schrader valves. The plus point is that they can be installed quickly.
If you want these tubes to work then you need to make sure that your tire has the correct pressure, only then will the tubes be able to adjust properly. The plus point is that you can use them for a variety of bikes.
Discover why bike tubeless tires will be your road bike’s future!
7. Kenda Bike Inner Tubes-Original Version
Price: $14.25
Available In: 26″ x 1. 90″ to 2. 125″
Are you thinking all bike tubes are the same? Well, you might have to rethink that! Each brand is different and each of their product is different.
Kenda is known for making amazing products for the last 50 years and they are skilled when it comes to improvising. These tubes also come with the Schrader valves that go along with almost all kinds of bikes.
These tubes are made from Butyl Rubber, which is quite resilient as compared to the other tubes. They might be heavier than other tubes but they are more durable too!
8. SCK 2 Pack 20 Inch Bike Tubes
Price: MSRP $15
Available In: 20″ X 1. 75″ To 2. 125″
Hybrid and Mountain Bikes also deserve the same love as road bikes and others don’t you think? These exceptional tubes work with different kinds of bikes.
Installing them is very easy even if you don’t have any kind of experience. You get a manual and from there you just have to follow the instructions. Now, after using them you will become a professional in changing flat tires and tubes, ain’t that special? They are not that much expensive so you can easily stock up on them!
Get the best out of your mountain bike with our guide to mountain bike tires and rims
9. Bike a Mile Continental GatorSkin Bike Tires – with Continental Inner Tube
Price: $89.99 – $99.99
Continental Tires has this amazing deal where you get their GatorSkin Tires with the Continental Inner Tubes. They are known for their amazing PolyX Breaker puncture protection. On top of that, you also get DuraSkin lightweight sidewall protection!
You can use the tires for a variety of bikes, although they work best with sportbikes.
10. Michelin Aircomp Butyl Aircomp Ultralight Road Tube
Price: MSRP $11.99
Available In: 700cm x 18/23 mm
The Michelin Aircomp Inner tubes work even better than carbon wheels.
These tubes are very lightweight, the Presta Valve in these tubes weighs less than 80 grams. So that actually lessens the weight of the bike. Plus, they are made from Butyl Rubber.
Feeling bothered by frequent flat tires? Learn everything there is to know about bike tire pressure loss and how to fix it
How To Choose Bike Inner Tubes?
Inner Tubes are important unless you have a bike with tubeless tires. No matter how good your bike performs, or how strong those tires are, you will have to replace the inner tubes at some point.
1. Important Sizes To Consider
First, you need to consider the size of two very important bike components.
Tire Width
The Width depends on the type of bike, for example, a mountain bike is going to have a very different width than a road bike. These widths can vary between 19mm to 4 inches.
Wheel Diameter
Once again, the wheel’s diameter will also depend on the type of bike. A wheel’s diameter can vary between 12” and 29”.
2. Inner Tubes Sizing
Inner tube sizes are different according to the different bikes. You will need to look at the sidewall of the tires, all the tire manufacturers print the numbers there.
- Road Bikes: 700x23c
- Hybrid/Mountain Bikes: 26×1.75
| Bike Type | Wheel Size | Tire Width Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Road Bikes | 700c | 25mm to 28mm |
| Gravel Bikes | 650b | Varies |
| City and Hybrid Bikes | 26-inch | Varies, typically wide tires |
| Mountain Bikes | 29-inch | Compatible with 700c road wheels |
3. Inner Tube Valve Types
There are basically two main types of valve types in the inner tubes, let us discuss them.
Schraeder Valves
These are chunky/heavy valves and are entry-level bikes. Although they are beginner-level, the performance is still good enough!
You can say that the Schraeder Valves on your bike are the same as those on your car, after all, they use the same kind of material. However, you can’t install one valve in place for the other! Apart from the types of valves, you need to be considerate about the length.
Presta Valves
These are the lighter valves and are in the premium-level bikes. You will find them fitted on the higher-end wheels too. Be mindful that these valves are going to vary in length.
You will need tubes with longer valves if you have deep-section wheels. Having longer wheels will make it easier to protrude through the rims, otherwise, you could have problems. What if you are out riding and you get a flat tire? Your tubes should be long enough to be replaced. There are even some tubes that are 8cm long, so yeah.
4. Bike Inner Tube Material
Now let us talk about what the inner tubes are made of and which one you should go for. Bike Inner Tubes are made from two main materials:
- Butyl Rubber
- Latex
| Feature | Butyl Rubber Inner Tube | Latex Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Butyl Rubber | Latex |
| Common Usage | Majority of bikes | Preferred by enthusiasts |
| Cost | Least expensive | Relatively more costly |
| Weight | Light | Lighter |
| Puncture Resistance | Good | Less resilient |
| Repairability | Easily repaired with a standard puncture kit | Irreparable, needs replacement |
| Performance | Good | Faster but more fragile |
| Air Leakage | Slower leakage | Faster leakage |
| Tire Pressure Check | Less frequent | Requires frequent checks |
| Compatibility with Carbon Clincher Wheels | Generally suitable | Requires caution due to heat transmission |
Tips To Install Bike Tire Tubes
Installing a bike tire tube is an easy process but it did take me some time to get used to the process in the beginning. Here are some of my tips on installing bike tire tubes that you can apply. They’ll make the process somewhat accommodating:
- When you are installing your tire, use only your hands. The wrench can pinch the tube.
- Slightly inflate the tube before you install it. Push the tube inside the rim with your hand.
- Lubricate the bead with dish soap. Helps make the process easier.
- Some tire/wheel combos are difficult to work with. Don’t rush the process.
- Make sure that your tube is not squeezed between your tire and rim.
- Inflate your tire to 10-15 PSI. Then check your bead and see if it is seated properly.
Are Tubeless Tires A Better Alternative?
That’s a good question! Well, these tubeless tires have been in mountain bikes for quite some time now and they are also increasing their availability in road bikes. To go fully tubeless, you will need to make sure that the bike you are using has a tubeless-ready wheel and tire. Otherwise, it won’t work.
Most of the advanced and new bikes in the market have tubeless tires in them. But you can always customize your wheelset if the bike you bought doesn’t have tubeless tires. Tubeless tires use a special kind of Presta valve that is sealed with a rubber end. When you put the valve in place. You can easily install a tubeless tire after that.
Advantages Of Tubeless Tires
- You won’t get a puncture that easily
- The Bike will still be able to work on low-pressure
- Liquid sealant works wonders
- Air will escape slowly from tires, so you can easily refill
- They are much more stable
Disadvantages Of Tubeless Tires
- They are very difficult to install
- If you get a puncture by any chance then fixing it is a real problem
- They are expensive
Read our comprehensive guide to learn the differences between clinchers, tubular, and tubeless bike tires.
FAQs
Are TPU tubes better than latex?
Yes, TPU tubes are considered better than latex because they are more durable.
Do TPU tubes last longer?
Yes, TPU tubes have a longer lifespan as compared to other kinds of tubes.
Does inner tube quality matter?
Yes, the inner tube quality matters because they support the tire as well as the suspension.
What is the lifespan of a TPU tube?
The lifespan of a TPU tube is generally 5000-6000 miles.
How quickly do latex tubes lose air?
Latex tubes lose around 10-20 psi overnight.
Recap
Inner Tubes are essential for your bikes and you never know when you might need one! That’s why I advise buying these bike tubes in bulk whenever they are on sale or promotion. Although they are small, they can easily sabotage your monthly budget if you aren’t careful!
Which one is your go-to option when it comes to buying bike tubes? Let me know in the comment section below! Happy Biking and Stay Safe!
Also Read:
- 15 Best Bikes For Heavy Riders (Updated 2023)
- Cyclocross Bikes Vs Gravel Bikes — Which One Is Better?
- What Is A Gravel Bike? Everything You Need To Know About The All-Rounder Machine
1 thought on “10 Best Bike Tubes- Inner Tubes To Choose From”
I’m looking forward to reading more about bike tubes in the future!