Best TPU inner tubes 2026: 6 expert-tested picks and the truth about whether you can trust these plastic tubes
Lightweight, low-rolling-resistance benefits of tubeless setups, with the simplicity and reliability of traditional tubes, but how do they actually perform? Our expert put 6 of the best to the test.
Matt Ischt-Barnard
Designed to be more robust than latex tubes, up to 70% lighter than traditional butyl tubes, and to offer similar performance to a tubeless setup, the best TPU inner tubes seem to do it all. So, our experts put them to the test. Testing six TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) inner tubes for their durability, puncture resistance, ability to be repaired and of course, their performance.
This comes at a time when we know that most road cyclists still aren't riding tubeless, making TPU tubes the most likely 'other' options. There is also a trend among those fed up with tubeless and the compatibility issues that have arisen in recent years to rethink their options, with many turning to TPU Tubes. They have also become the go-to for those, including myself, who use the best tubeless tyres, as the ideal lightweight spare to keep in their handlebar or saddle bag.
Quick List
Just pipping the Revoloop to the top spot for offering slightly better value. Both shone throughout testing, with the Vittoria really shining in terms of riding quality.
Regarding ride quality and suppleness, Revoloop is on par with Vittoria and even offers a broader range of sizes. It came down to Vitorria being a more well-known entity and widely available through online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
Aerothan tubes provide an excellent all-around option, balancing weight, durability, and overall cost. They may be the perfect spare for a tubeless user or for a winter wheel/bike setup.
While the variants we tested didn't match the ride feel of Tubolito and Vittoria, Pirelli offers a wide range of options. The Cinturato SmarTube's durability makes it ideally suited for gravel and all-road riding.
It is certainly not the most durable, but for those looking for performance, gaining some watts, and feeling like they have a constant tailwind, the S-Tubo Road is worth extra cash when paired with a fast, lightweight tyre.
It is difficult to distinguish Schwalbe from Barbieri. If you are looking to make a conscious change to TPU, I think most will likely choose Schwalbe. However, at full price for those taking a gamble, you can save $/£ with Barbieri.
Ridden, punctured & Rated - Six of the best TPU inner tubes
Best Overall
Vittoria claims its Ultra Light Speed TPU inner tubes reduce rolling resistance by 14% and weight by 70%. At just 30 grams/1 ounce, they are certainly light, only beaten by the Tubolito S-Road in that regard.
While I can't verify Vittoria's 14% claim, the Ultra Light Speed and Revoloop tubes really impressed me with their super-low rolling resistance, giving me the feeling of bolting on some ultra-lightweight, expensive climbing wheels.
The supple nature of the material, combined with a lightweight tyre, makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud, the closest sensation to a Tubular setup I have come across from a tyre and tube.
Frustratingly, the Vittoria is only available in one size and at £30/ $38 is in the upper tier price point. As road tyres are only getting wider, I am concerned that these 25-30c-sized tubes are a little behind the competition.
However, the Ultra Light Speeds are repairable, and the reinforcing and protection around the valve are reassuring.
Most Durable
The Revoloop REVO.RACE ULTRA almost has it all: It's light, at just 26 grams/0.9oz, and its ride quality is superb and certainly on par with that of much more costly systems like tubular.
Neat touches like a removable, reinforced thermoplastic valve are welcome additions over the others on test. It even feels the most robust when compared to all the other brands I have tested, including the Vittoria, which has a similar construction. Good to know if you have to fix a puncture or patch the tube.
Despite puncturing the gravel version of this tube while trying to seat a tubeless tyre, it only went once it had hit the 120psi mark, well above its recommended maximum pressure. I would recommend reading all about how to demystify tyre pressures before trying this at home, but it's a good demonstration of its overall durability.
While Revoloop does offer a greater variety of sizes in the Revo Ultra range, and it's even cheaper at around £28/$37, I ultimately had to decide between it and the Vittoria for the best overall, and that decision favoured Vittoria. This is really for one primary reason: Vittoria is a well-known entity among those who ride bikes; you’ve likely ridden or owned their tyres. They receive substantial support online and from brick-and-mortar retailers, making it more likely you can find a replacement, get service for any failures, or pick up some patches.
Best value
While the Aerothan tubes from Schwalbe don't stand out on the spec sheet as anything special, they do offer a pretty reasonable all-around package. They are not the lightest, but certainly not the heaviest, and they are not the fastest, but certainly not the slowest. You get where I am going with this.
One thing is for sure: the Schwalbes were very easy to install, a big win if you do happen to puncture on a ride. The texture of the Aerothan tubes somehow helps locate the tube nicely, allowing the tyre to slip past it and pop into place. This could make them a great spare tube for roadside changes.
As I mentioned, while it is on the heavier side, this could be thanks to a much more reinforced valve stem. This is a common issue with all TPU inner tubes, and Schwalbe has clearly looked to tackle it. They have even added a decent amount of shaping to ensure it's a good fit.
If that wasn't enough, they are also one of the cheapest too at around the £16/ $32 a tube price mark.
Best for Gravel
Aside from the signature yellow Pirelli colourway, everything about the Cinturato Smartube looks identical to the road version of the Tubolito; they even originate from the same place.
What seems to differ, though, is the weight and price. Pirelli has clearly chosen a more robust construction, which, in reality, means it is a thicker material. That's not a bad thing; while the narrower options don't quite match the Tubolite, Vittoria, and Revoloop tubes for ride quality, they are ideal for gravel, where durability is as important as suppleness. You could choose the Pzero version in the range and get a weight drop, but then the cost becomes the limiting factor. But as we know it's not just weight or aero that is important when riding gravel.
It's worth noting that unless you can find a deal, you're probably looking in the region of £27/ $38 a tube for the regular version and £35/ $40+ for the PZero one.
That only covers the Cinturato versions of the SmarTube. Once you swap to the PZero SmarTube, the weights drop, and the suppleness seems to return to a similar level to the S-Tubo.
Pirelli arguably offers the broadest range of TPU inner tubes with no less than six different versions, depending on your requirements. So, if what we have reviewed here doesn't suit your needs, they offer lighter and even MTB sizes, which is a good to know for some gravel set ups.
Best for ride feel
Being the lightest on test and one of the cheapest at around £29.99/ $32 —at least in the road version—has a significant impact on the ride. The Tubolito truly offers an extraordinary feel, giving the tyre a lovely softness that is hard to find in many tubeless setups. It also made me feel as if I were flying, the whole time thinking I must be with the wind, but I wasn't.
I wasn't as taken with the CX/Gravel version, as these are significantly heavier, which, while I am certain this adds more durability, seems to defeat the purpose of a TPU inner tube. The Pirelli would be the better option here.
The valve stem is a little vulnerable. Despite my best efforts to mitigate wobbling whilst pumping, it seemed my efforts were in vain, and I consequently broke it off, leading me to reach for a good old Butyl tube. Probably best to plump for one of the best electric bike pumps to prevent a similar mishap.
Most reinforced valve
The similarities to the Schwalbe are hard to ignore. Although the NXT tubes don't offer a headline attribute, they didn't cause me any issues. What they do offer, though, is a considerably lower cost at less than £25/ $27, making these at least £5/ $10 cheaper than the Vittoria Ultra Light.
This does mean the Barbieri is still almost double that of a latex tubes, but with the ability to patch, it is significantly more durable and therefore arguably more sustainable than a one-and-done option.
One thing that stands out about the NXT tube is the valve reinforcement and shaping. Again, this could make it ideal as a spare tube, and considering its even lower cost than the Schwalbe, it might be worth the punt.
Also tested
Methodology - How I tested
My testing was conducted solely on 35mm/1.3" tyres, fitted to an all-road/endurance road bike. I felt this was a good way of covering all the bases. At this size, I could fit thicker, more 'gravel' focused tubes, and given road is creeping up to 30/32mm, I could comment easily on ride feel and suppleness without having to factor in different tyre qualities.
A large amount of my testing involved musing and considering the more subjective qualities of TPU inner tubes, whilst covering a significant distance. This doesn't mean I didn't conduct quantitative testing; it was more about establishing a baseline and gathering comparative data to inform my overall opinions, rather than relying on hard factual references. This is mainly because real-world testing conditions are challenging to gain consistency with, and with a lack of accessible lab condition facilities, more people will find those real-world experiences more relatable in this scenario.
One data set and the most considerable number crunching I did throughout testing was constant experimentation with tyre pressure. Due to the different thicknesses of the tubes, they all ran better at quite different levels of pressure, for better or worse. I began by checking the Wolf Tooth Tyre Calculator suggested values and comparing them to my previous results with latex tubes before making any adjustments.
Meet the tester
Hey! I am Tyler Boucher. I am a former (and occasionally still am) bike racer based in the Pacific Northwest. I have written for several publications across Europe, the UK and North America, covering bicycle tech and reviews. While I appreciate the details and numbers, I would rather discuss how they impact ride quality and the rider, helping people break down the complicated and sometimes incomprehensible world of bicycles.
Verdict
The Vittora won the ‘best TPU overall’ title, as it scores highly across a wide range of categories, including weight, ride feel, and durability. It is one of the pricier options, but it genuinely feels like a good alternative to going fully tubeless, with its superior ride feel.
However, it's important to remember that it's 'horses for courses' with TPU inner tubes. You might find that opting for the Revoloop Ultra for best durability, or the Pirelli Cinturato Smartube, with its multiple widths and valve lengths, is a much better option for your riding, especially given that they are all around the £27-£30/$36-$38 price points.
If cost is your most significant driver, then the Schwalbe Aerothan can't be beaten at around half the price of the others, and it still offers durability, a choice of widths, and valve lengths, making it hard to beat on value.
Taking a much broader view on the overall value of TPU inner tubes versus the much cheaper regular butyl ones, there is no denying that you have to put your hand in your pocket. However, the ride quality on some of the best in this guide is as close to riding a tubular set-up as you can get, which, at knocking on £100 a pop, makes even the top-end options look like a total bargain!
How to choose the best TPU inner tube
Butyl, Latex and TPU inner tubes
It is worth firstly understanding the what the different types of tube are, and how they can work for you.
- Butyl is the most common type and has been used for decades on bicycles. These are standard black synthetic rubber tubes that are easy to patch and inexpensive to manufacture and purchase. Price: $5-15/£4-10
- Latex: Technically made of natural rubber, these are lighter and more flexible (and thus have less rolling resistance) than butyl tubes but do not retain air as well. They are also more expensive and harder to repair. This is the type of tube found inside tubular tyres. Price: $15-25/£12-20
- TPU: Short for thermoplastic polyurethane (a type of plastic), this is the newest tube type. They can be made extremely lightweight and compact or thick and durable. They can be recycled at the end of their lives and have less rolling resistance compared to butyl tubes. They are, however, more expensive and can be hard to repair. Price: $20-40/£30
Compared to tubeless tire setup, tubes are straightforward and create little mess
Why use tubes of any kind?
One of the great things about bicycles is that they last a long time. I regularly see bikes being ridden that are 20 or 30 years old, and occasionally even older. Most of these bikes still use tubes, because that’s what they were designed for, and not everyone needs or wants to switch.
Perhaps the most appealing attribute of tubes is that they’re straightforward, with no mess. Even the best sealant can be tricky to use or clean out once it becomes dried gunk. For people who don’t ride very often, simply pumping up the tyres and going is the easiest option.
Tubes are also necessary when tubeless tyres fail. Sometimes a puncture can’t be sealed with a plug or sealant alone, and installing a tube lets you get home to make more involved repairs.
Another potential benefit to riding with tubes is reduced weight. Tyres designed for tubes and clincher rims can be lighter than tubeless setups, which need to be more robust to prevent air from escaping. This also impacts ride quality—less material in the tyre allows for a more supple (and faster, with correspondingly less rolling resistance) ride.
What’s special about TPU tubes?
As a newer technology, some aspects of TPU tubes are still being sussed out. TPU tubes can be made both very thin and very thick, depending on the application. They are also available in a wide range of sizes, unlike latex tubes. There are a number of scenarios in which they excel, and in testing a variety of different ones, I’ve learned more about how they can best be utilised.
One of the primary benefits of TPU tubes is that they can be made unbelievably light. The lightest tubes tested below weigh 25-26 grams. A very lightweight butyl tube, say Continental’s Race Light, weighs 65 grams, but most butyl tubes weigh closer to 80-90 grams. This weight difference, multiplied by two, makes a difference.
For the same reasons they’re light, TPU tubes are incredibly compact when rolled up. This makes them desirable as spares—they take up very little room in a saddle bag or flat kit. For bikepacking trips and similar adventures, space is often more important than weight, so TPU tubes have become popular, as multiple can be put in place of a single butyl spare.
Rolling resistance is tricky to measure and can be subjective, but in general, the less material in a tyre and tube module, the more it’s able to flex and give with the road surface. Thin, high-end tyres combined with thin, high-end tubes provide a ride quality that “floats” over road imperfections more readily than a thicker, more puncture-resistant setup. And, usually, ride quality translates to speed.
Another selling point touted by manufacturers is increased puncture resistance. I didn’t have any on-the-road punctures during testing, but that may not have anything to do with the tubes themselves. Certainly, the thicker tubes I tested seem like they would be harder to puncture, but that’s the extent of what I was able to determine.
There surely must be a drawback?
The most significant drawback of TPU tubes is the cost. When a butyl tube costs $5, paying $40 for something that functions almost identically can be hard to stomach. For most people, TPU tubes are probably unnecessary; however, if weight is important to the point that you’re willing to spend hundreds of dollars chasing grams, the cost of two TPU tubes could be a reasonably affordable upgrade.
TPU tubes are also hard to repair, or even repairable at all; patches need to be applied in a very clean environment for the adhesive to bond, and they need time to cure before they’re ready to use. During my testing, I found mixed success with patching punctures.
They can be temperature sensitive. Not all TPU tubes are compatible with CO2 inflators or rim brakes, for example, due to their extreme temperature changes. Although this is becoming less of an issue.
The biggest issue I had during testing with TPU tubes is the fragility of the valves. This is a key weight-saving measure—a plastic valve is lighter than a metal one, but it’s also the likeliest failure point. Pumps exert pressure on valve stems during inflation, and for some plastic valves, this is too much. It’s a lousy feeling to be out in the woods somewhere trying to fix a flat and snap the valve off your only spare tube. I had this happen to me more than once, snapping one valve stem off completely and cracking others. This is only really an issue if you are using a hand pump, though. If you have already moved to one of the best electric bike pumps with an extension hose to avoid heat transfer to the valve, then this issue disappears.
So, what type of TPU Inner Tube should I buy?
Selecting one of the best TPU inner tubes is really rather simple. Size, like any normal tube, is the main deciding factor, and with that size, the tube's overall thickness varies depending on the riding style it's intended for. However, it seems some brands are now offering more durable road sizes and lighter gravel options, all of which are clearly labelled as such. My one piece of advice would be to look at those with valve reinforcement, or even potentially sacrifice a few grams for the metal values, as this can be from my testing, the only deciding factor between tubes.
Frequently asked questions about TPU inner tubes
Are TPU inner tubes worth it?
Based on the outcome of our testing, there are certainly areas where TPU inner tubes are very well applied. For those not already using tubeless tyres, absolutely, it is almost a no-brainer over latex for their durability and ability to hold pressure.
For those questioning if they are a faff-free alternative to a tubeless setup, it is unlikely to improve anything other than the initial install. Thats said, they are now a very viable spare option to have in your back pocket for if something serious happens with your tubeless setup out on the road or trail.
Is there a weight limit on TPU inner tube?
As far as we are aware, there is no weight limit on TPU tubes; however, there are other restrictions depending on the manufacturer. Like any tyre and tube, there will almost certainly be a limit on pressure. Some also restrict the use of CO2 and compressors. Very few, like Vittoria, actually limit their tubes to disc brakes only.
Can TPU tubes be repaired or patched?
Quite simply, yes, of the tubes we have tested, they can all be patched or repaired. Patches are not always supplied, but they are certainly purchasable and help to justify the much higher costs of TPU tubes over Butyl.
Can I use an electric pump on a TPU inner tube?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to use one of the best electric bike pumps with TPU inner tubes. Just as with the best CO2 inflators, where cold can affect the tube's stability, the opposite is true of electric pumps, so you need to be careful not to transfer heat from the pump to the valve. This can easily be rectified by using a small extension value on your electric pump, which most come with.
Can I inflate a TPU tubes with CO2?
The jury is out on this one; some manufacturers say you can, while others say you cannot. This is due to the extreme cooling of the CO2 as it turns from a compressed liquid to a gas, which can destabilise the tube's structure. Effectively making the plastic less malleable and elastic, causing it to freeze and basically shatter. Always read the manufacturer's guidance on using CO2 before doing so, generally it's not recommended for most at this time.