Matt Ischt-Barnard
Perhaps you're not convinced by tubeless systems, or your wheels aren't compatible. Well, this is where the best TPU inner tubes become quite intriguing. Traditionally, those looking for a high-performance inner tube had to look to latex, which are notoriously leaky and quite fragile. While they do lower rolling resistance, they aren't significantly lighter than Butyl.
That is where the best TPU inner tubes can make a big difference. Paired with the best road bike tyres, these effectively plastic inner tubes (TPU - thermoplastic polyurethane) are much lighter than latex tubes and can offer far greater protection against punctures. While they don't quite match the rolling resistance of latex or the top tubeless road bike performance tyres, they are very close and are a far more compelling and rounded option.
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, what I felt out on the road certainly felt like a huge reduction in rolling resistance. The Ultra Light Speed and Revoloop tubes impressed me in this area, giving me the feeling of bolting on some super 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. As road tyres are only increasing in diameter, it is a shame that they are a little behind on this front. However, the Ultra Light Speeds are repairable, and the reinforcing and protection around the valve are reassuring.
Most Durable
The Revoloop REVO.RACE ULTRA looks to have 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 and reinforced valve are welcome additions over the others on test, and to that point, that Thermoplastic value as a whole feels much more robust than even the Vittoria, which appears to be of a very similar construction.
Despite puncturing the gravel version of this tube while trying to seat a tubeless tyre, it was well above its recommended maximum pressure, around 120psi. This, I think, is a huge plus for its overall durability.
While Revoloop does offer a greater variety of sizes in the Revo Ultra range, 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 for you to find a replacement, receive service for any failures, or pick up some patches.
Best value
While the Aerothan tubes from Schwalbe don't stand out in the spec sheet as anything special, they do a good job of offering 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. 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.
Best for Gravel
Aside from the signature yellow Pirelli colourway, everything about the Cinturato Smartube looks identical to the Tubolito; they even originate from the same place.
What seems to differ, though, is the weight. 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.
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.
Best for ride feel
Being the lightest on test—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.
This cannot be said for the entire range, however, as the CX/Gravel versions offered by Tubolito are significantly heavier and more in line with latex tube weights. I am certain this adds more durability, but it seems to defeat the purpose of a TPU inner tube.
More on durability: After one blunder, I tried to remove a value core and cracked the valve stem, which I was not aware was non-removable. I also had a fault when using the S-Tubo in a tubeless tyre after a puncture. Despite my best efforts to mitigate wobbling the valve stem around whilst pumping, it seemed my efforts were in vain, and consequently, I broke it off, leading me to reach for a good old Butyl tube.
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.
This is why I am uncertain if TPU inner tubes are gaining popularity and whether something Barbieri can help to change that. Even the best latex tubes can cost half the price of a TPU, meaning that even with punctures and repairs, you can replace the tubes for the cost of one TPU. In reality, while TPUs may be more durable, they are certainly not outperforming the alternatives, only matching them in some cases.
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
So, where does that leave us? There are clearly a variety of options on the market in a range of weights and widths. I think it’s fantastic that there are so many sizes available—this is something that latex tubes cannot match. As for the designs, there seem to be two schools of thought—one is producing different tube sizes out of the same material. At the same time, the other opts for thicker, more durable TPU material in larger tube diameters. The valves remain the same in both scenarios.
For riders who have happily accepted tubeless into their lives as their saviour, TPU tubes may not be very compelling. For the unconverted, however, the market’s TPU offerings are worth exploring.
The thinnest TPU tubes are indistinguishable from their latex counterparts in terms of ride quality with the bonus of no air loss and higher puncture reistance. I have ridden latex tubes extensively and would consider myself a fan. Typically, I use them with very supple 35 mm tyres in the summer when dry conditions and clearer roads make punctures very rare. For riders who run similar tubed setups, I think TPU tubes are a great alternative to latex.
I can also endorse the use of TPU tubes for a hillclimb build, or for a specific event where weight is paramount, like the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road Hillclimb or the recently started Mt. Baker Hill Climb. Here, TPU tubes are a sensible, cost-effective upgrade.
I was much less impressed by the ride quality of the thicker TPU tubes. Though they still weigh less than butyl tubes, they don’t have the same buoyant feeling as the lighter weight models. They completely changed the feel of the bike; it felt like I was riding on cheap tyres. They are more durable but retain the Achilles heel of the fragile valve stems. I would consider using these heartier tubes as spares where weight and space are critical, but for a true backcountry, long-distance ride, I would always carry a butyl tube and patches as well.
To unlock the full potential of TPU, I would like to see some improved valve stem designs. Even a thicker TPU tube with a reinforced valve would be much lighter and more compact than a butyl tube, and I think they would shine as truly reliable, durable backups. For the time being, however, I’ll stick to lighter models when I want to prioritise ride quality above all else.
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 much more than that. 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 the fact that they’re straightforward, with zero mess. There’s no need to top up sealant or clean out dried gunk. For people who don’t ride very often, being able to simply pump up the tires and go is the easiest option.
Tubes are also necessary when tubeless tires fail. Sometimes a puncture can’t be sealed by a plug or sealant alone, and installing a tube allows you to get home to make more involved repairs.
Another potential benefit to riding with tubes is reduced weight. Tires that are designed for tubes and clincher rims can both be made lighter than tubeless setups, which need to be more robust to prevent air from escaping. This also impacts ride quality—less material in the tire allows for a more supple (and faster, with correspondingly less rolling resistance) ride.
Some World Tour teams, such as Soudal Quick-Step, have been vocal about their use of clinchers with latex tubes for certain races over the last few seasons, when weight and ride quality are paramount. These teams, and presumably their riders, think that clinchers with tubes provide the best performance on the road. Occasionally teams still ride on tubulars, but most teams now run tubeless tires with or without inserts, depending on the parcours.
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 or very thick depending on the application. They are also available in a wide variety of sizes, which is not the case for 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 utilized.
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 light weight 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. A brand new road tube can be a third the size of a comparable butyl tube. 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, and thus TPU tubes have become popular as it’s possible to bring several of them in place of a single butyl spare.
Rolling resistance is a tricky thing to measure, and can be subjective, but in general terms the less material present in a tire and tube module, the more it’s able to flex and give with the road surface. Thin, high-end tires 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 in the course of 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. I did, however, experience multiple valve failures.
There surely must be a drawback?
One significant drawback of TPU tubes is the cost: they’re expensive. When a butyl tube can be purchased for $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 is quite reasonable.
TPU tubes are also hard to repair. When possible at all, patches need to be applied in a very clean environment for the adhesive to bond and need time to cure before they’re ready to use. In the course of my testing I found mixed success with patching punctures. Assuming the hole is small, it’s possible, but it isn’t as easy as patching a butyl tube.
They’re also temperature sensitive. Not all TPU tubes are compatible with CO2 inflators due to the extreme cold caused by the thermodynamic shift as the CO2 changes from liquid to gas. And, on the other end of the spectrum, some TPU tubes are not sanctioned for use with rim brakes due to excessive heat build up from braking friction.
The biggest issue 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 put pressure on valves stems during the inflation process, 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. Additionally, plastic valves are smooth, so a pump that threads onto the valve stem won’t work to inflate the tube, which is another scenario you don’t want to experience while out of cell-phone range.
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.
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