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LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT THE AIR TUBE

Almost all bicycles use inner tubes, which is why every cyclist must know this essential component of their bicycle. What are the best inner tubes? How to choose the right bicycle inner tube? What exactly is it made of?

What is an inner tube?

A bicycle inner tube is made up of two elements: the tube and the valve. It is inserted between the rim and the tire, on the bicycle wheel. For the record, the first removable tire for bicycles and its inner tube were invented in 1891.ar the brothers Michelin, in particular to improve comfort, grip and reduce noise.

This is an essential element that helps hold the bicycle tire in place, to resist the pressure of the cyclist's weight and make riding comfortable.

Bicycle inner tubes are made of more or less thick rubber (thick rubber will be more resistant but heavier) or of latex, elastic and light. There are different sizes of air chambers which are measured by their diameter and width. There are tubeless tires, they are called tubeless and tubular.

The valve is attached to the inner tube. It is either screwed or welded during vulcanization of the chamber. There are several types of valves: the Presta valve, the Schrader valve or the Dunlop valve, for the most common ones that can be found in France. We detail this for you in our guide to bicycle valves.

Tire and inner tube, tubeless tire, tubular: what's the difference?

Some bikes do not use inner tubes. Tubeless tires and tubulars are used in particular on mountain bikes and road bikes. The tubeless tire is a tire mounted on a rim so as to form a completely waterproof assembly. A tubular tire is par against a bicycle tire sewn around the inner tube, so to speak. The whole thing is then glued to the rim. More information in our guide on tubeless and inner tube.

The different types of inner tube

The butyl rubber inner tube: This type of bicycle inner tube is the most standard. Most bicycles are equipped with a butyl inner tube, a piece of rubber that offers many advantages: elasticity, resistance and waterproofing. Sometimes, certain suppliers offer recycled butyl bicycle inner tubes, allowing for more responsible production that does not alter the quality of the latter. This standard inner tube is the best known, itar It is suitable for both urban bikes and competition bikes.

The latex inner tube: Light and elastic, the latex inner tube offers optimal comfort and very good wheel performance. This inner tube is perfectly suited to competition bikes. This type of inner tube is not recommended for urban cyclists, itar it must be inflated to pressure each time it is used and its resistance to punctures is less good.

The elastomer inner tube: Like the latex inner tube, the elastomer inner tube is designed for competition bikes or those looking for performance. Very light and resistant, it is also self-repairing and can be carried as an emergency inner tube.

The light butyl inner tube: Conversely, some butyl inner tubes are lighter, which makes them less resistant to punctures. Less bulky than a classic inner tube, it can be easily taken with you and can be used as a backup inner tube.

The reinforced butyl inner tube: Some butyl inner tubes are reinforced. Their resistance to punctures is very good and they age well. The only downside is that they are a little heavier due to their thickness. In tubeless assembly, the absence of an inner tube promotes tire deformation for greater comfort and grip. Widely adopted par wheel manufacturers, it would be a shame to deprive themselves of the benefits of mounting tubeless tires.

The linear air chamber: Unlike standard inner tubes, linear inner tubes have a straight shape, are cut and closed at the ends. This shape is advantageous since it can be mounted on a bicycle without removing the wheel. In the event of a puncture, the linear inner tube is therefore very practical and can be used as a spare inner tube for a bicycle.

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Elastomer

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Reinforced butyl

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Sealing

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Price

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Performance

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Comfort

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What brand of inner tube?

Large tire manufacturers generally offer their own inner tube. Just like tires, each brand's inner tubes have their own characteristics and technologies. Marks Linéatube and Gaadi specialize in linear inner tubes.

Schwalbe offers numerous inner tubes, from entry-level to reinforced puncture-proof inner tubes, such as the Air Plus. The puncture-proof AirPlus inner tubes are suitable for transport bikes and e-bikes. They offer higher air retention for lower maintenance and are 100% recyclable.

Michelin offers two models of reinforced inner tubes: the Air Comp and the Protek Max. The Air Comp is a lightweight butyl inner tube. The Protek Max has a preventative liquid which spreads into the chamber in the event of a puncture. Condensed by technology, these rooms Michelin are also easy to assemble and maintain pressure well. The rooms Smart Tube of Slime also have a preventative liquid which is released in the event of a perforation.

On the side of Hucchinson, it is Protect'Air technology which offers excellent protection and a long lifespan to the bicycle inner tube. Other brands offer inner tubes, such as Kenda ou Continental...

inner tube

The inner tube: common consumable?

The inner tubes contain the precious air necessary for the tires! It's a piece you don't want to hear about.

Inner tubes can be constructed with different materials. Standard, light, Latex... The lighter it is, the more porous it is. In this case, it is necessary to inflate more regularly. Conversely, there are special, ultra-thick air chambers which limit the need for inflation. They are much less porous, but heavier.

Inner tube accessories

To ensure you ride safely, here are some essential accessories:

- A inner tube repair kit. You can find our puncture repair kits, to become an ace in inner tube repair. A slightly more complete repair kit will allow you to repair your inner tube as well as take care of your bike on a daily basis.

- Des valve caps. They provide both protection for your valves and enhance your bikes.ar the same occasion.

- A bicycle pump. To re-inflate your tires regularly, a good air pump is essential. Remember to consult our page on different bike pumps.


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