8 Best Bike Tubes in 2022


Looking for the best bike tubes for a road bike? You’re at the right place! Whether you plan on going on daily commutes with your bike or are planning on doing some serious trail riding, you want to make sure that you have sturdy tires to carry you through all of it.

The last thing you need is a flat tire in the middle of the road.

What Are the Best Bicycle Tubes?

Below we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to find the best bike tubes. We have also included a review of the best models on the market, as well as some pointers on what to look for.

1. Schwalbe SV17 Bicycle Tube with Presta Valve

Next, we have the Schwalbe SV17 bike tube which as the name implies, is designed for Presta valves. This is one of the best road bike tubes since it’s made to fit into a mold so that it can inflate your tires for optimal air pressure retention.

Not only that but it allows you to inflate all of your best cycling tubes so you can store them for up to 24 hours. This makes it easier for the tube to maintain air pressure consistently. The best part is that Schwalbe tubes actually go through rigorous air quality control to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Plus, all of the tubes are constructed from high-quality butyl rubber which helps to keep your tires from getting punctured when going through rough terrain.

The Presta style valve when paired with Skyscape metal valve caps enables you to maintain optimal air pressure. This way, you don’t have to re-inflate all the time. The mountain bike inner tubes measure 28 inches and are able to expand safely enough to fit all different tire widths without getting unnecessarily strained.

Pros
  • Goes through stringent quality control
  • Safe and easy to use
  • Provides optimal air pressure retention
Cons
  • It’s only compatible with Presta valves

2. Schwinn Replacement Bike Inner Tube

This replacement tube from Schwinn is all you need when you’re on the road, thanks to its self-sealing feature.

It’s designed to repair small holes primarily and it’s available in different sizes to suit different types of bike sizes.

These tubes benefit from years of research and development from one of the best manufacturers in the world. They’re super durable and long-lasting and the company offers great customer service.

In addition to the perfect design, this inner bike tube is available on different online platforms. Plus, it’s constructed from high-quality butyl rubber which is strong and durable, as well as reliable.

Pros
  • Super durable
  • Made from high-quality butyl rubber
  • Constructed from cold cured rubber
  • Resistant to punctures
  • Available in different styles and sizes
Cons
  • It’s on the pricey side

3. Street Fit 360 Tube

On the journey to finding the best bicycle tubes, it’s inevitable to come across the Sunlite awesome inner tubes. They’re perfect as the best MTB tubes for mountain bikes since they come in twos so you always have a spare tube when you need it the most.

Not only are these the best mountain bike inner tubes, but they have also been shown to be effective with cruiser bikes and really any type of bicycle that sports 29-inch tires.

The valve is designed in Schrader style which means that it’s super easy for you to inflate and deflate the tube.

Then you have the 48mm valve which is super easy to install and inflate as well when compared to models that have shorter valves and a similar design. The longer valve also means that you don’t have to bother with an adapter or an extension.

Pros
  • It’s the perfect replacement tube for a cruise or mountain bike
  • Comes in Presta and Schrader valves
  • Easy to inflate and deflate
Cons
  • It has a thin wall

4. Bell Standard and Self Sealing Bike Tube

This self-sealing tube from Bell Standard is a comprehensive and durable product worth looking into.

First off, it’s made from mold-cured rubber which gives it a sort of sidewall consistent that makes it easier to withstand high-pressure blowouts.

This comes with a 35mm valve which is compatible with Schrader-type tires with a 210g tube. The best bicycle inner tube has gone through rigorous safety testing while the self-sealant is designed to prevent punctures and it’s one of the best thorn resistant tubes. Not only that but it has the ability to effectively plug puncture holes that measure up to ½ inch.

Thanks to its mold-cured construction, this bike tube can handle high-pressure conditions which is what makes it a preferable choice for mountain bike enthusiasts.

Pros
  • Mold-cured and highly durable
  • Puncture and thorn-resistant
  • Super affordable
  • Comes in many colors
Cons
  • It’s not built to last according to reviews

5. Continental 650c Bicycle Tube

Continental is another famous name when it comes to bicycle tubes and tire manufactures and for good reason. This German behemoth has been perfecting the art and technology of making tires for over 100 years.

The company draws on its centuries-long history of excellence with this 650c bike tube which comes with its removable valve cores that enable you to attach extra extenders.

This durable bike tube is suitable for use with Schrader valves that measure 400mm which is shorter than expected but they’re also compatible with rim depths of between 24mm and 30mm.

Keep in mind that these tubes are made with butyl rubber and are inspected thoroughly to ensure comfort, safety, and quality.

Pros
  • Comes with removable valve cores
  • Perfect for use with wheels that have rim depths measuring 24 to 30mm
  • Seamless and mold cure
  • Highly compatible, thanks to Continental’s Unitube system
Cons
  • It’s not built to last unfortunately

6. KENDA Road Bicycle Tube Reviews

Kenda tubes are known as one of the best road bike tubes for avid commuter bikes.

It’s not hard to see why considering that Kenda has built a reputation for itself as one of the best manufacturers of bike tires in over five decades. Their products aren’t only reliable but affordable as well.

In addition to this two-punch of features, the Kenda road bicycle tubes offer a stable air pressure that’s compatible with a 700c tire. It’s also compatible with a 48mm threaded Presta Valve which is smooth and easy to use with your air pump when you need to.

Just be sure to pay attention when using this tube because it has a thinner wall.

Pros
  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Great customer service
  • Good value for money
  • Smooth
Cons
  • Comes with thin valves

7. SUNLITE Tubes Review

You don’t have to be an expert to know that this 48mm valve from Presta with Sunlite tubes is one of the best products to come from the best bike tube brand.

Different tube sizes are available for you to choose from including the Presta stem valve. It’s suitable for use on road bikes, mountain bikes, and even strollers with the same level of efficacy. This probably has something to do with the fact that it only weighs a lightweight 0.02 pounds.

It’s worth noting that this tube is constructed from durable VEE rubber material which is thick and long-lasting. It’s great for wide tires and it’s flexible enough to fold it up knowing that it won’t develop any leaks.

Not only that, but this tube is available in different sizes too. Lastly, Sunlite tubes are also available in different sizes and come with a unique air tightening feature.

Pros
  • No leaks in folding
  • Easy to install
  • Removable core
  • Made from sturdy rubber
  • Comes with reliable stem valve
Cons
  • Comes in different sizes which can increase in price exponentially

8. Goodyear Bicycle Tube

One of the best bike inner tubes, this Goodyear Tube comes with a Schrader valve and offers good value for money overall considering its ability to cater to different tube sizes.

This includes most wheel diameters, granted within the width range of the tire manufacture in question.

This tube is made from durable butyl rubber and is made to ensure that you’re able to travel for long distances without experiencing any flat tires.

However, there are a few manufacturing faux-pas that was noticed by some users which isn’t surprising considering its affordable price tag. This includes air leaking upon first use as well as the valve base developing a failure zone that comprises the whole thing.

Pros
  • Made from durable butyl rubber
  • Comes in standard wheel diameters
  • Super affordable for a Schrader valve tube
Cons
  • Only comes in few sizes with one tube width

How to Find the Best Bike Tubes

Alright, now that we’re done with our bike tube reviews, it’s time to look at the most important factors and features to consider when shopping for the best bike tubes for mountain bikes on the market.

Bike Usage

First up, decide what type of cycling you’re into. Whether it’s touring, mountain biking, or daily commuting. This will help you to figure out how much time you spend on the road, whether that’s on gravel or paving.

The type of tube you purchase must fit your particular brand of bike usage. Keep in mind that bike riding style is also important.

For instance, a commuter bike typically comes with wide wheels paired with a small diameter compared to a distance or hybrid bike that has thin yet large wheels. All of these factors will affect the type of bicycle tubes you go for.

Valves

Presta and Schrader’s valves are the most commonly used in road bikes and mountain bikes alike.

Presta valves are known for their long tip which extends outward with a manual closing mechanism that comes with a lock nut. Schrader valves are more affordable and come with a short and stubby construction and are made from durable rubber that comes with spring-loaded inset valve tips.

The Presta valve is great for thin road bikes and it’s easier to use it to pump air when compared to the Schrader, whose valve is spring-loaded and more of a headache when pumping.

This isn’t a huge deal considering that you probably use a large pump at home, but it can be an issue when using it while on the road with a hand pump.

Tire Size

Next, look into your bike’s tire size – the circumference and width. This will help you to figure out an accurate road bike tube size. Luckily, this information is easy to find on the sidewall of your tires, with the numbers typically listed in order of circumference and then width size.

For instance, you have a fractional marking of 29 x 2.25 which means that your tires have a 29-inch circumference and a width of 2.25 inches.

This is usually the case with mountain bike tires. Then you have ISO marking which can go something like 700 x 25c which translates to 622mm tire circumference and a width of 25mm.

Sometimes you might see tires with both markings. To make your life easier, write both of them down and base the final measurement on the type of dimensions required by the bike tube manufacturers.

Tube Size

Tube size has to be the same as your tires and you’ll know by looking at the tube’s packaging. Now, considering that tubes are flexible, it can be confusing to try and figure out what the right size is for you.

Experienced cyclists have been known to try out different inner tube sizes to see which one works with their bikes and which is the most durable and suitable for their needs.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance refers to the force that you need to bend a tire as it moves across the road. The same goes for the inner tube.

A thick inner tube will lead to a higher rolling resistance which is why inner tube flexibility is important. Latex is by far the most flexible material and has been shown to save up to 4 to 5 watts of power.

The downside with latex tubes is that they tend to leak easily due to being porous. You have to top them up regularly, as opposed to butyl rubber tubes which are lightweight and designed to handle lower rolling resistance.

What is a Bike Tube?

If you’ve never experienced a flat, then you’re probably new to bike tubes. Thing is, bicycle tires come with tubes which is what makes them unique from regular car tires.

Mountain bike tubes and road bike tubes are made similarly in that they’re both designed to seal up your bicycle tires.

Basically, what you have is a rubber balloon that’s either made from latex or butyl, and comes in a donut-like shape with a valve for easy inflation.

Latex tubes are also lightweight, flexible, and faster which means they’re able to adapt to the changes in tire shapes as you’re riding your bicycle.

On the flip side, they’re also more fragile when compared to traditional rubber tubes so you’ll end up changing them around all the time because they’re also sensitive to oil and grease.  

Types of Bike Tubes

Next on your journey of finding the best bike tubes for road bike, you have to know what your options are.

Self-Sealing

Self-sealing tubes made from road bikes are pre-treated with an interior sealant.

This helps to protect your tube from debris such as nails and thorns. It does this by closing up any holes that occur to minimize air loss.

Latex

Lightweight and flexible, latex also has a fragile inner wall. In fact, you can’t even repair a punctured latex tube.

Butyl Rubber

Butyl rubber is popularly used with inner tubes of road bikes and has a thickness of 1mm.

Thorn-Proof

You want a thorn-proof road bike tube that can handle the rigors of use on the road. Tubes that fit this description are usually thick around the top wall and weighty as well.

Extra Tips

  • Don’t ever ride your bike if your tires are underinflated. This can lead to a pinch flat and tire damage.
  • Always make sure that your tires have the right pressure level no matter how long you plan on riding your bike for.
  • Keep your road bike someplace where they won’t experience extreme temperature conditions, such as extreme cold or even sunlight. You want to keep it away from moisture and heat.
  • Always have a mini air pump, puncture kit, and spare tube when riding your bike on the road.
  • Apply sealant on the interior of the tire to keep the new tube in place.
  • Make sure that the inner tube fits perfectly into the tire to avoid wear and excess slipping.
  • Latex tubes have been shown to be fragile when used on carbon rims and clincher brake bikes. Constant braking leads to uneven heat distribution which damages the inner tube through hot spots.

Conclusion

So, what are the best bicycle tubes? In our opinion, it has to be Schwalbe SV17 Bicycle Tube with Presta Valve. Why?

Because it comes with a number of desirable features, including durable and long-lasting construction, and great customer service from the company. It’s constructed from the best rubber materials which make it resistant to punctures and suitable for use on long-distance rides.

Shailen Vandeyar

A proud Indian origin Kiwi who loves to plant trees and play with my pet bunny when not out doing about every kind of biking and experiencing the occasional tumble. Ready to share the ride with you.

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