The TPU Advantage

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) bicycle tubes offer several advantages over traditional butyl rubber tubes. 

Lighter Weight

TPU tubes are up to 70% lighter than standard butyl tubes. Their lower weight reduces rotational mass, improving acceleration and climbing performance. This provides obvious benefits to racers who want to shave grams but similarly benefits the everyday rider due to the greater influence each gram of rotational mass has. Even e-bike riders with heavy motors and batteries can take advantage of lower rotational mass and see up to a 12% increase in range.  

Lower Rolling Resistance

TPU tubes are stiffer and more uniform, which helps reduce energy loss due to friction inside the tire. Less friction loss results in a faster rolling tire/tube combination and better overall rider energy efficiency

Improved Puncture Resistance

TPU is stronger than butyl, and it takes much more to puncture a TPU tube compared to a standard butyl tube. When you get a piece of glass or wire stuck in your tire there’s less chance of the tube deflating. Heavier duty TPU tubes, like our E-BIKE HEAVY DUTY TPU TUBE, are built with thicker material for even greater puncture resistance.

Compact and Packable

TPU tubes are much smaller when folded, making them ideal for carrying as spares. They are typically 70% smaller than a butyl equivalent which means you can carry more spares, have less weight on the bike, and are the perfect spare for both riders running tubes or tubeless. 

Longer Lifespan (under the right conditions)

TPU doesn’t degrade as quickly as rubber when stored correctly. TPU tubes are less prone to “dry rot” or aging from UV exposure and extreme heat. This makes them an ideal spare tube that you can trust, which will be ready when you are far from home.

Repairable

Most people assume TPU tubes are not patchable when actually they are and in fact are much easier to patch than butyl or latex tubes. Simply wipe the tube with an alcohol wipe (included with all Biketube Brand TPU tubes) and stick on the patch. There’s no need to roughen the tube with sandpaper.

Environmentally Friendly

TPU is recyclable, whereas butyl rubber is more difficult to recycle, meaning TPU can also be reused and recycled at proper centers instead of heading to landfills.