Aeron: TPU inner tube now with aluminium valve
TOUR
· 28.02.2025
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) does not require natural rubber, production takes place mainly in Europe and the material is 100 per cent recyclable. The ecological footprint of production is much smaller than that of standard inner tubes. What every TPU tube also has in common is that it weighs much less than a butyl tube (from 23 grams!), has a much smaller pack size, rolls more easily than butyl (but not quite as well as latex) and is still more puncture-resistant. TPU tubes even beat tubeless systems in terms of weight and roll just as well.
TPU vs. rubber
The great laboratory values of TPU products However, there are some negative reviews from users. There are complaints that the hoses are defective ex works or start to lose air quickly. These may be outliers, but we have also had such cases in the editorial environment. With prices of around 25 euros per hose, such quality problems are more serious than with the cheaper butyl counterparts. Holes are also harder to find, as the hoses can only be pumped up to 0.3 bar outside the cover; if they are pumped up more, the material can deform plastically and burst.
Aeron - a new brand
The RTI Sports Group, known for Ergon saddles and grips, is now expanding its portfolio with the new Aeron/TPU brand to include TPU inner tubes. The focus is on the products in the SuperLite Race series. They are characterised by their very low weight, low rolling resistance, extremely small pack size and high puncture protection.
At the heart of the new hoses are the aluminium Presta valves, which are said to offer several advantages over conventional plastic valves. The valve core can be unscrewed, which enables easy maintenance. Valve extensions can also be fitted, making the tubes suitable for high-profile rims. The aluminium construction is said to be more stable, more temperature and weather resistant and more durable than plastic versions. A thread on the valve stem should also ensure the best grip for air pump heads.
TPU bicycle inner tubes for Road to MTB
Aeron/TPU offers the SuperLite Race inner tubes for various applications. The model for road bikes, designed for tyre widths from 23 to 28 millimetres, weighs just 21 grams. The version for mountain bikes, designed for tyre widths from 1.7 to 2.5 inches, weighs 40 grams. For cyclocross and gravel bikes, a model is available that is suitable for tyre widths from 32 to 52 millimetres and weighs 30 grams. All weight specifications refer to tubes with a 42 millimetre Presta valve made of aluminium.
Availability and variants
The AERON/TPU tubes in the SuperLite Race series with aluminium valve stems will be available in various widths from April. Valve lengths of 42, 60 and 85 millimetres will be available. Cheaper models with 42 millimetre long plastic valve shafts will also be available from May. Valves with lengths of 65 and 80 millimetres will be added to the range from July. The tubes for road bike sizes will cost between 20 and 25 euros, depending on the size.
Technical specifications
- Road SuperLite Race:
- Tyre width: 23-28 millimetres
- Valve: Presta, 42 millimetres (aluminium)
- Weight: 21 grammes
- MTB SuperLite Race:
- Tyre width: 1.7-2.5 inch
- Valve: Presta, 42 millimetres (aluminium)
- Weight: 40 grammes
- CX/Gravel SuperLite Race:
- Tyre width: 32-52 millimetres
- Valve: Presta, 42 millimetres (aluminium)
- Weight: 30 grammes
- Valve variants:
- Aluminium: 42, 60, 85 millimetres (from April)
- Plastic: 42 millimetres (from May), 65, 80 millimetres (from July)
- Material: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
