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Bite-proof14 bicycle inner tubes in laboratory and practical tests

Stefan Frey

 · 21.10.2021

Bite-proof: 14 bicycle inner tubes in laboratory and practical testsPhoto: Georg Grieshaber
Bite-proof: 14 bicycle inner tubes in laboratory and practical tests

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High-tech plastic is set to revolutionise the bicycle inner tube. But do TPU inner tubes provide better protection against bite attacks, whether from stones or lap dogs? Our BIKE test clarifies.

When IT makes itself felt, mountain bikers have a problem. The inner tube normally does its job inconspicuously and out of sight. But it is actually what keeps the bike running. If it loses air, everything comes to a standstill. The gears? Useless. The suspension? Useless. The bicycle system, knocked out by the prick of a thorn or the blow of a root. Tubeless systems increase puncture protection, save weight and reduce rolling resistance. But many bikers shy away from the Effort involved in tubeless conversion or the mess when the milk doesn't seal properly and a hose has to be inserted on the way.

Are TPU inner tubes better than classic butyl bicycle inner tubes?

Tubes made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are now set to replace the traditional butyl and not only improve puncture protection while being significantly lighter, but also reduce rolling resistance. Of course, such pioneering properties also have a disadvantage: TPU tubes are on average almost three times as expensive as the butyl or latex alternatives. Is the investment worth it? We wanted to find out in extensive laboratory and practical tests and compared four lightweight, two standard and two freeride inner tubes with four plastic models.

Tubeless, TPU or butyl? Not all test riders were able to feel which way the air is held in the tyre during the blind test with three identical bikes and taped valves.Photo: Henri LesewitzTubeless, TPU or butyl? Not all test riders were able to feel which way the air is held in the tyre during the blind test with three identical bikes and taped valves.During the puncture test, a ball with a diameter of 1 millimetre is pressed onto the hose until the material gives way.Photo: HerstellerDuring the puncture test, a ball with a diameter of 1 millimetre is pressed onto the hose until the material gives way.
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You can conveniently download the complete laboratory and practical test of the 14 bicycle inner tubes plus lots of tube knowledge from BIKE 10/2021 as a PDF below the article. The test costs 1.99 euros.

Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, namely tens of thousands of euros every year.

TPU hoses in the test

Lightweight inner tubes in the test

Standard hoses in the test

Freeride tubes in the test

Bite-proof: high-tech plastic is set to revolutionise the bicycle inner tube. Lighter, safer, faster rolling - that's what the manufacturers promise. But do TPU inner tubes really provide better protection against bite attacks, whether from thorns, stones or lapdogs? In the test: polyurethane inner tubes versus classic rubber.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

Downloads:

Bicycle inner tubes (pdf)

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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