An inner tube is an essential part of any bicycle, that is unless you are running tubular or tubeless tyres. It is inevitable that at some point you will need to replace the inner tube on your bicycle, so it is always worth having a couple of spares so you can get back on the road straight away.
With the wide variety of different sized inner tubes, this guide is intended to help make it easier to choose the correct tube for you.
Inner tubes come in a wide variety of sizes, and also different valve types. Things to consider when selecting your inner tube are;
The best way to check what size inner tube you need is to look on the sidewall of your tyre. Tyre manufacturers print the size on the sidewalls, so look out for numbers such as ‘700x23c’ for a road bike, or ‘26x1.75’ which is for mountain bikes.
It is more than likely that the inner tubes you will have used are made of a butyl rubber. If you are looking for marginal gains a change to latex inner tubes can reduce the weight in your wheels where it really matters.
It can also smooth out the ride.
There are however two downsides to latex inner tubes. The first is that they lose air much quicker, and so will need to be pumped up more often. Not during a ride, but at least before every ride. The other downside is that they are a little trickier to fit, and can be caught in between the tyre and wheel causing them to blow as soon as you pump them up.
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Andy is the Product Specialist and Content Writer at Ribble. He takes part in all disciplines of cycling, but can mostly be found either on his road bike or on the mountain bike trails.
If you are in any doubt about what is best for you then our Cycling Experts can help via email or telephone
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1772 963400
Let’s be honest – tubes are a bit weird. Wiggly black bands of rubber, tubes are tedious to install, constantly need to be re-inflated and can be defeated by the tiniest thorns.
When it comes time to purchase a new tube, how do you know which one to select?
Between the dozens of size options and the various valve stem types (Presta, what is that?), selecting the correct tube for your bike can be challenging. Check out our video below, or scroll down for a quick photo guide to help you select the perfect tire tube for your bicycle:
There are two important dimensions you must know when selecting a tube: The diameter of your wheel and the width of your tire. You need both to select the correct tube size. These dimensions can be found on your tire: Diameter x Width.
The first number is the diameter of your wheel. Sizes such as 26, 24, 20, 27.5, 29 and 700c are common tire diameters.
The second number (after the X) is the width of your tire. The range for widths is usually between 1 and 3 inches. For example, a 26 x 1.75 size means the tire diameter is 26 inches and the tire width is 1.75 inches.
While your diameter measurement needs to be exact, your width measurement does not. Because inner tubes stretch, they typically come in a range of widths. For example, one of our most popular tubes is the 26 x 1.75-2.125” which means it fits a 26-inch diameter tire with a width in the range of 1.75 to 2.125 inches.
Some tires have dimensions in millimeters, but the basic measurement structure is still the same: Diameter x Width. Instead of inches, you will instead see something like 700c x 18 mm. The letter at the end of the tire diameter is a carryover from an old French system that used letters a, b and c to designate inner wheel rim diameters.
After you know your tube size, you need to select your valve stem type.
The valve stem is the metal part of the bicycle wheel that sticks out and allows air to go into (and stay in) your tire. There are three types of valve stems: Schrader, Presta and Woods/Dunlop. The Woods (or Dunlop) valve stem is extremely rare and typically only found in the Netherlands or Asia, so we won’t spend any time on it here.
Schrader valves, on the other hand, are the most common valve stems found on bicycles. The most recognizable of the bunch, sometimes they are referred to as standard valves. An easy way to remember if you have a Schrader valve is to think of the “S.” Schrader valves are short, sturdy and standard. If you don’t know what valve stem you have, it is likely a Schrader.
The last valve stem type is Presta. Presta valves are traditionally found on higher-end bicycles preferred by professional cyclists. Think of the “P” in Presta standing for professional, performance and premium. If you have a Presta valve, you usually know it.
The last consideration you need to keep in mind when selecting a tube is durability. There is no reason for you to suffer from flat tires - Riding flat free can be a reality. Self-sealing tubes are heavy duty and designed to stop flats for up to two years! To gain that type of protection, you need to purchase tubes that come pre-installed with Slime tire sealant.
Alternatively, if you already have empty tubes, but want the protection that self-sealing tubes provide, you can insert the tube sealant yourself. Learn more about tube protecting sealant here.
Congratulations, you are now a tube expert! When purchasing tubes, if you consider tire size, valve stem type and durability needs, then you will never select the wrong tube again. Go forth and start riding!
It is important not to miss the choice so that the vehicle does not fail at the most crucial moment.
Cycling
Contents
Bike Inner Marking
Nipple
Inner Tube Material
Step-by-Step Instructions
Read this article to understand your bike. And here you will find out what to do if the transport still failed on the road.
A bicycle inner tube is a thin, flat tube that sits under the tire inside the rim and is inflated with air through a nipple.
- tire, - camera, - nippleTable of contents
Marking of the bicycle tube
Nipple
Material of the tube
Step-by-step instructions
Bicycle tires and tubes
Final price
Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700 x 28CBuy
-10%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ardent, 27.
5 x 2.4, 61-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
Final price
4 999 ₽
Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700 x 23C
Buy
Final price
4 999 ₽
Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700C x 25
Buy
-20%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis CrossMark II, 27.5 x 2.25, 57-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
-20%
Final price Schwalbe | Schwalbe Marathon 26 x 2.0 Tire
Buy
Final price
3 599 ₽
Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Land Cruiser Plus 26 x 2.0
Buy
-15%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Pace, 27.5 x 2.1, 53-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
-10%
Final price Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Land Cruiser Plus 27.
5 x 2.0
Buy
-10%
Final price
3 329 ₽
3 699 ₽
Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ardent, 27.5 x 2.4, 61-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
-20%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ikon, 27.5 x 2.2, 56-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
-15%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Overdrive Excel, 26 x 2.0, 50-559, 60 TPI
Buy
Basic camera parameters:
In order for the chamber to last longer, it must be maintained at the optimum pressure.
Usually, its minimum and maximum allowable values are indicated on the tire.
Tip
Consider your own weight when choosing tire pressure. The higher it is, the higher the pressure should be
Chamber wall thickness ranges from 0.60 to 1.50 mm.
Tip
The smaller tube will fit on the larger wheel, but not vice versa.
The dimensions of the bicycle chamber indicated on its surface must match the dimensions on the tire
This is the part through which air is pumped into the chamber. She does not allow air to escape too quickly. Nipples are:
| Rubberized | Metal threaded |
|---|---|
| uncomfortable, not very reliable, subject to the risk of damage and separation; | reliable; |
| cheap | more expensive than rubber. |
Nipples differ by valve type:
Presta - nipple with a diameter of 6 mm and a length of 40 mm (rarely - 80 mm).
Used for road, sports bikes and hybrid models. It needs a special bicycle pump.
Schrader - automotive, the most common among bike tubes. It has a diameter of 8 - 8.5 mm and a length of 40 mm (less often - 60 mm). You can pump up such a chamber at any tire fitting or with a conventional car pump.
Dunlop - a traditional nipple for Soviet bicycles, now almost never occurs. Its diameter is 8 mm and its length is about 25 mm. It also needs a special bicycle pump.
Bicycle tires and tubes
Final price
5 799 ₽
Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700 x 28C
Buy
-10%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ardent, 27.5 x 2.4, 61-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
Final price
4 999 ₽
Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700 x 23C
Buy
Final price
4 999 ₽
Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Durano 700C x 25
Buy
-20%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis CrossMark II, 27.
5 x 2.25, 57-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
-20%
Final price Schwalbe | Schwalbe Marathon 26 x 2.0 Tire
Buy
Final price
3 599 ₽
Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Land Cruiser Plus 26 x 2.0
Buy
-15%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Pace, 27.5 x 2.1, 53-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
-10%
Final price Schwalbe | Tire Schwalbe Land Cruiser Plus 27.5 x 2.0
Buy
-10%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ardent, 27.5 x 2.4, 61-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
-20%
Final price Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Ikon, 27.5 x 2.2, 56-584, 60 TPI, Mountain
Buy
-15%
Final price
3,059RUB
RUB 3,599
Maxxis | Tire Maxxis Overdrive Excel, 26 x 2.
0, 50-559, 60 TPI, Hybrid
Buy now
Modern bicycle inner tubes are made from latex or butyl rubber.
Latex is made from natural rubber and is used in racing tubes. They can be identified in the store by their bright color. Latex bladders are light, flexible, lose little energy while riding, and are resistant to snake bites. The disadvantage is low wear resistance and high price. Such cameras are more often used by athletes.
Butyl rubber is a synthetic rubber used to make inner tubes for everyday riding. Usually they are black. Synthetic bladders are inexpensive, durable, and have excellent air retention. True, they are easier to pierce. But if you ride often and for a long time, and even more so if you travel by bike, choose a camera made of this material: it will last longer on the road.
EXPERT TIP
If your inner tube is suddenly damaged on the road, you can seal the puncture, but this will help temporarily.
Therefore, when leaving home for a long time, be sure to take a spare camera with you. And be sure to test your new camera in advance when you go on a trip
Decide on the chamber diameter and width. You can see the required dimensions:
Select the desired material:
Cycling Every cyclist needs to be sure that the transport during trips around the city or rough terrain will definitely not let you down. And the most important thing in the wheels is the right bike tube. To do this, sometimes there is not enough simple knowledge about how to choose and buy tubes for a bike, and what size they should be. The most important things to look for before buying a bike tube are: Before the advent of the mountain bike market, tubes, motorcycle tubes and car tubes were considered in the same way. Later it became clear that the characteristics and dimensions of bicycle tubes are something special, and the approach to production has completely changed. When the buyer is faced with the question of how to buy the right tube for a bicycle, it is important to take into account differences in dimensional indicators. Choosing the right inner tube for your bike will greatly improve your ride and reduce the chance of damage. Read the label and stay safe. A smaller tube will fit a larger wheel, but not vice versa. You should always remember that the dimensions of the cycle chamber indicated on its surface and on the tire must match. The required parameters are specified in the ISO system in mm or inches. In order not to get confused in the sizes and markings that different manufacturers apply in different systems, use the conversion table from one system to another. Many specialist shops offer a huge range of bike parts and accessories. The Velo-Moto online store in its catalog opens the world of cycling for professionals and amateurs. Once you've decided where to buy your inner tube, it's important to focus on the other selection criteria after width and size: These are important indicators that together ensure your safety, speak of a reasonable approach. This is a piece that consists of a tube and is equipped with a special check valve for air inflation. There are rubber ones - not very reliable, not expensive, there is a high probability of separation and damage. There are metal ones - reliability and price are higher. According to the type of valve, the nipples are divided into 3 groups. Those who ride more than once a year know that you can protect your inner tube from damage in a very quick and reliable way - purchase a special filler for it, anti-puncture.
How to choose a bike tube. Size Ratio Chart
What size bike tubes to choose
Tires always show the dimensions and allowable pressure for suitable tori. Marking types may vary.
Size ratio table for different marking systems
Rim bore size in mm according to ISO Tire size in inches FR size ISO size in mm (width - bore) This size was invented by marketers for tires with a bore diameter of 622 mm. They differ from 28 only in tire height. 28 x decimal 700C For 622 mm tires. 28 х 3/4 700-18С 700х18С 18-622 700-19С 700х19С 19-622 28 х 3/4 700-20С 700х20С 20-622 28 x 1 28 x 7/8 700-23s 700x23s 23-622 28 x 1 700-25s 700x2221 25-622 9021 9021 9021 9021 9 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/8 700-28s 700x28s 28-622 28 x 1.20 700-30s x 1.5 700x38C 700-40C 40-622 Road bikes: "Ukraine", "Minsk", "Sura", "Velta", "Aist" (111-321, 111-322). 
28 х 1 1/2 28 х 1 5/8 х 1 3/8 700С 700х35С 700х38С "," Aist. 27 x 1 1/4 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/4 700-32C 700x32C Sputnik 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/4 Obsolete Canadian designation F13 45-622 28 x 1.75 28 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/4 700-47s 700x47s 47-622 9021 28 x 2.00 9021 9021 9021 90x 90x -622 600 22 (23, 25, 25, 27, 28, 30) -600 Old Soviet sports and track bicycles 5999 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 25 25 25 25 25 25 2AL 32-599 Very old American light bikes. 
26 x 1 7/8 47-599 ZIF (Penza) 190-535 "Samson" 597 26 X 1/4 (EA1) (EA1) (EA1) 9999999999 32-597 Old English sport and club bikes. 26 x 1 3/8 (S-6) 37-597 Light bicycles from the American company Schwinn. 590 26 x 1 1/8 28-590 Soviet bicycles ZiF (Penza), Diana, Prima, Virazh, Relay, Sura, Breeze ”, “Tempo”. American and English 3 and 10 speed. 650x38B 40-584 French road bikes, touring bikes with cargo, tandems, some Raleigh (USA), old Schwinn mountain bikes. 26 x 1 1/2 650B 37-584 27.5 х 1.5 40-584 27.5 х 1.65 44-584 27.5 x 2.1 54-584 27. 
5 x 2.25 57-584 27.5 x 2.3 60-584 27.5 x 2.4 62-584 27.5 х 2.8 70-584 571 26 x 3/4 650х20C 20-571 Triathlon, time trial, small road bikes. 26 х 7/8 650х23С 23-571 26 x 1 650C 23-571 26×1 3/4 (S-7) Road Schwinn 559 26 x 1.0 25-559 Most mountain bikes. Classic landing diameter for 26 wheels. 26 х 1.25 32-559 26 х 1.35 35-559 26 х 1.4 37-559 26 х 1.5 40 -559 26 x 1. 
6 44-559 26 х 1.75 26 х 1.75 х 2 47-559 26 х 1.9 50-559 26 х 2.00 52-559 26 x 2.10 54-559 26 x 2.15 55-559 26 х 2.25 57-559 26 х 2.3 60-559 26 x 2.4 24 x 1/4 32-540 24 x 1 3/8 (E-5) 24 x 1 3/8 A 37-540 533 9021 9 x 1 1/2 37-533 "Salute", "Altair", "Ervi", "Eaglet", "Erelyukas", "Swallow" ("Kregzdute", "Kregzhdute" - Siauliai bicycle factory Lithuania) . This is the Soviet standard and tires with a diameter of 533 mm are produced only with a width of 37 mm. Be careful when replacing because not all 24 inch tires will fit 533 wheels. 520 24 x 1 25-520 Highways for children's bicycles 507 507 507 507 7
9021 “Salyut”, “Altair”, “Ervi” 24 x 1. 
75 47-507 24 x 2.0 11111111 11111111111111111111111111111111ALE 24 x 2.25 451 20 x 1 1/8 28-451 BMX for light riders, light kids bikes, some ligerades. Wheels on some types of wheelchairs. 20 X 1/4 30-451 20 x 1 3/8 37-451 9021 445 9021 445 Shkolnik (old Soviet models) 20 х 1.35 35-406 20 x 1 3/4 20 x 1.5 40-406 20 х 1.75 20 х 1.75 х 2 47-406 20 х 1.95 50-406 20 х 2.00 54-406 20 х 2.125 57-406 20 х 2. 
35 60 -406 20 x 2.5 9 12 1/2 x 1 3/8 x 1 56-205 Children's bicycles "KVD", balance bikes, sometimes suitable for baby carriages (tires "Dutik") 47-203 Small children's bikes, balance bikes, strollers 12 x 1.95 54-203 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 r 57-203 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 9049 62 200221 152 10 x 2 54-152 tires for small children, car and carts, prams 137 1 1/1 1/1 1/ 1/ 1/ 1 32-137 0461
Nipple
Durability of the bike inner tube
