Road bike inner tube Black Friday on sale

Which inner tube for your road tyre?

Road inner tubes cover a range of widths for a 700 diameter, which is 622 mm in ETRTO sizing: 700 x 18-23, 20-25, 25-28 or 28-32 depending on the manufacturer. For a 28 mm tyre, which is common, a 25-28 or 28-32 tube is suitable; for a 25 mm, a 20-25 or a 25-28 will work. If stretched beyond its range, a tube can become thinner and fragile. The 26, 27.5 or 29-inch tubes available in the selection are for mountain bikes and city bikes.

Valve length: measure the rim

For road bikes, the Presta valve is nearly the standard. Its length corresponds to the height of the rim: 40 or 48 mm on a low aluminium rim, 60 mm on a medium profile, and 80 mm on a high carbon rim. If it's too short, the valve provides no grip for the pump head. The Vittoria Standard 700 x 20/28C, for instance, comes in 48, 60, and 80 mm: at the same model, only this measurement distinguishes two offers. On the SmarTUBE from Pirelli, the valve core is glued; an extension then screws onto the valve.

Butyl or TPU: weight, bulk, and brakes

• Butyl: the classic tube, airtight and repairable with a standard patch.
• TPU: a very thin synthetic wall, significantly lighter and less bulky when folded. Pirelli claims 35 g for its P Zero SmarTUBE, while Tubolito offers 23 g for its S-Tubo road tube.
• Rim brakes: the rim heats up during descents, and some TPU tubes cannot withstand this. The S-Tubo road from Tubolito is reserved for disc brakes; the SmarTUBE from Pirelli accepts both systems.

Discounted tubes: compare, then complete the repair

For tubes of the same size and material, compare the valve length first, then the packaging: single tube, pack of two, or box of 50 like the Continental Race 700 x 20-25, designed for workshops and clubs. For a pack, divide the displayed price by the number of tubes before comparing it to the crossed-out price of a single tube with the same valve. Outside of promotions, find the full offer in road inner tubes. During Black Friday, road tyres and floor pumps, mini-pumps, and CO2 inflators complement the tube, while MTB tubes or all-purpose tubes serve other bikes. The clearance then retains the replaced series.

The brands of inner tubes in the selection

Hutchinson, a manufacturer from Châlette-sur-Loing near Montargis, offers its Standard 700 x 20-25 tube with a 60 or 80 mm valve and a TPU tube with an 80 mm valve for high rims.

Vittoria has its Standard road tube available in three valve lengths and adds an ultra-light version in TPU.

Michelin offers its Air Stop tubes in butyl and a road tube 700 x 18-23 that weighs in at 78 g.

Pirelli has named its race tyres, P Zero, for its TPU road tube, intended for tyres from 23 to 32 mm.

Tubolito, a Vienna-based TPU inner tube brand, distinguishes its S-Tubo, with a thinner wall, from the classic Tubo, which can be used with rim brakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which inner tube for a 700 x 25 tyre?

A 700 x 20-25 or 700 x 25-28 tube with a Presta valve suited to the rim height. Both ranges cover 25 mm; the latter provides some leeway if you later switch to a 28 tyre.

Inner tube or tubeless on a road bike?

Tubeless requires a compatible rim and tyre, sealant, and some maintenance, but it seals small punctures on its own. The tube fits all wheels and can be quickly changed at the roadside. Keep one in your saddlebag in both cases: it can also help with a tubeless tyre that is too punctured.

How to change an inner tube on the road?

Fully deflate, unclip one side of the tyre with two tyre levers, and remove the tube. Run your fingers inside the tyre to remove any thorns or flints. Inflate the new tube slightly, engage the valve and then the rest, and finish pushing the bead in by hand on the side opposite the valve, avoiding pinching the tube.

Can you inflate a tube outside the tyre to find the leak?

Yes, just enough to hear the air escaping or see bubbles in water. For a TPU tube, Tubolito advises never exceeding 0.5 bar outside the tyre, or you risk distorting it.

When can you benefit from Black Friday discounts on inner tubes?

The Friday that gives its name to the event falls the day after Thanksgiving, as winter approaches, and Vélo-Store extends its discounts on inner tubes throughout November. An inner tube is a consumable: having two on hand, one on the bike and the other at home, prevents being stuck after a puncture.