Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Tubolito bicycle inner tubes are manufactured using high-density Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). Through specialized thermal processing and seamless jointing technology, TPU allows for significantly thinner wall construction while providing superior tensile strength compared to traditional butyl rubber.

The result is a tube that cuts weight by up to 75% while offering enhanced durability against punctures, tears, and environmental aging.

The puncture resistance of a bicycle inner tube is standardly measured via a standardized needle puncture force test. This procedure calculates the exact mechanical force (in Newtons) required for a calibrated metal mandrel to penetrate the tube wall.

Laboratory testing confirms that penetrating a Tubo-MTB inner tube requires approximately twice the force needed to puncture a conventional butyl rubber tube of equivalent size.

Under heavy impacts where the tire compresses completely against the rim flange, high material elasticity enables Tubolito TPU tubes to absorb significant deformation energy. In comparative pinch-flat testing, TPU tubes match or exceed the protection levels of heavy rubber tubes while retaining a fraction of their mass.

Independent wheel laboratory testing demonstrates that Tubolito TPU inner tubes exhibit lower rolling resistance than standard butyl rubber tubes. The reduced wall thickness minimizes hysteresis loss (energy wasted during repeated tire deflection), producing rolling efficiency close to latex tubes without the rapid air permeability drawbacks of latex.

Thermoplastic polyurethane possesses excellent gas barrier properties. Under real-world riding conditions, Tubolito tubes maintain inflation pressure at rates equivalent to high-quality butyl rubber tubes. Routine pressure checks can follow standard maintenance schedules.

Operating tire pressure ranges depend strictly on the maximum and minimum inflation ratings stated on your tire casing and wheel rim specifications.

Critical Safety Rule: When outside of the mounted tire casing, a Tubolito tube must never be inflated above 0.5 bar (8 psi). Over-inflating an unconfined TPU tube causes irreversible plastic deformation and damages the structural integrity of the tube wall.

Yes. CO2 cartridges can be used for fast roadside repair inflation. However, because compressed CO2 gas molecules diffuse through polymers faster than ambient air, CO2 should be released and replaced with normal pump air upon returning from your ride.

Yes. Punctures are easily repaired using a dedicated elastomeric TPU patch kit (such as the Tubo-Patch Kit). The self-adhesive repair patches form a strong mechanical and chemical bond with TPU film.

Note: Traditional rubber patches and vulcanizing fluid designed for butyl tubes will not bond to thermoplastic polyurethane and must not be used.

Tubolito tubes featuring Schrader (AV) valves with removable valve cores are fully compatible with liquid tire sealants and emergency repair sprays. Presta (SV) models feature glued valve cores to maintain airtight integrity, preventing the insertion of liquid sealants.

Residual sealant inside tubeless tire casings does not react with or degrade Tubolito TPU material.

• Tubo: The core versatile line. Twice as strong as standard butyl and up to 60–70% lighter. Ideal for daily high-performance riding across road, MTB, gravel, BMX, and city disciplines.
• S-Tubo: The ultralight spare line. Engineered with reduced wall thickness for maximum compact pack size and ultra-low rolling resistance. Designed primarily for disc-brake setups.
• X-TUBO: Maximum puncture defense ("No Flat Tube"). Built with reinforced heavy-duty TPU walls for extreme commuter, cargo, and e-bike applications.

Standard Tubo road models successfully pass thermal deceleration safety testing per DIN 4210 standards (15 minutes of continuous braking simulation on aluminum and carbon braking tracks).

Under extreme thermal breakdown tests beyond standard thresholds, TPU material degrades by releasing air gradually over several minutes rather than suffering catastrophic sudden explosive blowout.

To ensure standard floor pump heads engage securely, a minimum of 15 mm of valve stem must protrude above the rim bed.

Calculation Formula: Valve Length (mm) − Rim Depth (mm) ≥ 15 mm

TPU tube manufacturing is substantially cleaner than butyl rubber processing:

• Raw Material Energy: 7 MJ for an 85g Tubo-MTB vs. ~22 MJ for a 200g butyl tube.
• CO2 Emissions: 0.3–0.33 kg CO2 per TPU tube vs. 1.26–1.33 kg CO2 per butyl tube (approx. 70% reduction).
• Recyclability: 100% recyclable thermoplastic material with zero vulcanized waste.