Cycling Tubes 101: Choosing the Right Tube for Every Type of Ride

May 2, 2025

Inner tubes are one of the most critical but often overlooked components of a bicycle. They play a central role in supporting the rider's weight, maintaining air pressure, and absorbing vibrations from the road or trail. Choosing the wrong tube can result in frequent punctures, poor ride quality, and unnecessary weight.

At Eclipse TPU, our expertise in materials engineering and cycling innovation led to the creation of Eclipse—the world’s first thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) inner tube range. Since 2011, Eclipse tubes have set the standard in weight reduction, puncture resistance, and performance efficiency.

In this guide, we explore how different types of inner tubes affect your ride, how to choose the right one based on your style, and why Eclipse TPU tubes provide an ideal solution for cyclists of all levels.

Key Takeaways

Inner tubes significantly impact ride quality, with differences in material and design influencing weight, puncture resistance, and performance.
TPU inner tubes from Eclipse offer a major upgrade, delivering ultra-lightweight performance, superior air retention, and eco-friendly construction.
Choosing the right tube depends on your riding style, with specific Eclipse models tailored for road, gravel, MTB, commuting, and folding bikes.
Valve type and length are essential for compatibility, and Eclipse’s patented alloy Presta valves provide enhanced durability and pressure handling.
Eclipse tubes are recyclable and designed for long-term use, supporting both high performance and environmental sustainability.

TPU tubes retain air better, weigh less, and resist punctures. Eclipse even makes a 27g version. That’s lighter than your energy bar.

Understanding Inner Tubes

Inner tubes sit between the tyre and rim, inflated to press the tyre bead against the rim walls, maintaining structure and pressure. Their job may sound basic, but subtle differences in construction have a massive effect on performance.

There are three tyre systems cyclists use:

Clincher Tyres – The most common setup with a separate inner tube. Favoured for ease of use and widespread availability.
Tubular Tyres – Tube sewn inside the tyre casing, glued to a rim. Used mostly in professional road racing.
Tubeless Setups – Tyres mounted directly to the rim with liquid sealant instead of a tube. Offers puncture resistance and low-pressure capability.

Despite the growing popularity of tubeless systems, many cyclists still rely on inner tubes for reliability, simplicity, and lower maintenance. TPU inner tubes like those from Eclipse are also used as lightweight and compact backups in tubeless setups.

At Eclipse TPU, we believe even traditional systems can be radically improved. Our TPU tubes aren’t just a replacement—they’re a performance upgrade.

Materials Used in Inner Tubes

Butyl Rubber Tubes

Widely used for affordability and durability.
Offers decent air retention.
Heavier and less flexible than alternatives.
Commonly used by recreational cyclists and entry-level bikes.

Latex Tubes

Preferred by some racers due to lower rolling resistance.
Lightweight and supple for a smoother ride.
Requires frequent inflation (loses air quickly).
More vulnerable to pinch flats and temperature extremes.

TPU – The Eclipse Advantage

Eclipse TPU was the first to introduce TPU tubes to the market in 2011. Our proprietary blend of thermoplastic polyurethane offers game-changing advantages:

Significantly lighter than both butyl and latex—our Ultra Endurance model weighs just 27g.
Better puncture resistance thanks to TPU’s higher tensile strength.
Improved air retention, meaning fewer pressure top-ups.
Recyclable and eco-friendly, unlike traditional rubber tubes.

Eclipse Product Line Overview

Model	Ideal For
Ultra Endurance	Road racing, hill climbs
Road Endurance	Daily rides, training
Gravel Tube	Gravel, bikepacking
Off-Road Tube	MTB, e-MTB
Folding Bike Tubes	Urban, folding bikes

Valve Types

Choosing the right valve type ensures compatibility with your wheels and pumping system.

Presta Valves

Found on most road and performance bikes.
Slim profile suits narrow rims.
Available in lengths from 40mm to 80mm to fit various rim depths.
Requires a specific Presta-compatible pump.

All Eclipse inner tubes feature Presta valves made entirely from alloy, offering greater heat resistance, pressure durability, and weight savings. This all-metal design—patented by Eclipse TPU—also eliminates the rubber valve base common in cheaper tubes, which is prone to wear and air leaks.

Schrader Valves

Thicker and more robust; used on mountain bikes and hybrid bikes.
Compatible with car pumps.
Requires a larger valve hole in the rim.

While durable, Schrader valves are heavier and not used in Eclipse tubes, which are optimised for lightweight and performance applications.

Valve Length Guide

Rim Depth	Recommended Valve Length
< 25mm	40mm
25–35mm	50mm
35–45mm	60mm
> 45mm (aero)	70mm–80mm

You may also add valve extenders for deeper rims, but choosing the correct valve length from the start ensures a more reliable setup.

Sizing Your Inner Tube

Matching your inner tube to the right tyre size is crucial for safety, efficiency, and puncture resistance.

How to Read Tyre Size

You’ll often find tyre size written in formats such as:

700 x 25c – Common for road bikes
29 x 2.25” – Mountain bike (29-inch wheels)
ETRTO 622-25 – ISO standard equivalent

ETRTO Explained

ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) sizing uses two numbers:

Bead seat diameter (e.g. 622mm) – the wheel rim size
Tyre width (e.g. 25mm) – the inflated width of the tyre

Matching Tube Size to Tyres

Eclipse tubes are designed to match specific width ranges. Overstretching a narrow tube to fit a wide tyre increases risk of blowouts; a loose tube in a narrow tyre causes bunching and pinch flats.

Example: The Eclipse Road Endurance 622 x 23/35mm fits tyres from 23 to 35mm wide and is available in multiple valve lengths.

This precision ensures compatibility across:

Road bikes (622mm rims)
Gravel and cyclocross bikes (584/622mm)
MTBs (584/622mm with wide tyre support)
Folding and 24” bikes (406/507mm options)

Tube Selection Based on Riding Style

Cyclists have varying priorities—whether it’s speed, durability, or simplicity. Our Eclipse range supports a wide spectrum of riding needs.

Road Cycling

Road cyclists benefit immensely from reduced rotational mass. A lighter tube can improve acceleration, climbing efficiency, and overall handling.

Recommended: Eclipse Ultra Endurance Tube - Weighing just 27g (50mm valve), this is one of the lightest tubes on the market, suitable for tyres 23–35mm wide.
Why it works: Minimal rolling resistance and low weight make it ideal for race-day performance and hilly routes.
Valve Options: 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, and 80mm available to match deep-section rims.

Gravel and Cyclocross

These disciplines require a balance between resilience and flexibility. Riders encounter mixed terrain, from tarmac to rocky trails.

Recommended: Eclipse Gravel Tube
Weight: Approximately 51–53g
Tyre Width: 30–45mm
Features: Reinforced design to handle lateral forces and sharp debris. Also makes a compact, dependable spare for tubeless setups.

TPU tubes are an ideal match for gravel because they resist pinch flats while maintaining elasticity across varying temperatures and pressures.

Mountain Biking

Durability and pressure management are critical in MTB riding, especially when using wide tyres at lower pressures.

Recommended: Eclipse Off-Road Tube
Wheel Sizes: 27.5” and 29”
Tyre Width Compatibility: 2.0–2.6”
Why it works: Offers high burst strength while remaining lightweight. TPU material ensures reliable performance in rocky and technical terrain.

Even for e-MTBs, where weight isn't the main concern, reducing rotational mass can still improve handling and battery efficiency.

Commuting and Touring

Cyclists travelling long distances or riding daily need inner tubes that reduce the likelihood of flats and maintenance stops.

Recommended: Eclipse Road Endurance Tube
Weight: 35–40g
Benefit: Less frequent inflation compared to latex; excellent durability; perfect for all-weather performance.

Unlike cheaper butyl options, Eclipse tubes retain air pressure for longer and are less susceptible to temperature-related issues.

Folding Bikes and Youth Bikes

Recommended: Eclipse 20” & 24” Tubes
Applications: Brompton-style folders, urban mobility bikes, children’s bikes
Features: Compact, lightweight, and easy to store—ideal as spares.

Their light weight makes them easier for younger riders or urban cyclists who frequently carry or fold their bikes.

Puncture Resistance and Tube Sealant

While no inner tube is entirely immune to punctures, TPU tubes significantly reduce the risk thanks to their elasticity and structural resilience.

How TPU Resists Punctures

Higher tensile strength = better resistance to sharp objects.
More elastic than butyl = less prone to pinch flats.
Homogenous material = consistent thickness and fewer weak spots.

To enhance protection further, we developed the Eclipse TPU Tube Sealant.

Eclipse TPU Tube Sealant – At a Glance

Compatibility: Works with all Eclipse tubes.
Application: Injected through the valve without removing the tyre.
Purpose: Automatically seals small punctures as they occur.
Mess-Free: Designed to flow smoothly inside TPU surfaces with minimal residue.

This is ideal for:

Gravel and MTB riders tackling thorny or rocky trails.
Urban riders who encounter broken glass or metal shards.
Competitive riders seeking a safety net during events.

While tubeless sealants can dry out and clog valves, Eclipse Sealant is engineered to stay fluid longer inside TPU tubes, ensuring long-term reliability.

Maintenance and Replacement Tips

Even high-performance tubes need care to ensure longevity.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Tube

Persistent air loss: Even without a visible puncture.
Ageing: TPU does not degrade like butyl, but physical damage or overstretching from incorrect installation can weaken it.
Valve fatigue: While our alloy valve stems are extremely durable, impact or misuse may cause slow leaks.

Proper Installation

Check for debris or thorns inside the tyre casing.
Inflate the tube slightly before inserting to help it seat evenly.
Use a smooth tyre lever (if needed) and avoid pinching the tube.
Avoid over-inflation—use a calibrated pressure gauge.

Pressure Maintenance

Road tyres: Check weekly (TPU retains air better than latex).
MTB tyres: Check before every ride due to lower operating pressures.
Storage: Keep bikes indoors or away from UV rays.

TPU tubes like Eclipse require less inflation maintenance but still benefit from routine checks.

Spares and Travel

Eclipse tubes pack much smaller than rubber tubes.
Perfect for touring cyclists or those using saddle/tool packs.

Pro tip: Keep a spare Eclipse tube and a valve core remover in your kit—you’ll be able to handle nearly any flat without needing a full tyre change.

Environmental Considerations

As part of our commitment to sustainable innovation, Eclipse TPU has prioritised environmentally responsible design throughout the Eclipse line.

TPU vs. Rubber

Longevity: Eclipse TPU tubes outlast traditional rubber options by a wide margin, resulting in fewer replacements.
Production Efficiency: TPU manufacturing produces less waste and is more energy efficient.
End-of-Life: TPU is 100% recyclable, whereas most butyl tubes end up in landfills.

Recycling and Reuse

We are actively working on partnerships to recover and recycle used Eclipse tubes. Our minimalist packaging is already fully recyclable, and we’re exploring additional ways to reduce environmental impact across logistics and distribution.

Cyclists looking to reduce their carbon footprint will find Eclipse tubes an excellent upgrade—not just for performance, but for planet-friendly cycling.

Conclusion: TPU inner tubes

Selecting the right inner tube can elevate your entire cycling experience. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a daily commuter, or a dedicated racer, there’s a high-performance TPU option that suits your needs.

At Eclipse TPU, we don’t just manufacture tubes—we redefined them. Our Eclipse range offers unmatched benefits:

Featherweight performance across disciplines
Superior puncture resistance with optional sealant
Minimal air loss, meaning fewer stops and more freedom
Recyclable, sustainable construction

When you choose Eclipse, you’re not only improving your ride—you’re making a better choice for the environment.

From mountain trails to city streets and everything in between, the future of inner tubes is clear—and it’s thermoplastic.

Discover the full Eclipse range and upgrade your ride with the world’s leading TPU inner tubes!