Everything you need to know about Eclipse TPU inner tubes — from installation and maintenance to valve options and tyre pressure.
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TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) was first developed by BF Goodrich (now Lubrizol) in 1959. It's a thermoplastic elastomer that sits between rubber and plastic — combining the elasticity of one with the processability of the other. Today it serves as the base material for high-end bicycle inner tubes, among many other applications.
Eclipse TPU tubes are extremely light yet highly puncture-resistant. Their low rolling resistance delivers high performance and speed. TPU retains its shape and ensures excellent riding characteristics on all bicycles — even at low air pressures. The material's dimensional stability also makes installation straightforward. Eclipse inner tubes are made in Germany using high-grade TPU, a patented welding process, and a patented all-aluminum valve design.
Tubeless tyres are available for many categories, but some cyclists prefer tubes for simplicity and reliability. Certain wheel types are also not suitable for tubeless setups. Eclipse TPU inner tubes are a high-end alternative to traditional butyl tubes, with technical performance on par with tubeless systems — without the sealant maintenance.
Eclipse TPU inner tubes are available for all common tyre sizes, covering road, gravel, MTB/off-road, city/trekking, folding (including Brompton 16"), and BMX categories. Use the Tube Finder to find the right tube for your wheel and tyre combination.
TPU is a flexible material subject to limited manufacturing tolerances. Although we apply state-of-the-art manufacturing and tight quality control procedures, the weight can deviate by ±7%.
Yes. Eclipse TPU inner tubes are 100% recyclable. They are made entirely from thermoplastic polyurethane and a metal valve stem. The recycled tubes enter a second life cycle as sealing or insulation material.
TPU is extremely temperature-stable. The material can withstand high temperatures up to +100°C and cold temperatures down to −50°C without any problems.
TPU is a non-toxic and 100% food-safe material. It does not contain any chemicals that interfere with endocrine or hormone systems, nor does it contribute to pH changes in soil or water. It contains no dangerous ingredients according to REACH Compliance (EC) No 1907/2006.
Eclipse TPU inner tubes are installed like any other bicycle tube. Thanks to the dimensional stability of the material, the tube does not shift easily, which allows for straightforward installation. Four key points to remember:
Important: Outside the tyre, Eclipse TPU inner tubes should only be inflated to a maximum of 0.7 bar / 10 psi.
Eclipse TPU inner tubes expand more slowly during inflation compared to butyl rubber tubes. When inflating outside the tyre, excessive inflation (over 0.7 bar / 10 psi) can cause blistering, making the tube unusable. Always install the tube in the tyre before inflating to riding pressure.
The transparent TPU material changes colour when in contact with the rubber of the tyre. This occurs especially with new, unused tyres. The colour change has no impact on performance or durability.
Yes, but carefully — only until the tube has no more folds and is round in shape (maximum 0.7 bar / 10 psi). Never inflate to riding pressure outside the tyre.
Yes, but only once the tube is fully installed in the tyre. We do not recommend using CO₂ cartridges to inflate a tube outside the tyre.
Yes. Reinstall carefully to avoid damage, and ensure the new tyre size is compatible with the tube's ETRTO rating.
Using standard latex-based sealants is not recommended with TPU tubes, as certain chemical ingredients in latex sealants can damage the TPU material. Eclipse offers a dedicated TPU Tube Sealant that is specifically formulated for TPU tubes.
Yes. The tyre must be cleaned of all sealant residue as thoroughly as possible. Dried sealant residue can damage the tube through friction. Clean the rim and rim tape with brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol before installation.
Yes, as a first-aid measure. If a tubeless sealant can't seal the tyre, you can install the Eclipse tube even without fully cleaning the tyre. Clean the tube as soon as possible afterwards with water and a cloth, or isopropyl alcohol. Inspect the tyre and replace if the defect is significant.
Yes. All Eclipse tubes are approved for rim brakes. Eclipse TPU is resistant to heat and can sustain high thermal stress — for example during prolonged braking on descents. Tests show that Eclipse TPU inner tubes, unlike butyl rubber tubes, do not suddenly burst. Instead, they lose air slowly over several minutes when damaged.
Yes. Eclipse tubes are suitable for carbon rims. The heat resistance of the TPU material is superior to both latex and butyl.
Valve-mounted tyre pressure sensors can be used with Eclipse tubes. Please check compatibility with your sensor manufacturer.
Yes, always. Rim tape protects the inner tube against mechanical failure from spoke holes or sharp rim edges. We recommend self-adhesive tubeless rim tape.
Yes. Pumps with screw-on pump heads or flexible hoses can be used. Make sure the valve core is properly tightened after removing the pump head.
Yes. Use the Eclipse repair patches — self-adhesive patches that are placed directly on the puncture. Do not roughen the surface. Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol (wipes are included with Eclipse patch kits) and let it dry completely before applying the patch. For best results, leave the tube overnight at low pressure to allow the adhesive to fully set.
For larger holes or cuts (2–4 mm), apply an Eclipse patch and let it seal properly overnight under low pressure. Clean the area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before applying the patch.
No. Vulcanising adhesive is specially developed for butyl rubber and does not bond permanently to TPU material. Use only Eclipse self-adhesive TPU repair patches.
No. Repair sprays do not achieve a sealing effect with TPU tubes because the surface tension of thermoplastic polyurethane is too high for the spray to adhere.
Eclipse inner tubes can be used at the same pressure as standard butyl tubes. Refer to the recommendations of your tyre manufacturer. When using Eclipse TPU inner tubes, you can also run slightly lower pressures comparable to tubeless setups.
Always refer to the maximum pressure stated on the tyre sidewall and/or rim (the lower of the two values applies). If you have questions, contact your rim or tyre manufacturer.
Eclipse inner tubes provide air retention similar to much heavier butyl tubes and are far superior to latex inner tubes. Frequent reinflation is not required. For optimal performance, check your tyre pressure regularly before rides.
Eclipse inner tubes can remain in the tyre during air travel. It is recommended to reduce the tyre pressure before flying.
Eclipse inner tubes come with a Presta (Sclaverand/SV) valve. Depending on the product, valve lengths range from 40 mm to 80 mm. The valve stems are made from alloy and are 100% recyclable. The valve core is removable.
As a rule of thumb: rim depth (in mm) + 18 mm = minimum valve length. Standard pump heads need at least 18 mm of valve protruding above the rim. For most rims, 40–50 mm works fine. For deep-section aero rims (45 mm+), choose 70–80 mm.
Yes. The valve core is removable, making Eclipse tubes fully compatible with standard Presta valve extenders. Tip: fit extenders with a small amount of threadlocker for a secure connection.
Yes. Standard Presta/Sclaverand valve cores (e.g. Record valve inserts) are compatible with Eclipse inner tubes.
A Schrader valve hole has a diameter of approximately 8.5 mm, while the Eclipse Presta valve stem is 6.5 mm. Use a Presta-to-Schrader reducer sleeve to hold the valve in place.
Yes. Screw the adapter 3–4 turns onto the external thread of the valve core.
The patented Eclipse valve is made from alloy, which could cause noise while riding if it contacts the rim directly. The rubber washer prevents this.
Reach out to us at info@eclipse.bike.
