Bike inner tubes are an essential part of a bicycle, as they hold air within the tires and provide a cushion for the ride. They come in different sizes, depending on the width of the tire, and can be made of either latex or butyl rubber. While inner tubes can last for several years with proper care, they will eventually need to be replaced.
When changing an inner tube, it is important to choose one that is compatible with the tire size and valve type.
How To Choose Inner Tubes – GCN's Guide To Road Bike Inner Tubes
Bike inner tubes are an essential part of any bicycle, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit different wheel diameters. They’re usually made of rubber or latex, and they help to protect your tires from punctures while also providing a bit of cushioning. When choosing bike inner tubes, it’s important to know the size of your wheels as well as the width of your tires.
You can usually find this information on the sidewall of your tire. Once you have that information, you can choose the right size tube for your bike.
Bike Inner Tube Sizes Chart
Bike tube sizes can be a little confusing. The first thing to know is that there are two types of measurements: inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD). ID is the measurement of the hole in your rim, while OD is the overall width of the tire.
There are also two types of bike tubes: Presta and Schrader. Presta valves are typically found on road bikes, while Schrader valves are more common on mountain bikes.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s take a look at some common bike tube sizes:
700c x 18-25mm: This is one of the most common tube sizes for road bikes. It will fit rims with an ID of 700c and tires that are 18-25mm wide.
26″ x 1 3/8 – 2″: This size is common for cruiser bikes, comfort bikes, and some mountain bikes.
It will fit rims with an ID 26″ and tires that are 1 3/8 – 2″ wide.
650b x 35-47mm: This size has become increasingly popular in recent years as a happy medium between 26″ wheels and 29″ wheels. It will fit rims with an ID 650b and tires that are 35-47mm wide.
Credit: guides.wiggle.co.uk
Why Do Bikes Use Inner Tubes?
Bikes use inner tubes for a variety of reasons. First, inner tubes help to protect the bike’s tires from punctures and flats. Second, inner tubes help to keep the bike’s wheels in alignment.
Third, inner tubes help to absorb shocks from bumps in the road. Fourth, inner tubes help to provide a smoother ride for the rider. Finally, inner tubes are less expensive than solid tires, making them a more economical choice for many riders.
How Do I Know What Inner Tube My Bike Needs?
If you’re new to cycling, the array of different bike inner tubes on offer can be confusing. The good news is that there are only a few things you need to know in order to choose the right tube for your bike. This guide will help you work out what size inner tube you need, as well as whether you need a specific type of tube for your riding.
When it comes to choosing an inner tube, size is everything. Inner tubes are sized according to the diameter and width of your tyre. You’ll find these measurements printed on the side of your tyre – just look for something like ‘700x23c’ or ‘26×1.75’.
The first number is the diameter of your wheel (700 or 26 inches), while the second number is the width of your tyre in millimetres (23 or 1.75 inches). It’s important to get these numbers right, as using an inner tube that doesn’t fit could result in a puncture.
Inner tubes also differ in their valve types.
The most common valves are Presta and Schrader, which have different sizes and require different pumps. Make sure you get an inner tube with the right valve type for your bike – if unsure, check with a qualified mechanic at your local bike shop. Mostinner tubes will also be labelled with their recommended tyre pressure range; this is usually between 50 and 100psi (pounds per square inch).
Again, it’s best to check with your bike shop if you’re unsure how much pressure to pump into your tyres.
Once you know what size and valve type of inner tube you need, it’s time to choose a material…
Rubber: Standard rubber bicycle innertubes are made from butyl rubber or latex rubber .
Butyl rubber is cheaper than latex rubber and holds air slightly better , so it tends to be used more often . Latex rubber , onthe other hand , weighs less than butyl rubber and has slightly better air retention properties . However , latex innertubes are more prone to puncturesand cost more than butyl ones .
If you want top-notch performance , gofor latex ; otherwisebutyl should suffice . Just make sure whatever kindof rubber innertubeyou chooseis compatiblewithyour tyres!
Do Bicycle Tires Need Inner Tubes?
Bicycle tires need inner tubes because they provide a layer of protection between the tire and the rim, as well as help to hold air in the tire. Inner tubes also help to absorb shock and vibration, which can make for a more comfortable ride.
What are the Two Types of Inner Tubes?
There are two types of inner tubes: Presta and Schrader.
Presta valves are the most common type of valve on road bikes. They’re usually found on higher-end bikes because they’re slightly lighter and more aerodynamic than Schrader valves.
Presta valves have a small, threaded stem that sticks out of the top of the valve. To inflate a tire with a Presta valve, you’ll need a pump with a Presta head (most pumps come with both heads).
To deflate a tire with a Presta valve, first unscrew the cap at the top of the valve.
Then, hold down the small metal pin in the center of the valve while you let air out of the tire. Once you’ve released all the air from the tire, screw the cap back onto the valve to keep dirt and debris out.
Schrader valves are less common on road bikes but can be found on some lower-end models.
They look similar to Presta valves but have a larger diameter stem sticking out of the top. You can use either type of pump head to inflate or deflate tires with Schrader valves.
To deflate a tire with a Schrader valve, first unscrew the cap at the top ofthe valve.
Then, push down onthe small metal pin in the centerof thvalve while youlet airoutofthe tire until it’scompletely flat.
Conclusion
Bike inner tubes are an essential part of a bicycle, as they provide the airtight seal between the tire and rim. There are many different types of bike inner tubes on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. The most common type of bike tube is made from butyl rubber, which is durable and provides a good seal.
However, latex inner tubes are also available, which offer a lighter weight and better puncture resistance.