Bicycle Tubes

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Ontrack was created in 2009 with firmly committed to the progression of more people riding bicycles by engineering and producing quality, long-lasting bicycle tires that are attainable by the masses.

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Benefits of Bicycle Tubes

Shock absorption

Bicycle tubes help absorb shocks and vibrations from the road surface, providing a smoother ride and reducing fatigue for the rider. This is particularly beneficial on rough terrains or when cycling over bumps and obstacles.

Repairable

If a tube gets punctured, it can often be repaired with a patch kit, extending its life and saving money on replacements. This repairability also makes tubes a practical choice for long rides or tours where a spare tire might not be feasible to carry.

Weight distribution

Tubes allow the tire to deform and conform to the terrain, which helps distribute the weight of the bike and the rider more evenly. This can improve traction and stability, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Versatility

Tubes are compatible with a wide variety of tire designs and sizes, making them a versatile choice for different types of bicycles and cycling conditions, from road bikes to mountain bikes.

Types of Bicycle Tubes

Standard inner tubes
These are the most common and widely used inner tubes, typically made from butyl rubber. Standard inner tubes are known for their durability, affordability, and ease of use. They are suitable for a wide range of riding conditions, from casual commuting to moderate off-road adventures. Standard inner tubes are available in various sizes and valve types, making them a versatile choice for most cyclists.

Self-sealing inner tubes
Also known as puncture-resistant or slime tubes, self-sealing inner tubes are designed to automatically seal small punctures and prevent air loss. These inner tubes are filled with a sealant that quickly plugs holes caused by thorns, glass, or other sharp objects. Self-sealing inner tubes are ideal for cyclists who frequently ride on rough or debris-laden surfaces, offering added peace of mind and reducing the risk of flats.

Latex inner tubes
Made from natural latex rubber, these inner tubes are favored by performance-oriented cyclists for their lightweight and supple characteristics. Latex inner tubes offer lower rolling resistance and a smoother ride compared to butyl rubber tubes. However, they are more prone to air loss and require more frequent inflation. Latex inner tubes are often used in racing and competitive cycling where every advantage counts.

Tubeless inner tubes
While technically not inner tubes, tubeless systems are worth mentioning. Tubeless tires do not require an inner tube; instead, they rely on an airtight seal between the tire and the rim. This setup allows for lower tire pressures, reducing the risk of pinch flats and improving traction. Tubeless systems are popular among mountain bikers and increasingly among road cyclists seeking enhanced performance and reliability.

Material of Bicycle Tubes

Butyl

Most tubes are made of butyl rubber. It is very elastic and holds air well. The weight of the tubes however, changes drastically depending on its application and tyre size. The tubes themselves have little effect on rolling resistance, but the more flexible it is, the better. The majority of tube manufactures use butyl rubber.

Latex

Most latex tubes are lighter than butyl versions. They also offer a high level of puncture protection from snake bites and foreign bodies. This is due to the talcum powder on the outside of the latex tubes. The powder prevents the tube from sticking to the tyre, allowing it to deform when poked. When mounting latex tubes, I recommend adding a little more talcum powder to ensure they don’t stick longer. Their high level of flexibility lowers the rolling resistance as well. Latex tubes cannot come into contact with oil or grease and should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from higher temperatures. The biggest disadvantage to latex is quick air loss, which means that tube pressure needs to be checked before every ride.

Thermoplastic

The third, relatively unknown, material tubes are made of is thermoplastic. The biggest difference to latex and butyl tubes is that they are made from a composite material instead of rubber. Thermoplastic tubes are more elastic and durable than other tube materials and offer the best level of puncture protection.

How to Choose a Bike Tube

Look at the sidewall of your tire for size markings
Most of the tires have a stamped or etched in size so you know exactly which size tire you have. So there's two number sets that you really need to look at. One number means the diameter of the tire and the other number means the width of the tire. Depending on the brand of your tire you might see these in metric or in imperial numbers.

Now find the exact bike tube size you need
Now that you know the number we can search for the exact size tube for your bike. So tubes come in a range rather than an exact specification. So for example: If your bike is a 27.5 inch diameter tire by 2.75, you can find a tube that is ranging between 2.0 and 3.0 that'll fit that tire.

The other number you want to note is the diameter of the tire. So the diameter of your tire simply needs to be matched up with the tube. For example, a 700c tire can match up with a 700c tube. And a 27.5 inch tire, also known as 650b, matches up with the 27.5 inch tube. If you want another point of reference check out the ISO numbers--or the international standard numbers--and match that up to your tube.

Don't forget to check the valve type
The last thing you want to note is the type of valve that's already installed on the tube that you're replacing. Presta valves are skinnier and have a lockable valve whereas Schrader valves look like what comes on your car. Then measure the length of the valve on the tube that you're replacing make sure that the new tube has a valve of that exact same length.

What Are the Differences Between Latex and Butyl Rubber Tubes?

Latex rubber tubes offer slightly enhanced handling characteristics - because latex rubber is slightly more flexible than traditional butyl rubber, the tubes adapt quickly to the tyres changing shape while cornering and on impacts. Latex tubes gene

Do Inner Tube Valves Come in Different Lengths?

If you’ve got deep section, aerodynamic rims, you’ll need a longer valve so there’s enough protruding from the rim to attach a pump to.

There’s no standard as to how much longer a valve will need to be, but 60-80mm valves will work for more aero wheels. For comparison, a standard valve tends to be around 40mm.

If your rims are really, really deep you’ll need to get a valve extender. These little widgets screw onto the end of a normal valve to add extra length, but can be fiddly to use.

Make sure that you’ve got the right length valve to suit your wheel depth to avoid getting stranded.

How To Change A Bike Inner Tube

Here is a quick rundown on how to replace an inner tube in three easy steps:

What you'll need: (1) screwdriver; (1) wrench; new bike tube(s); (1) bike pump

Remove the wheel
The first thing you'll need to do is disassemble the wheel from the bike frame. To do this, start by laying the bike down on its side. If you're wanting to remove the front wheel, simply use a wrench to loosen the bolts on either side of the tire and take it right off.

If you're removing the back wheel, you'll first need to take off the chain before messing with the wheel. Loosen the bolts on either side of the tire as you did with the front, and then start moving the pedals slowly forward. As they move, you can pull the chain off. Once you've completed this task the wheel is ready to come off.

Removing the old tube
The next step in the process of replacing your inner tube is to take out the old one. To do this, you'll first need to take off the cap from the valve -- or nozzle -- where you inflate the tire.

Next, take a screwdriver or some kind of lever and wedge it between the tire and the wheel. On one side of the wheel, go around in a circle with the lever and pry it off from the rim. You won't need to take the whole tire off; you'll only enough to be able to expose the bike tube.

Once the tube is revealed completely, pull it out. Check the tube to find out its exact dimensions so that you know which tube to get to replace it.

Inserting the new tube
The first thing to do when putting the new tube in is to place the valve inside the rim. Next, start inserting the rest of the tube. Once you've got about 60 percent of the tube in, you can pump it up a little bit to make it easier for the rest of the way.

When the tube is all the way in, safe and secure, start tucking the tire back into the rim how it was before. The very last part of the tire will be tough to get back on, so use the lever or screwdriver to push it back in. Be careful here, as it is easy to puncture the new tube if you aren't paying attention.

Lastly, get the bike pump and inflate the tire up to your desired level and then screw the cap back on over the valve.

How to Patch a Bike Tube

Here are the typical steps for patching a tire tube

Grab your supplies

At a minimum, that's a patch kit and tire levers for removing the tube from the tire.

Find the leak

Closely check the tube; tiny holes require detective work or submersion in water to locate.

Decide whether to repair or replace

Severely damaged tubes can't be saved.

Clean, dry and rough up the surface area where the patch will be

It helps the adhesive stick.

Spread the glue and apply the patch

Once the glue is tacky, press the patch down, holding it firmly in place.

Understanding Bike Tube Sizes

The first step in buying a bike tube is to understand the sizing system. Tubes come in different diameters and widths to fit various tire sizes. The two most common sizing standards are the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the French sizing systems.

For example using a common road bike sizing, the ISO system uses two numbers, such as 700x25c, where 700 refers to the diameter in millimeters, and 25c represents the width. French sizing uses three numbers, such as 700x25-32, indicating the diameter range (700) and the width range (25-32mm), meaning the tube will fit a tire width between 25 and 32mm. This is similar for mountain bike tires however they are generally measures in inches, for example common wheel diameters are 29" and 27.5" so would display something like; 29x1.90-2.35 or 27.5x1.90-2.35To ensure compatibility, check your tire's sidewall for the correct size information.

It is also important to purchase tubes with valves that are compatible with your bike pump.

Common Causes of Tube Failures

1.A single puncture or small hole is commonly from a thorn, wire, or small nail. These may be repairable. Check tire as well for thorn, etc. and remove it.

2.Double slits are commonly the result of a rim pinch. The tube was pinched between the rim and an object in road/trail. Increase air pressure or use wider tires.

3.Blowout causing a large shredded hole. These are usually not repairable. Check tire and rim as well for damage.

4.A long cut or rip may also indicate a tire blow out. Typically this is not repairable. Use care when seating tire during installation.

5.Hole on inside edge of tube indicates a problem inside the rim, such as from rim strip failure, a protruding spoke or other sharp object inside the rim.

6.Cut at valve core, commonly from misalignment of tube in rim or riding with low pressure. Be sure tube is mounted straight in rim and check pressure before rides.

7.Leaky valve core. Tighten with a valve core tool such as the VC-1. More common with Schrader type valves, but also possible on some Presta valves.

Our Factory

Ontrack was created in 2009 with firmly committed to the progression of more people riding bicycles by engineering and producing quality, long-lasting bicycle tires that are attainable by the masses.

FAQ

Q: How do you tell what size bike tube you need?

A: The best way to check what size inner tube you need is to look on the sidewall of your tyre. Tyre manufacturers print the size on the sidewalls, so look out for numbers such as '700x23c' for a road bike, or '26x1. 75' which is for mountain bikes.

Q: Are bike tires and tubes the same size?

A: The size of the tube must be the same as the size of the tire (the first number in the English and French standard). In other words, for a road bike using a 700×25 tire, we need a 700 size tube. For a 29×2.5 MTB, we need a 29″ tube.

Q: Do bicycle tires still have tubes?

A: Most bicycles today have tires with tubes inside. The tube is made of rubber, has a valve in it for inflation, and is just the right size and shape to fit inside the tire. When you inflate most tires, you are actually pumping air into the tube inside the tire, which fills the tire.

Q: What type of rubber are bicycle tubes?

A: A bicycle tube is predominantly made of Butyl rubber. Butyl rubber. Butyl is a very elastic and airtight synthetic rubber. But as with the tire, other fillers are necessary to make up the rubber compound.

Q: How do I know if I need a new bike tire or tube?

A: If cracks are appearing (they often start on the sidewalls) throw the tire away and get a new one. On a road bike a good indicator is a sudden increase in flats. If you suddenly experience an increase in punctures, check your tires for wear, holes or even make sure they are seated properly.

Q: What does 1.95 mean on a bike tire?

A: 26x1. 95 is actually the size of the tire where 26 is the diameter of the rim in inches and 1.95 is the width of the tire from tread to tread. You can easily fit a tire between 1.80 and 2.30 on the stock rim.

Q: How to tell bike tube size?

A: The size is almost always written somewhere on the sidewall of the tyre. Inner tubes typically state a wheel diameter and width range for which they will work, e.g. 26 x 1.95-2.125", indicating that the tube is intended to fit a 26 inch tyre with a width of between 1.95 inches and 2.125 inches.

Q: Are bike tubes universal?

A: The short answer is no. The slightly longer answer is that there are some sizes that are much more common than others. For example, most road bikes will use the same size tube, and most mountain bikes will use one of two different sizes.

Q: Is it better to patch or replace a bike tube?

A: Some riders will use a patch as a field repair, then they replace the patched tube with a new tube at home. A patched tube can be just as dependable as a new one, though, as long as the patch is done well and the patched tube isn't several years old or dappled with multiple patch jobs.

Q: Which is better tube or tubeless?

A: Better fuel efficiency - The absence of a tube makes tubeless tyres lighter, which results in better fuel efficiency. Better heat dissipation - Tubeless tyres are designed to dissipate heat more effectively than tube-type tyres because they are in direct contact with the rim.

As one of the most professional bicycle tubes manufacturers and suppliers in China, we're featured by quality products and competitive price. Please rest assured to wholesale the best bicycle tubes for sale here from our factory.