Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. Home> Buying Guide: Inner Tubes Our Guide to Buying: Inner Tubes What are Cycling Inner Tubes? In a nutshell Schrader - The Schrader valve is usually standard in size and all will likely be compatible. But if your Schrader valve is over 40mm you will likely need an XL size.

On the tyre wall are usually two sets of numbers. Traditionally, English or Imperial Sizing has been used to find inner tube and tyre sizes. However, the best inner tube sizing method is done by using ETRTO sizing. ETRTO is an International Sizing Standard making it clear and simple to understand. For those who are interested it means European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation. In our example we have both sizing versions. Other common conversions of Imperial to ETRTO sizing are below: On bikes, Schrader valves tend to be used on lower pressure tyres, such as kids's bikes and mountain bikes. These are the same valves used on all motor vehicle tyres and are often referred to as ‘car type’ valves. Schrader valves have a core that is sprung loaded, and the central pin can be depressed with a narrow object to release air from the tube. The spring mechanism keeps the valve closed. The same goes for the ETRTO sizing. We can see that 44 is in-between 40 and 47 so it'll fit. The inner tube box doesn't have the space to list every size, so it just gives some examples. As you can see with a bit of logic this tube matches our size. Plus you can see an image of the Schrader valve. So all in all press that buy button! The Dunlop valve, also known as a Woods is a variation of pneumatic valve that is rarely used on modern bikes. However they were once popular. They look like a cross between the two valves, with a wider lower section, like the Schrader, then a collar and a narrow top section, like the Presta. As the rim drilling is the same for both Woods and Schrader, it is easy to replace the older tubes with the more modern variety. How can I choose the right valve length?Presta - The presta valve comes in a variety of lengths so you need to measure it. For the majority of bikes, they will use a standard length, usually around 40mm (32mm to 45mm). But for deeper section rims, 50mm, 60mm, 80mm valve lengths are available. Please Note: any reference to 'Royal Mail 24 ™' and 'Royal Mail 48 ™' are Official Royal Mail Service names and should not be interpreted as '24 Hour Delivery' and '48 Hour Delivery'.

You must make sure you replace your inner tubes with a tube that is the right size according to the diameter and width for your tyre. 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. Who makes the best bike inner tubes? In our opinion it’s got to be Schwalbe. They go further in every way to give you the highest quality bike inner tubes on the market. Why not upgrade to Schwalbe tubes today with Tube King. You must replace the valve with the same valve type as originally used. Most bikes in the UK will use a Schrader or Presta valve. It really is as important to understand sizing as well as valve types, so do take the time to make sure you know which valve you need. Our complete guide to valve types will help. Butyl rubber is the industry standard for common replacement inner tubes, offering a relatively cheap and readily available replacement product. Butyl is strong and resistant, and there are lightweight versions for those looking for weight savings - the Specialized Turbo range and Continental Supersonic tubes are popular versions. What are the differences between Latex and Butyl rubber tubes? Inner tubes are normally made of butyl rubber or Latex, they sit inside your tyre and are inflated with a pump, they sometimes puncture but are easily replaced. Inner tubes are simple but essential – unless you’re riding with tubeless tyres, you’ll always need an inner tube. Carrying spares is always a good idea, even if you are running tubeless, as a large slash or hole will not seal easily.

LifeLine 26" MTB Inner Tube

Looking at this inner tube box we can see a plethora of information. But if we break it down we can find the sizes we want. We need 26 x 1.95. As you can see it matches 26" but there is no reference to 1.95? Not to worry. Because inner tubes dilate (fancy way of saying stretches) across a range of sizes, 1.95 is in-between 1.75 and 2.00. So this will work. DO NOT use the size on the inner tube, always use the tyre specification on the side wall of the tyre. It's mainly because the tube inside the tyre may not actually be the right size (especially with second hand bikes). So, you'd be replacing the wrong tube again. Also, manufacturers can use a tube with limited size range (because it's cheaper) which then would limit your options of which other tubes you could use. So always get your inner tube size from your bike tyre! There are many different types of inner tube available so it is important that you get the right tube for your bike and to suit the riding that you are doing. How would I choose the best inner tube for my tyres?