The 10 Best Bike Inner Tubes
Editor's Notes
October 21, 2020:
Finding the right inner tubes for your bike tires has a lot to do with the kind of riding you're anticipating - are you a commuter looking for a convenient way to get to work, or a mountain biker looking to shred some intense terrain? Whatever your reason for getting up on two wheels, we've tried to ensure that you can find something on our list that meets your needs.
The first change we made was to move the Michelin Ultralight considerably higher on the list; although it's best suited for speedsters, it's quite durable considering its low weight, and we felt it deserved a place much closer to the top. We also added the Tac 9 Regular Schrader, an affordable choice with the added benefit of a reinforced valve base that adds some toughness to a common failure point. It's replacing the Bell Universal, which is still a decent tube, but doesn't really offer much to justify being priced higher than the Tac 9.
The other item we dropped was the Venzo VTB, which is no longer available in the low-cost 10-pack that previously made it such an attractive buy. We swapped it out for the Ar-Pro Road Replacement, an even more budget-friendly choice with a sturdier construction.
Whichever tube you pick, you're going to need to inflate it at some point, so you might want to look at our list of bike pumps. We've also reviewed a number of extra-portable models, not to mention some repair kits to help keep you riding longer.
August 26, 2019:
No matter where and how you ride, you need some spare inner tubes on hand because you're going to get a flat at some point. Some people never leave on a ride without a spare, and others swear that it takes longer to patch a tube than to simply replace it. That's why having some extras on hand is a good idea--you're always prepared for the inevitable.
You might start with the Venzo VTB, which are high-quality tubes that come in a pack of 10. Or if you've got time trials coming up, you might want to train with the Vittoria PV Latex option, which could very well shave some seconds over the long haul.
In this update, we evaluated products based on quality, value, and reputation among users, and we've included something for everyone--from the die-hard road warrior to riders of fat bikes. We like the Slime Smart as a practical choice for kids and casual riders and gave it one of our top slots. As the name implies, it includes material that seals punctures in real time, greatly decreasing your chances of a flat.