If you’ve ever been faced with the wall of inner tubes at your local bike shop – or scrolled through endless product pages online – and felt a bit lost, you’re not alone. Choosing the right inner tube isn’t always straightforward, but it’s an important decision that can impact your ride quality, speed, and even how often you’re stopping to fix flats. Whether you’re commuting, racing, or heading out for a long weekend loop, knowing what tube you need for your setup is key to keeping things rolling smoothly.
At Aire Velo Bearings, we offer a wide range of bicycle bearings and supplies, perfect for professionals and those that ride for leisure. We have everything you need to kit out your bike, and have created this helpful guide to point you in the right direction. Keep reading for more information or skip the fuss and get in touch with us directly now.
Inner Tubes Matter More Than You Think
Inner tubes don’t always get the attention they deserve. While they might seem like one of the most basic components on your bike, they play a surprisingly big role in how your bike feels on the road or trail. A good-quality tube helps maintain consistent pressure, reduces the chance of flats, and gives a more supple, confident ride. On the other hand, a poor-fitting or low-quality tube can lead to constant punctures, poor rolling resistance, and even dangerous blowouts.
RideNow tubes are a great example of how far inner tube tech has come. Made from lightweight TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), they offer serious performance gains over traditional butyl tubes. They’re lighter, tougher, and more compact – all of which make a real difference whether you’re racing or just out enjoying your ride. It’s small changes like this that add up to a smoother, faster, more enjoyable time on the bike and as expert suppliers of a wide range of bearings and other bicycle supplies, Aire Velo have the solution for you. Contact us now to learn more.
Understanding Tube Sizing
Getting the right tube starts with understanding sizing — and thankfully, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Inner tubes are designed to fit a specific range of tyre diameters and widths. You’ll find the size printed on the side of your tyre in a format like “700x25c” or “29×2.2”. That’s your starting point. Here’s what to check when selecting a tube:
- Tyre diameter – e.g., 700c, 26″, 27.5″, or 29″
- Tyre width – e.g., 23–25mm, 1.75–2.1″, etc. Match the tube’s width range accordingly
- Valve type – Presta (skinny and usually longer) or Schrader (fatter, like a car valve)
- Valve length – Important if you’re running deep-section rims – too short and you won’t be able to inflate your tyre!
Making sure your tube matches your tyre’s diameter and falls within the right width range is essential. If it is too narrow, it can stretch too thin and puncture easily. However, if it is too wide, it may not sit correctly inside the tyre, leading to uneven pressure or a pinch flat.
Tube Material and Durability
Most traditional tubes are made from butyl rubber – it’s cheap, effective, and does the job. But newer materials like TPU are changing the game. RideNow’s TPU inner tubes offer better puncture resistance, lower weight, and they hold air longer. They’re also significantly more compact, making them ideal as a spare to stash in a saddlebag or jersey pocket.
Durability-wise, TPU tubes can take more abuse without compromising performance. That means fewer roadside repairs, longer intervals between replacements, and more peace of mind when you’re out riding.
How to Choose the Right Tube
When it comes to choosing the right tube, think about your priorities. Are you racing and want to save every gram? Do you ride gravel and need something more resistant to punctures? Or do you just want something reliable that you won’t have to think about too often?
RideNow tubes hit the sweet spot by offering low weight and high performance without sacrificing durability. They’re an excellent option if you’re after something that’ll give you a noticeable upgrade over standard butyl without the cost or complexity of going tubeless.
Extra Tips Before You Buy
Before you complete your transaction, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind to avoid buying the wrong tube or ending up frustrated mid-ride, such as:
Always double-check your tyre size: Your guide is printed on the sidewall.
Match the valve type to your rim: Schrader for wider holes, Presta for narrow ones.
Consider valve length: Deeper rims need longer valves.
Think about storage: TPU tubes like RideNow fold up tiny, great for minimal packs.
Check your rim tape: No tube will save you from a sharp spoke hole!
A little care when choosing your tube can save you a lot of hassle later. If you’re ever unsure, contact us – we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.
For more information, contact Aire Velo Bearings now
Still not sure what tube’s right for you? That’s what we’re here for. At Aire Velo Bearings, we stock a full range of RideNow tubes and are always happy to answer any questions. Feel free to get in touch, whether it’s sizing, valve options, or general advice. If you’re looking for any other bicycle supplies, we also offer a range of maintenance and repair tools, circlips and snap rings, and lubricants and adhesives.