Inner Tubes

Which inner tube should you choose for your bicycle?

Bicycle inner tubes are the component that inflates once the tyre is fitted, keeping it in the correct position. To choose a suitable inner tube, you should mainly check the wheel size and valve type.

They are usually made of rubber and require a specific pressure depending on the cycling discipline and type of inner tube.

Inner tubes come in different sizes, with different valves and materials, and there are also puncture-resistant inner tubes. The most common uses include MTB, urban cycling, road cycling, fixie and single speed, gravel, velodrome track, e-bike and cyclocross.

Among the brands you can find in this category, the main ones are Rubena, Massi and Michelin.

Types of inner tubes according to use

Before buying an inner tube, you should check whether it is compatible with your cycling discipline. To do this, you need to look at the size and valve type. Once these are clear, you can choose the right inner tube.

Inner tubes for road bikes

Also compatible with cyclocross and gravel.

Inner tubes for urban bikes

Also compatible with fixie or single-speed bikes. This is the category with the widest variety in the shop.

Puncture-resistant inner tubes

Equipped with sealant liquid that works when the tube is punctured. Compatible with various cycling disciplines. In the catalogue, you will find models from Rubena and Joe's No-flats, the latter with gel or liquid already incorporated.

Tubeless conversion kits

If you prefer to convert your rim to tubeless rather than use an inner tube, the catalogue includes 8 conversion kits from Rubena and Joe's No-flats, with valves and sealant liquid included.

Types of inner tubes according to valve type

The valve type also determines which inner tube you need: if it does not match your rim's valve opening, you will not be able to inflate it. The two most common types are Schrader and Presta. Valve length also matters if your rim has a deep profile: the catalogue ranges from 20 mm to 80 mm, with 48 mm being the most common size.

Schrader valve

Thick, robust and difficult to damage. Compatible with most pumps. Common on 26” and children's bikes. This is the most affordable valve type in the category.

Presta valve

Common on road bikes and intermediate to advanced MTB bikes. Holds pressure very well. May require an adapter with some pumps.

Wheel sizes

The first thing to consider before buying an inner tube is your wheel size.

The most common sizes are 26 (650C), 28 (700C) and 29 inches. The 28" (700C) size offers the widest variety, with 40 models, followed by 26" (650C) with 24 and 29" with 21.

To find the correct size, you should check the sidewall of the tyre, where you will find the numbers indicating compatibility.

Tools for inner tubes

Changing an inner tube is not always straightforward. There are tools designed to make the process easier.

The main ones are tyre levers, which allow you to remove and refit the tyre. To repair a punctured inner tube, you can use a puncture repair kit.