Best bike tubes according to redditors
We found 140 Reddit comments discussing the best bike tubes. We ranked the 90 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 140 Reddit comments discussing the best bike tubes. We ranked the 90 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
ABSOLUTELY
Get one of these babies
Stick one or two of these appropriately sized puppies in there
Keep one of these suckas on your person when out there.
And should something like this shit go down, youre gonna want some of these life savers.
Oh and lemme go 'head and save them fingers
Heres a quick lil video on how fix a flat
If that video doesnt suffice, we have the man Sheldon Brown
hate flats, learn how to switch out tubes, saved me a lot of hopelessness and the gear required is pretty light to carry around.
lever
tubes
ratchet wrench 15mm
portable air pump
back up and running in 15-20 min.
Here you go:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mongoose-MG78457-6-Fat-Tire-Tube/dp/B01CGDVXL8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=20+x+4+mongoose+tyre&qid=1563137636&s=gateway&sr=8-1
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(We are not an official UK dealer)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A8JQVDI there's plenty more options too.
Would advise against that pump and tool kit.
Here's the tools you should get:
https://www.amazon.com/Pedro-Tire-Lever-Yellow-Pair/dp/B008FOMD6M/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1483755226&sr=1-2&keywords=pedros+tire+lever
https://www.amazon.com/Pedros-142724-Trixie-Fixie-Tool/dp/B001Q221GM/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1483755245&sr=1-7&keywords=lockring+tool
https://www.amazon.com/Continental-Presta-Valve-Black-20-25cc/dp/B0068FAXTY/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1483755280&sr=1-5&keywords=bicycle%2Btube&th=1&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Road-Morph-Bike-Gauge/dp/B000FI6YOS/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1483755338&sr=1-1&keywords=topeak+hand+pump
which puts you at $52 for tools.
For a helmet I'd look at a Giro Foray or a Specialized Echelon
thx. I just ordered a spare tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CGDVXL8/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.7UDB61NV3OQO&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_teamdominican_dp_vv_d
The other poster already covered reasons why solid tires are bad. But there is more:
There are also foam inserts that "fill" a tire. Those are made for downhill, and wear out every 250 miles, ride like there is 8psi in the tire, and are heavy and expensive.
If you are sick of flats, a good combination would be a heavy duty tube, a new rim strip, Thorn Busters, and a flat proof tire
Kenda Heavy Duty 26X2-2.4 Schrader Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XN5FD8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Nv0SDb4A3NTKJ
Mr. Tuffy Bicycle Tire Liner (Purple, 29 X 2.0-2.35,2.5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RLK19Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_py0SDb375RMQN
Serfas Drifter Tire with FPS, 26 X 2.0-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VE14QI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FA0SDbNZ3WJ5F
Expensive, at $100 or so for a full setup, but triple layer redundancy makes it more likely that a spoke will pop the tube, rather than anything you run over.
Agreed. I have a Karate Monkey with plus tires and couldn't live without my little gage: Meiser Presta-Valve Dial Gauge... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XISIK4?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Start at something high (20f/30r? Others may have a better starting point) and slowly drop it by 1 or even 1/2 psi every ride on the same trail.
When the tires start to feel too squirmy, go up a bit and there you go. Also, remember that one tire can feel squirmy while the other is okay to drop some more. I'm can run much lower pressures on the front tire.
Looks like a standard Presta valve. My guess would be 60mm long; much longer than this rim needs, but it shouldn't cause problems. I'd get a shorter one.
OPI nail polish is the best quality if you decide to go that route . Or you can cover it up with a top tube protector.
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Guru-Gear-Upcycled-Protector/dp/B00A8JQVDI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=bike+top+tube+protector&qid=1568159663&s=gateway&sprefix=bike+top+tube+&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/All-Mountain-Style-Honeycomb-Impact/dp/B00PWUPL4I/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=bike+top+tube+protector&qid=1568159663&s=gateway&sprefix=bike+top+tube+&sr=8-2
If it's an 11 mile one way commute, then you'll probably want a road bike. The Raleigh Merit will be well suited for your needs but I would recommend adding or swapping the following:
You may wish to check out /r/bikecommuting for additional information. If this will be your first bike, you will also need to get the following items:
If this seems like a lot, don't worry. You can get a really cheap and good pump from Walmart. Just make sure it has a presta valve hole. They also sell helmets which are required to meet the same safety standards as all other helmets sold in the US, as well as chain lube and auto degreaser. Amazon has good deals on the other stuff, especially lights.
Finally, I find this frame mounted cell phone holder extremely valuable. The reason being, that I have a horrible sense of direction and this enables me to view Google Maps biking directions while riding to various places without having to take my phone out. Plus I can easily listen to music while riding.
Buy some good tyre levers (I love the Continental or Michelin) like the ones pictured here:
https://www.amazon.com/Continental-28-700x20-25c-Bicycle-Inner/dp/B001EIE288/ref=sr_1_27?keywords=continental+tire+lever&qid=1567026518&s=gateway&sr=8-27
And then you can get the $2 puncture repair kits with patches and rubber cement. You'll also need a pump. Mini for on the bike and floor (optional) for at home.
This. Try and get a cheap-ish tire pressure gauge to make accurate changes to your tires. I bought one on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004XISIK4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527479651&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=meiser+presta+gauge&dpPl=1&dpID=51VlanwBIXL&ref=plSrch
700 refers to the wheel size (diameter), 25 is the tire width. Tubes will generally have a size and a range of widths they will work with. You want something that says 700 and includes "25" in the range of widths.
This Continental tube has a width range of 25-32: https://www.amazon.com/Continental-Presta-Valve-Black-25-32cc/dp/B008ZTM95C/
EDIT: Amazon isn't too good about linking to specific options. Make sure you select "700 x 25-32mm - 42mm presta valve". The 42mm is the length of the valve. Valve length isn't usually too important, but measure yours to make sure your replacement tube won't be too short or anything. Too long is ok.
Kevlar Inserts - I used to live in a place with an abundance of Goatheads, and these inserts saved my tires. I went from being worried about riding on the roads, to being able to ride through empty lots.
Something like this
https://youtu.be/tkxU6a2esIA
Tristan also made a tutorial with the shop in Cali.a step by step,now I just do it myself and buy a couple of tubes on amazon.
Mongoose MG78457-6 Fat Tire Tube, 20 x 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CGDVXL8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q5D1DbWRH0TB7
I also put slime in my tires to plug any holes and carry a bike patch kit with me.Its my daily,had three flats due to construction sites, staples and nails everywhere.I avoid that area now but carrying this stuff and an air pump helps.good luck!
This one: Meiser Presta-Valve Dial Gauge with Pressure Relief: 30psi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XISIK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3H20DbVCBF11P
You need tires or tubes... Or both? You need to know the width as well. Here are examples of 26 inch products:
Tube: https://www.amazon.com/Bell-STANDARD-Tube-26-1-75-2-25/dp/B000AAYBHI/
Tire: https://www.amazon.com/Bell-Whitewall-Flat-Defense-Cruiser/dp/B0796B1SC7/
Tube
Levers
Frame pump (or alternatively CO2 inflator)
Patch kit (optional)
Saddle bag
I doubt you blew a tire (more likely just the tube), but if you're looking for new tires then I recommend Continental Gatorskins. Since I sorted out my rimtape issue I haven't gotten a puncture, and my local roads are awfull. As for innertubes, i don't think that it really matters what innertubes you get - I thought it would be good to spend more and get Continental tubes but at the end of the day they still punctured as easy as some cheapo ones from my lbs.
Thank you, so much for the response!
So, all we need are these four things, correct?
Tire
Wheel
Cassette - What size should I go with? Does this also mean that I need to put the chain back on, every time we swap out her wheel/tire?
Tube
I've installed the mr tuffy tire liner after getting 4 flats in 1 week. I live in LA and we have the little spiky thorns that cut straight through the thin Kenda tires that come on the z1.
I got this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SM1OW5S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It honestly was easy to install, and was long enough to wrap around twice, which I think would just offer more protection. No flats so far, and supposedly weighs less than slime sealants or armored tubes.
I heard kinda bad things online about it moving around and such, but maybe that's for larger wheel size, and smaller tires, like a street bike? On the fat tires it goes in really easy.
Here
The tube size will be a range for example, this will fit your tyre as will this one. You also need to match the valve type, and the length of the valve in some cases.
Edit. Grammar and English version
IN a city far far away, once upon a time and very early in the morning before everyone woke up, I used to don my armour, mount my trusty steed and ride forth! I would take the curves, conquer the hills till eventually I arrived at the cave of the beast. With my wallet drawn I would advance upon the lair of the bagel beast! battle was fierce, for there were many bagels! Sesame! Salted! Cinnamon raisin! Multitudes of their brethren for 79c each. Less by the dozen. The math never quite worked out. How could it be easier to slay many than to slay one!
It boggled the mind, but my wallet didn't care. My wallet struck true, gathering a dozen, still warm, still breathing out heat into the cool california air! I stuffed their fresh bake carcasses into a bag making sure that I had also remembered to gather their cream cheese blood. For some, it was lactose gold.
And with my bounty strapped to the back of my steed, I would ride to the other den of the evil starbucks to secure the appropriate gravy with which I could return a triumphant bearer of vittles and carbs. I was lauded in my village as I would stop at neighbours and drop off my hard earned slaughter. Then I would tuck my steed away, silence my chorus of angels that serenaded me from my personal communication device. I would creep back into my domicile and placed the remains of the bagel beasts upon a platter still warm. The cream cheese blood slipped into the fridge to ensure it's continued edibility.
And the smell would waft through our cramped quarters, rousing the head of our household, ripping apart the cheesy underbelly of one of the beasts before he triumphantly marched off to face his king.
But we have moved, and my trusty steed was injured by the carelessness of peons hands. They MANHANDLES HER! They WOUNDED HER! The valve to her innards is broken, unable to contain her air so necessary to keep her moving and alive! But I have found a transplant for her. It's under $15. Imagine! The solution to what ails her. It's an uncommon part for most people steeds as she's :cough: A little one the... robust side. So Prisaneify, I need to get my steed's inner tire transplanted. She gets me everywhere since I do not drive, to where I cannot walk. To the farmers market, to the pool in the summer. She has waited patiently in my garage this cold northern winter, her first time braving these cold winds and snow as opposed to the climes and sun of southern California. But the snow has receded and she whimpers in my garage. Her companion steed answers to my spawn is begging to be turned loose but cannot, until the transplant.
OKay, all fancy story - which is totally true and how we played it in our family when I'd come home with bagels and the kid would want to know what i had been doing - the movers screwed up my bike, bending the valve and all attempts to fix it failed. So it needs to be replaced, but it's an uncommon size. It's how I get around when my husband is at work. Post office, grocery store, to the pool, geocache with the kid, to neighbours. Rain or snow, I'm going somewhere on it all the time. Bonus is that it's 14 dollars and thus someone else can also have a need fulfilled.
:Slautes you for the consideration and eases back off to the depths of reddit: Also, sorry for the length!
not digital, but i like this one - it's presta and you can release pressure until you get the value you want (by pressing the button) while keeping it on the valve. it also has a decent sized range (you can easily get to within 1 psi).
(actually, i just looked, and mine - same make - goes to 60psi, but that one seems better for mtb)
(also, i find this post kinda weird - like saying "hey guys i know all about the latest trends but look at them noobs")
I've found that cheap tubes are a false economy.
Have switched to Schwalbe tubes, and these will do you nicely. Just make sure to select the right valve type.
so this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ZTM95C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SKA3Cb3F
I would replace the tire if I was you. You might consider something like this as an alternative if your rubber cement patch doesn’t work and you really don’t want to replace the tire for some reason. I doubt rubber cement will be strong enough to turn any hazard that would cause a 3rd flat.
I am a die-hard supporter of slime tubes. I had the same tubes for 18 months with the occasional flat. I finally replaced them only because they were so old I was worried they'd just disintegrate one day. Amazon Link
You should give /u/sillygirlsarah one of these because she mentioned needing them a while ago, and it'll be bike season soon. She's a super nice, super generous lady and she should get something she needs, because she's always giving to others.
Thanks for the contest!
Edit: I was trying to bring hers up to 15, but she doesn't have anything small that would get there without going over. This Is the closest, but it's 12 cents over. On an unrelated note, I have one of those, and it works surprisingly well.
Tire liners go on the inside of your tires to help fight punctures, and may be worth considering in stead of or in addition to sealant. This is what I use:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product//B0032V8HNG/ref=twister_dp_update?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you do choose to use sealant, keep in mind that at high pressures the sealant is squeezed out of the tube before it can actually patch any holes in the inner tube. It will be most effective if you run a somewhat lower pressure.
Are you riding off road a lot?
Try the tubes with the goo in them:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ENMLFK
Also consider the belt style protectors:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0066DD56Q
I did both and haven't had a flat tire since. Plus, always ride with a spare tube and CO2 inflator.
Similar for me, but I went with the 30 psi range.
I bought these Mr Tuffy tire liners 4 years ago and haven't had a flat with them since. No joke, literally 13,000 miles ridden and the only time I've had flats was when I got a new bike and didn't put liners in.
I used to use slime, but I hatted the mess it made when the puncture was large. here are the tire liners I use.
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078FHD1ZH/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvpv2_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6375e697-f226-4dbd-a63a-5ec697811ee1&pd_rd_wg=Jp24B&pf_rd_r=B9AWKRGAV2JBXB5NWP36&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B078FHD1ZH&pd_rd_w=Jl41t&pf_rd_i=mr+tough+tire&pd_rd_r=865fdccf-a1ec-4001-a0cb-87e65abd1f19&ie=UTF8&qid=1538164588&sr=3
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Schwalbe SV17 to suit that tyre width..
Since you mentioned that you're looking on Amazon, here is an Amazon link:
Continental 42mm Presta Valve Tube, Black, 700 x 25-32cc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ZTM95C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.bzACbEQMZGFS
As others have stated, always buy a tube that fits your wheel (700 in this case) and your tire width (28mm). Most tubes have a range of widths they will fit so look for any presta valve tube sized 700 x (a range within which your tire width of X-milimeters falls). Again, in your case, X=28. The tube linked above will fit any 700-sized wheel and any tire approximately 25-32mm wide. So it should work fine for you.
Watch some GCN videos on YouTube about how to install the new tube if you've never done it. They'll show you how to avoid pinch flats, which are one of the most frustrating things that can happen when changing a flat.
I use this - https://www.amazon.com/Meiser-Presta-Valve-Gauge-Pressure-Relief/dp/B004XISIK4
Yup
Meiser Presta-Valve Dial Gauge 15 PSI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GO4PY3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cgbVBb6XE0DGB
http://smile.amazon.com/Slime-Smart-Schrader-Bicycle-1-75-2-125/dp/B000ENMLFK/ref=sr_1_3?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1413251123&sr=1-3&keywords=bike+tube thats the product i'm talking about. If youre new to cycling I would recommend taking the wheel on and off and replacing the tube a few times before you ever attempt to take this route. Changing a tube is super easy, but If I didn't know how to do it the last place I would want to learn is the side of the road. The goo wheel might help, but having general bike knowledge is going to help even more.
So I got my first flat on my way to work this morning, woefully unprepared, I was lucky to be about a half mile from home. After about a month of commuting to work I finally had a breakdown. it has been holding up well for about 100 miles on NYC streets on my new diamondback century sport (2017)
My tire says (26-622, 700x26C) https://imgur.com/a/pJoAQ
can anyone explain why it's impossible to find a bike tube that fits? I have googled for an hour and found some informstion yet they still sell bike tubes as "26x1-1.5in" "26x 2-2.5 in" and I'm getting frustrated they do this nonsense. I believe the 26C translates to 26mm and about 1.02 inches, so a 26x 1-1.5in bike tube would fit?
I bought this tube because I think it will fit but it's probably a bit big
Continental 60mm Presta Valve Tube, Black, 700 x 25-32cc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ZTM9AW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mXSlzbFT5PHHR
I think will fit and I got a mini pump so next time I can fix it and get back on my commute.
Thanks!
Yes thank you. Green Guru Top Tube Protector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A8JQVDI/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_ceoQwbXD717BM
I've been happy with https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Mountain-Morph-Bike-Pump/dp/B000FI6XJE and https://www.amazon.com/Meiser-Presta-Valve-Gauge-Pressure-Relief/dp/B00GO4PY3Y
I have a anti-puncture tape on my tires and never got a puncture.
> I definitely agree with the others that recommend a hand gauge. I have owned a few different gauges and the SKS Airchecker version 2 is my favorite for cross. Topeak Smartgauge D2 is also really good, but only shows 1 psi increments. Not helpful if you care about half a psi. But maybe it's not worth caring about half a psi.
My favorite gauge. I had one of those fancy digital gauges, can’t remember which, but I found it to be incredibly finicky and unreliable (this is not a review, just my own experience). So I bought a 30 psi Accu-Gage and I’ve used it the last 4 years. As a nice bonus, it’s much cheaper than the digital gauges but reliable and basically indestructible. Anyway, not trying to say not to use a digital gauge. Just use some kind of dedicated low pressure gauge, not the gauge on your floor pump, and if you’re price sensitive, know that the analog options are inexpensive and really good.
Would a polyurethane tube help?
https://www.amazon.com/tubolito-Tubo-27-5-1-8-2-4-Tube/dp/B075MGGZRR
Tubes that come with Slime sealant inside them, like these. https://www.amazon.com/Slime-30045-Self-Sealing-Schrader-1-75-2-125/dp/B000ENMLFK/ Never used their tubes, but I've had good results with putting Slime in other tubes. It's great against small thorns.
I just googled the 37-622. There are some sites that give explanations of what the numbers mean. Essentially, a way to denote the tire size. From there, you can get a good idea of what tubes to throw in it.
Also, google's first amazon result said use these
Yeah, it's torn right at the base of the valve and a little inward. I actually have a few patches from my wife's bike but they wouldn't be able to get around the valve.
This self-sealing tube looks like it has a lot of good reviews. It sounds like the goo does make a huge mess and you need to keep the tire placed with the valve at the top of the tire after a puncture or else you won't be able to reinflate the tire due to blockage from the goo. But for $7 shipped I think it'd be worth a shot: http://www.amazon.com/Slime-Smart-Schrader-Bicycle-1-75-2-125/dp/B000ENMLFK/
Okay, so with $200, assuming I was doing the work:
Wrap handlebars - $11.53 (sweet dark red, cause the red on there looks awesome already)
Cheap 700c wheels from co-op - $20? (Talk with them about the gearing to see if the range is the same, or if you want tighter range or whatever, they probably have a few sets there with somewhat different gear ranges on the rear)
Saddle from co-op - $5-10
Tubes/tires - $45 (tires, tubes)
Derailleur cables - $7 (Shimano, here)
Brake cables - $10.39 (Shimano, here)
Brake levers - $22.53 (Tektro RL340)
Brakes - $62 - (Tektro 539 rear, front)
5-speed chain - 7.98 (here)
Then I'd try to get pedals and a cheap but aluminum quill stem, handlebars, and seatpost from the co-op. Depending on where you are, you may be able to get all for $20 or less. Functional new parts suggestions: (not guaranteed to fit. These have all sorts of different diameters over the years/models, so you need to know what you have/need. Handlebars, Seatpost, stem.)
I always bring Tire Levers, a new tube, a bike pump, wallet, & phone (I personally ride with a CamelBak, but you could easily fit this in a small underseat pouch). Plan A is fix the flat. Plan B is call a cab. Although I purchased my stuff at LBS, here's some amazon links:
Tire Levers: http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Tire-Lever-Set/dp/B000BR1182/
Pump: http://www.amazon.com/Lezyne-Micro-Floor-Drive-HPG/dp/B005UZO7RM/
Tubes (be sure and get your size!): http://www.amazon.com/Continental-Presta-Valve-Black-20-25cc/dp/B0068FAXTY