
While there’s a sound argument for converting to a tubeless system, it’s not for everyone. If you don’t have the compatible elements — wheels, tyres, valves — it requires quite an outlay. Then there’s the setup, which can be a little tricky, depending on your level of mechanical experience and the equipment you’re using. For some road cyclists, the humble inner tube just can’t be beaten. Or can it?
The best TPU tubes offer all the convenience of a traditional Butyl inner tube but with some significant upsides. Firstly, they are far lighter; you can expect to save almost 20oz or 50 grams per tube compared to a traditional Butyl offering. They also fold to a much smaller size, making them less cumbersome to carry in your jersey pocket or requiring less space in your saddle bag.