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May 19, 20233 min read

Tubolito v RideNow - innovators in the TPU inner tube market


Tubolito v RideNow TPU inner tubes

Inner tubes are a cycling essential that have a disproportionate impact on the performance and comfort of your ride.


Butyl inner tubes have traditionally been used in cycling - and were the norm for a long time - but the recent emergence of TPU technology has suddenly given cyclists a fantastic upgrade with a step-change in weight reduction and durability over butyl tubes.


We wrote in a previous post about how butyl v latex v TPU inner tubes compare.


Today we want to take a closer look at the TPU inner tube market. At the moment, there are two brands driving the TPU inner tube innovation - Tubolito and RideNow. Both offer a range of TPU inner tubes for gravel and road cycling.


How heavy are Tubolito and RideNow tubes?


Tubolito and RideNow TPU inner tubes are extremely lightweight, significantly lighter than traditional butyl inner tubes. Both Tubolito and RideNow produce a wide range of lightweight TPU tubes, with their ultralight road options around the 20g mark. There is very little between them. While we think both are an excellent option for cyclists looking to shed weight from their bike and improve performance and handling, RideNow TPU inner tubes offer these benefits at a lower cost.


How durable are Tubolito and RideNow tubes?


Compared to Tubolito TPU inner tubes, RideNow TPU inner tubes are designed with an extra layer of puncture protection. We think this makes RideNow TPU inner tubes an excellent option for cyclists who ride rough terrain or pothole ridden roads. We have tested RideNow’s TPU inner tubes over thousands of miles of cycling and, while there are even lighter options in the range, have found that the 35g option hits the sweetspot in terms of performance benefits and durability.


Which TPU inner tubes are better value for money?


You can't argue with the price. One of the most significant advantages of RideNow TPU inner tubes is affordability. RideNow TPU inner tubes (which we have priced at £16) are significantly less expensive than Tubolito TPU inner tubes (which usually cost around £28-30 each). We thought carefully about which to stock in our store and while both brands offer durable, high-quality products in our opinion Ridenow TPU inner tubes are exactly the same quality at a cheaper price. The extra you pay for Tubolito is more expensive market. Money we would rather save and spend elsewhere.


How do I install TPU inner tubes?


RideNow TPU inner tubes are easy to install, they come with a smooth surface that makes it easy to insert and inflate. This is especially beneficial for cyclists who prefer to perform their bike maintenance and repairs. The RideNow tubes we sell fit all 700c wheels.


In conclusion, we think RideNow TPU inner tubes offer several advantages over Tubolito TPU inner tubes. They are more affordable, compatible with a wide range of bike tires, and offer superior puncture protection. For cyclists looking for a durable and high-quality TPU inner tube that is budget-friendly and offers superior performance, RideNow TPU inner tubes are an excellent option.


Check out our selection of RideNow TPU inner tubes:



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  • Why is weight so important?
    Reducing weight is the most noticeable upgrade you can make. Lightweight bikes accelerate faster and are more responsive to the power you generate, helping you reach your performance potential. Lightweight means going faster and further, for longer. We help cyclists reach their goals - from competitive racers to weekend riders.
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    Most of our bike parts are made from carbon fiber which is lightweight, stiff for optimal power transmission, and flexible in certain dimensions making cycling more comfortable. We put every part through rigorous testing by us and our small team of cyclists. This means you can be confident that our parts will perform for thousands of miles.
  • How come your bike parts are so lightweight for the price?
    The cycling industry is full of gimmicks, poor quality parts and expensive marketing. We are flipping the switch. We work directly with the same manufacturers producing parts for the top cycling brands, avoid the marketing gimmicks and expensive packaging, to bring you top quality products at a fraction of the cost.
  • Are your products sustainable?
    We aim to set the industry standard for high quality bike parts that last. We are the opposite of fast fashion. We are slow fashion - for bikes.
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    We use biodegradable packaging for all our products wherever possible. We reuse packaging that comes to us too.
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    We aim to deliver all UK mainland deliveries in 1-3 working days.
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    We use Royal Mail’s tracked delivery service. You will get an email with tracking information so you can keep tabs on where your order is and exactly when it will arrive.
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    Yes. Please choose your country at the check out. We charge a flat fee of £8.50, roughly €10.00, for shipping. This is less than it costs us but we don't believe in Ryanair-style add-ons! You may need to pay some taxes on delivery.
  • What’s your returns policy?
    We’re only happy if you’re happy. You can return any part you bought from us within 30 days and we will give you a full refund. Please return the item in its original condition, with any labels attached.
  • Do your handlebars have external cabling?
    Yes. Our handlebars are easy to install for the home mechanic. The cabling is externally routed in a groove running along the bottom of the bars.
  • Are your handlebars DI2 compatible?
    While some customers have fitted DI2 this requires drilling extra holes and we wouldn't recommend it unless you are an experienced mechanic. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
  • Can I fit your carbon handlebars with an alloy stem?
    Yes, our carbon handlebars can be fitted to an alloy stem, such as our super light UNO Kalloy x Litebike.
  • Will the tubes fit my bike?
    Our TPU inner tubes are size 700 x 18-32c and fit a standard bike wheel. Unless you cycle a Brompton you probably have a standard wheel. 18-32c means the tube will inflate to fit a range of tire widths between 18 mm and 32 mm. Our Litebike Performance 50g tubes are suitable for disc and rim brakes. Our RideNow 35g tubes are also suitable for rim and disc brakes.
  • Are your inner tubes difficult to install?
    TPU inner tubes are a performance product and should be installed carefully. This includes cleaning the rim and inflating the tube to a max of 8psi before installing in the tyre. Anyone can install TPU inner tubes at home, but if you are fitting them for the first time it's worth following the instructions on the box carefully.
  • You also sell RideNow gravel TPU tubes. How are these different?
    Our RideNow gravel tubes are sized 700 x 32-47c. This means the tube will inflate to fit the full range of tire widths between 32 mm and 47 mm.
  • Can TPU inner tubes puncture?
    Like with butyl and latex tubes, TPU inner tubes can puncture. However, studies have shown that TPU is more puncture resistant than other materials. You can take steps to reduce the chances of getting a puncture, for example by cleaning your tyre to remove any debris and not inflating the tubes above 8psi outside the tyre.
  • Are TPU inner tubes sustainable?
    TPU is made from renewable sources like plant-based oils and non-toxic chemicals, making it an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based synthetic rubbers and plastics.
  • What are the benefits of a waxed chain?
    You will go faster. Studies have shown you will save up to 7 watts. You will save time cleaning. Wax repels dirt. You will help the planet.
  • How do I wax my own chain? It sounds complicated.
    Chain waxing can be done at home with an old slow cooker and a few other household items. Once you have done it once it’s easy to repeat. If waxing is not your thing, but you’re still after the performance benefits of a waxed chain, we sell a small selection of top quality, pre-waxed chains. We wax them ourselves in our workshop.
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