Overview and Specifications of WheelTop's Affordable Electronic Groupset "EDS"
This article summarizes the features and specifications of the budget-friendly electronic groupset "EDS" newly released by the Chinese manufacturer WheelTop.
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Bicyble Tire Tube Material Differences and Selection
Modified at: Oct 6, 2023
Posted at: May 16, 2022
There are two types of bicycle tire tubes, latex tube and butyl tube. The following is a summary of the differences between the two and which one you should choose.
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Table of contents
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Differences in Bicycle Tube Materials
| Latex Tube | Butyl Tube | Polyurethane Tube | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | High | Low | Very High |
| Weight | Light | Slightly Heavy | Extremely Light |
| Durability | Low | High | Very High |
| Heat Resistance | Low | High | High |
| Rolling Resistance | Low | High | Low |
Butyl Tubes
Butyl tubes are made from butyl rubber, a synthetic rubber whose main component is isobutene derived from petroleum. While latex tubes are known for being “thin and light,” butyl tubes are recognized for being “extremely durable.”
Butyl rubber is so tough that it’s used in waterproof tape, the inner bladders of sports balls, the inner liners of tubeless car tires, and electrical cables.
As a bicycle tube, butyl is more durable than latex, but its thicker material adds weight. Depending on the product, butyl tubes typically weigh around 80–110g.
Most tubes distributed for bicycles are made from butyl, and they are widely used from city bikes to road bikes.
Latex Tubes
Latex is a type of rubber. There are two types: natural rubber latex, which is derived from plants, and synthetic rubber latex, derived from petroleum. Most bicycle tubes made from latex use the synthetic type.
Latex is resistant to degradation and has excellent elasticity and shape recovery. Medical gloves are often made from latex — they can stretch without tearing and return to their original shape. Because of this, latex tubes are “thin, lightweight, and strong.”
Compared to butyl tubes, latex tubes cost about twice as much.
TPU (Polyurethane) Tubes
The third major type of bicycle tube to emerge in recent years is the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) tube.
TPU tubes weigh about one-third as much as standard tubes — roughly 40g — making them extremely lightweight. They also offer excellent puncture resistance, which has made them increasingly popular among road cyclists and MTB riders.
However, the only downside to these revolutionary TPU tubes is the price. While butyl tubes cost around $5–$10$ each, and latex tubes around $30, TPU tubes can cost over $50 per tube.
Although you can reduce over 100g with a pair and enjoy outstanding durability, paying nearly $100 for tubes requires some commitment.
TPU Inner Tube: Features, Pros, and Cons for Road Bikes and MTB
TPU inner tubes are gaining attention as the third force in bicycle tires. We summarize its features, advantages and disadvantages of using it on Road bikes and MTBs, and major manufacturers.
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How to Choose and Use Bicycle Tubes
For Everyday Use, Butyl Tubes Offer the Best Cost-Performance
The biggest advantage of butyl tubes is their affordability. Even for sports bikes like road or cross bikes, butyl tubes can sometimes be purchased for around $5. In contrast, latex tubes typically start at over $10, with some going up to $20.
Butyl also offers better durability, making it the most cost-effective option overall. For commuting or casual city rides, butyl tubes are highly recommended.
Additionally, when carrying a spare tube on a road or cross bike, it’s safer to use a durable butyl tube. If you’re replacing a tube due to a puncture, chances are there’s something in the tire that caused it — so a stronger material offers peace of mind.
For a Balance of Performance and Cost, Latex Tubes Are Ideal
Latex tubes are great for reducing weight and rolling resistance. Because latex is elastic and resilient, it adapts to the tire’s shape, reducing friction and improving rolling efficiency.
For racing or long rides on road or MTB bikes, lighter weight and lower rolling resistance are critical. In those scenarios, latex tubes are a solid choice.
However, latex tubes are heat-sensitive. When used with carbon wheels that have rim brakes, the heat buildup from braking can degrade the latex and cause a blowout.
Latex tubes also lose air more easily than others. It’s not uncommon to lose around 10 PSI in a single day, making them unsuitable for daily commuting or school runs.
For Maximum Weight Reduction, Go with Polyurethane Tubes
The standout feature of polyurethane tubes is their incredibly low weight. Weighing around 40g per tube — about 80g for a pair — they are significantly lighter than butyl tubes, which typically weigh 160–200g combined. That’s a weight savings of over 100g.
While reducing wheel or tire weight can cost tens of thousands of yen, TPU tubes offer that reduction for under $100, making them the best choice if you’re focused on saving weight.
Especially for road bikes, where “light is might,” shaving off 100g from rotating mass like the wheelset has a noticeable effect on performance, making TPU tubes a worthwhile upgrade.