Upstart Aeron claims to have the new world’s best TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) inner tubes, using a true multi-layer construction with road bike tubes starting at just 22g.
They also claim to dramatically improve rolling resistance while providing better puncture protection and air retention compared to butyl rubber tubes, and provide an easier, lower-total-operating-cost than going tubeless. While I’ll stick to using lightweight tubes as a backup for my tubeless setup, they do offer some interesting options compared to the competition.
First, they have distinct versions for City bikes, road bikes, cyclocross and gravel, and mountain bikes. Within those, the performance bikes get SuperLite Race, ExtraLite Protect, and UltraProtect options. Here’s a quick overview of the options:
Road bike tubes
Three sizes are offered, all for 700c wheels only. The ExtraLite Protect and SuperLite Race fit tires measuring 23-28mm and 28-32mm wide, and the UltraProtect fit 25-35mm tires. All offer 42, 65, and 80mm valve stem lengths. Weights from 22-96g.
CX/Gravel tubes
These have 42 and 65mm valve stem options, fit 32-52mm wide tires, and fit both 650B and 700c rim diameters. Weights from 31-129g depending on level of protection.
Mountain bike tubes
Available for 27.5″ and 29″ rims to fit tires from 1.7″ to 2.5″, plus an oversized UltraProtect option for 2.5-3.0″ tires. Aeron’s TPU MTB tube weights range from 42-199g, and they have a glueless patch kit available for making repairs.
City/Touring bike tubes
These have the thickest walls for the most puncture protection, yet are up to 68% lighter than comparable butyl tubes. They’re available in 650b and 700c sizes to fit tires 37-50mm and 50-65mm wide, with both Presta and Schrader valve stem options. They have two levels of puncture protection, too, with weights from 67-156g.
Aeron says TPU is 100% recyclable and can be turned back into new TPU tubes. MSRP ranges from €17.95 to €24.95, which compared to the recent increase in rubber tube costs, doesn’t sound like too much of a premium.
