TPU inner tubes AS SPARE?

[scotsbikester]

apologies for the caps, but wanted to be clear.

I'm looking at changing the spare inner tube I take (which I assume is butyl) for a TPU.
Because:

1. It will save space and could well mean that on a lot of rides I would stuff it in my back pocket (along with tyre levers and tools). Which means I could dispense with the under saddle pack.

2. It'll save about 100g. Though weight isn't my prime concern. I have a heavy bike.

Any downside to that? My main concern would be that they don't age well, and might "go off". And possibly they are susceptible to damage in pockets, saddle bags etc.

I run Continental Contact Plus 37s (the commuting/touring tyre) on 700c wheels, at ~50psi. I haven't had a puncture for years. Mainly city commuting, holiday cycling on very quiet Scottish roads, very very occasionally some slightly roughish farm tracks.

But to stress, again, this would only be a spare to get me home. At the moment I don't tour (though I would like to). My cycling is a mix of very short commutes (4 miles each way), and medium leisure rides ~30miles.

Thanks for any opinions on these inner tubes for the situation I've described.

 

[Pblakeney]

I use them 95% both on wheels and as spares. Work every bit as good as butyl while being much lighter. Keep the spares in their packaging if possible for protection. The other 5%? They are not suitable for heavy prolonged rim braking on major mountain descents (extended 15%+), from experience. I'd use them 100% with disc brakes.

 

[scotsbikester]

I use them 95% both on wheels and as spares. Work every bit as good as butyl while being much lighter. Keep the spares in their packaging if possible for protection. The other 5%? They are not suitable for heavy prolonged rim braking on major mountain descents (extended 15%+), from experience. I'd use them 100% with disc brakes.

Thanks. I've got disc brakes on this bike.

PS, any brand recommendations?

 

[Pblakeney]

Thanks. I've got disc brakes on this bike.

PS, any brand recommendations?

I've been perfectly happy with these. Two years use.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...tube&msclkid=840a2b292ec01721025f4cdb5ddd7c16

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Id rather have a dependable butyl as a spare, maybe that's just me.

 

[MadMalx]

I'm happy with them as main or spare, but I struggle to get a good seal with the (cam lever clamp) track pump. fine with screw-on.
As said above, keep them in a packet (which I did with butyl anyway).

 

[scotsbikester]

I'm happy with them as main or spare, but I struggle to get a good seal with the (cam lever clamp) track pump. fine with screw-on.
As said above, keep them in a packet (which I did with butyl anyway).

I don't understand, aren't all valves the same? Mine are Presta as it happens. But why would the tube material make any difference getting seal between pump and seal?

 

[VinSumRox]

I use them 95% both on wheels and as spares. Work every bit as good as butyl while being much lighter. Keep the spares in their packaging if possible for protection. The other 5%? They are not suitable for heavy prolonged rim braking on major mountain descents (extended 15%+), from experience. I'd use them 100% with disc brakes.

Wot he said.

 

[VinSumRox]

I don't understand, aren't all valves the same? Mine are Presta as it happens. But why would the tube material make any difference getting seal between pump and seal?

It's not the material so much as the lack of a thread on the outside for pump head to grip on.

 

[scotsbikester]

It's not the material so much as the lack of a thread on the outside for pump head to grip on.

Ah, I see, thanks. I've had a quick look, but can's see any with "proper" valves.

 

[MadMalx]

I don't understand, aren't all valves the same? Mine are Presta as it happens. But why would the tube material make any difference getting seal between pump and seal?

It’s the smooth plastic valve stem on (most?) TPU tubes. The pump head doesn’t seem to seal properly when inflating. Usually takes me several attempts and wiggling before I can inflate properly, usually after inadvertently deflating most of whatever pressure I start with. Maybe it’s my pump head, but don’t have any problems with my butyls or tubless tyre valves.

 

[Pblakeney]

Just thought. If you get some, go for a test ride with two fitted while having butyl spares for piece of mind.
They will be fine but that reassurance will help. Then you can carry TPU spares and save weight of 4 tubes.

 

[VinSumRox]

It’s the smooth plastic valve stem on (most?) TPU tubes. The pump head doesn’t seem to seal properly when inflating. Usually takes me several attempts and wiggling before I can inflate properly, usually after inadvertently deflating most of whatever pressure I start with. Maybe it’s my pump head, but don’t have any problems with my butyls or tubless tyre valves.

Only find it's an issue with one pump i have, Topeak pump head seems fine

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

There are a few of us old BR forum members that use them as several have already replied on this thread. My experiences are similar, perfectly fine as a main tube or handy as a space saving spare. Like MadMalx, I have had issues inflating them, with a track pump I have to hold the pump head pressed tight to the valve stem. I have changed tubes roadside and inflated with a hand pump with no issues though.

I would say that IME the thinner, lighter material is more susceptible to punctures than butyl. I punctured 2 road tubes and 2 mtb tubes in the first 3 weeks (aliexpress versions).

 

[super_davo]

You can get metal valve RideNow which resolves the last real issue with TPU e.g.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_ExhlFPm

IMO they are a game changer for your emergency pack - can pack two tubes, a pump, a multi tool, quick links in a tiny little MucOff wallet that fits in a jersey pocket alongside a phone. And despite some peoples nervousness over size, I personally find them less fragile when fitting than Supersonic Butyl or latex.