TPU inner tubes AS SPARE?

[midlandsgrimpeur]

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.

Good shout SD, hadn't seen these.

 

[VinSumRox]

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).

I found the Tubolito ones are a bit thicker than the Ridenow ones and seem pretty good for puncture resistance.

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

For my shorter solo rides and club runs, I've switched from an aero seatpost wedge with a spare butyl inner tube to a smaller seatpack with ratchet tool and a spare Tubolito S-Tubo road TPU tube. I have also switched from carrying a hand pump in a jersey pocket to an electric pump. That saved best part of 200 grams. The only downside is sacrificing the chain tool, which I've never used, but I still carry a spare quick link FWITW.

On longer solo lesiure rides using the lighter bikes, I still take the hand pump and a multi-tool with chain tool.
On the bikes with pannier racks/luggage - that tend to get used more frequently - I use a trunk bag and tend to carry more spares / leatherman / first aid kit etc..

I don't see the point of carrying a TPU tube on the heavier bikes, which are all in the 16-18kg range, unless it is just to save space.

I find that they are more fussy to inflate with both my track pumps, but the do still get the job done with a bit more care.

 

[ColinJ]

The only downside is sacrificing the chain tool, which I've never used, but I still carry a spare quick link FWITW.

In 35 years, I have only used my chain tool twice for myself and 5 or 6 times for other riders, so they are rarely needed, but... how would you put your spare quick link in without first removing the pins holding a broken link?

You might be able to knock the pins out with a nail whacked with a big stone but I would rather use the chain tool! That is on a multi-tool so there are other tools which also come in handy.

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

In 35 years, I have only used my chain tool twice for myself and 5 or 6 times for other riders, so they are rarely needed, but... how would you put your spare quick link in without first removing the pins holding a broken link?

On my short solo rides, I'm seldom more than 20km from home and if I don't fancy walking back or to the nearest LBS, my wife knows where to find the key for my van.

On a group ride, I figure someone will have one.

There have been two occasions where I've had problems with chains. Once was a snapped timing chain on a tandem that I was riding solo, so without spare links I wasn't going anywhere. The other was a chain that I twisted up so badly, I decided to walk home. I was a bit lax with bike maintenance in those days.

The bike I ride most is belt drive anyway!