The Best Bike Tube - 2021
We looked at the top 6 Bike Tubes and dug through the reviews from 10 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Bike Tubes.
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Our Picks For The Top Bike Tubes
- The Best Bike Tube
- 1. Continental 42mm Presta Valve Bike Tube
- 2. Bell Standard & Self Sealing Bike Tube
- 3. SCK 20-Inch Schrader Valve MTB Bike Tubes & Tire Levers, 2-Pack
- 4. Kenda Schrader Valve MTB Mountain Bike Tube, 2-Pack
- 5. Goodyear 48mm Presta Valve Bike Tube
- 6. Slime Schrader Valve Self-Sealing Bike Tube
Premium QualityThese premium bike tubes offer high quality for champion riders.
Prevents High-Pressure Blow OutsThese bike inner tubes are self-sealing with a standard Schrader valve.
Satisfaction GuaranteedButyl bike tubes come with two tire levers and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Great ValueThese good-quality, no-frills inner tubes for bikes come from a trusted brand.
Why we recommend these bike tubes?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 6 Bike Tubes and also dug through the reviews from 10 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Bike Tubes.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Continental 42mm Presta Valve Bike Tube
Our Take
These inner tubes pass a 100% quality-control inspection. They are seamless and mold-cured, providing uniform roundness. The valve cores are removable to add extenders.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
3. SCK 20-Inch Schrader Valve MTB Bike Tubes & Tire Levers, 2-Pack
Our Bike Tube Findings
Continental 42mm Presta Valve Bike Tube
What We Liked: These inner tubes pass a 100% quality-control inspection. They are seamless and mold-cured, providing uniform roundness. The valve cores are removable to add extenders.
Bell Standard & Self Sealing Bike Tube
What We Liked: Avoid any high-pressure blowouts with these mold-cured rubber inner tubes. They are reliably tested and work well for cruiser and mountain bike tires.
Kenda Schrader Valve MTB Mountain Bike Tube, 2-Pack
What We Liked: These bike inner tubes are designed for 26-inch tires, and have a width ranging from 1.9 inches to 2.125 inches. They have a Schrader valve, and two tubes are included in the box.
Slime Schrader Valve Self-Sealing Bike Tube
What We Liked: You won’t get any flats for two years with these bike inner tubes. The slime sealant repairs any punctures instantly. The tubes can be used with bikes, strollers, wheelchairs, wheelbarrows, snow blowers and more.
Our Bike Tube Buying Guide
If you’re experiencing issues with your bike tires, you may be thinking about getting a new bike tube. This is the part of the bike tire that actually holds the air and keeps your tire inflated. It is made of soft, pliable rubber. There is a small air valve on the tube which is where air goes in and out. The inner tube is protected and encased by the actual bike tire, which is made from a firm rubber casing. The bike tire ensures that any small items like glass, nails and debris do not puncture the inner tube. If the inner bike tube does get punctured, then it can be patched or replaced.
The most important element to check when buying a bike tube is the size. You’ll need to know the diameter of your wheel, in addition to the width of your tire, in order to pick the right sized bike tube. Typically your bike tire will have these dimensions on them, often written as diameter times width. If your bike tire says 24 x 1.75, for example, it means that the diameter of your bike tire is 24 inches and the width is 1.75 inches. Knowing this will help you select the right inner tube for your bike.
While you need to know the exact diameter of your bike, you don’t necessarily need to match the width of your bike tire exactly. This is because inner tubes are flexible and often serve a range of sizes when it comes to width. For example, the packaging may note that the inner tube will fit 1.75-2.125-inch tires. This means that you can safely use this inner tube if the width of your tire falls into that range. However, when it comes to diameter, you need to use the exact same measurement as your bike tire.
DWYM Fun Fact
In bicycles, the tubes work together with the rim of the tire to seal in air. You may notice that your bike tires differ from car tires — and also lose air more readily. As bike tires are much smaller and lighter than car tires, they are more prone to punctures and leaks. Using tubes allows you to replace the inner tube easily and cheaply compared to installing a new tire whenever that happens.
Car tires actually also had inner tubes until the 1950s, and some buses, trucks and motorcycle tires still do. Tubeless bicycles are now also available, but bicycles with inner tubes remain the most popular.
The Bike Tube Tips and Advice
- Be sure to select the right valve stem for the bike tube. This is the part of the wheel that enables air to go into the bike tube. There are three common types of valve stems: Schrader, Presta and Woods. The most common type of valve stem you’ll find is the Schrader, and this is found on most recreational bikes. The Presta valve stem is more professional in nature and tends to be used on bikes for competitive cyclists. The Woods valve stem is quite rare; it’s usually found on bikes in the Netherlands and some parts of Asia.
- The material of the bike’s inner tube affects its durability. Typically, tubes are made from butyl or latex. Butyl is a common and affordable option, and is available in multiple different sizes. Keep in mind that this material is heavier than latex and can cause rolling resistance. This kind of material is easy to patch and repair. Latex is a lighter option and causes less friction. However, it is also more costly, and can be fragile in some cases. It is more difficult to patch and repair as well.
About The Author
Anam Ahmed is a copywriter and essayist based in Toronto. She has been writing on technology, travel, parenting, and business for over 10 years, and works with a number of high-profile organizations. She values finding the best products to make people's lives easier. Anam earned an M.A. from the University of Toronto and a B.A.H. from Queen's University. Learn more at www.anamahmed.ca.