RideNow TPU inner tubes are widely praised as a lightweight, affordable upgrade over butyl tubes, with most reviewers citing significant weight savings, compact packed size, and good puncture resistance. However, durability and installation are common concerns: some users report slow leaks after a few hundred kilometers, and the included patch kits are often ineffective. The tubes are generally considered a good value for weight-conscious cyclists, but not a direct replacement for tubeless or latex in terms of ride feel and repairability.
Pros
- Significant weight savings: 70% lighter than butyl tubes, saving about 100g per tube or 150g over both wheels.12
- Compact packed size allows carrying two instead of one butyl tube, or fitting in small saddle bags.324
- Affordable compared to branded TPU alternatives, often around £10-£15 per pair.256
- Good puncture resistance, comparable to or slightly better than butyl tubes.173
- Slightly lower rolling resistance than butyl tubes.12
- Improved air retention with newer black or metal valve stems.287
- Available in many sizes for road, gravel, MTB, and Brompton.257
- Includes a patch kit (though effectiveness varies).314
Cons
- Included patch kits are often ineffective; proper repair requires rubber cement and tube material patches.319
- More difficult to install than butyl tubes due to thin material; requires careful handling to avoid pinching.31
- Some users report slow leaks after 200-300 km, leading to abandonment.3
- Not compatible with rim brakes due to heat concerns.19
- Ultra-light versions (18g) may compromise durability.4
- Plastic valve stems can develop leaks at the bonded joint over time.9
- Road feel not as good as latex tubes or tubeless setups.2
Key Facts
- Weights range from 18g to 50g depending on model and size; standard 36g version measured at 32g by one reviewer and 50g for a gravel version claimed at 45g.216
- Fits 700c tires from 18c to 47c depending on model; gravel version fits 32-47c.26
- Made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).27
- Price varies: around £10-£12.50 per tube, or bundles like 4 for £20; cheaper than branded alternatives like Pirelli or Tubolito.465
- Upgraded models feature aluminum valve stems and removable valve cores.73
- Not recommended for rim brakes due to heat concerns; disc brake only.19
- TPU tubes do not fully recover their original shape after inflation, making reuse in smaller tires difficult.9
Sources
- 1Trace Velo2 sources
- 2China Cycling2 sources
- 3nikinik3 sources
- 4Tom Bowers Cycling10 AliExpress Bike Upgrades Ranked by Cost Per Gram
- 5Everything's Been DoneCheap Bike Gear That’s Actually Worth Buying
- 6BikeRadar13 Cheap AliExpress Bike Parts That Are Surprisingly Good (+ 2 That Suck)
- 7BikeLabHQ2 sources
- 8henrychungfitnessFive GREAT AliExpress Gravel Road Bike Parts - Review
- 9MAE BikrDoes GCN have it right about TPU tubes?
Reviews & Ratings
17:39The reviewer mentions the RideNow Race Formula TPU inner tubes only briefly as part of a cost breakdown of his AliExpress gravel bike build. He states he used the TPU RideNow gravel version, which cost €9.49 each, and lists the total for both tubes at €19.13 after customs fees and coupons. No performance, durability, or ride-quality feedback is given about the tubes.
18:22The reviewer discusses the RideNow Race Formula TPU Inner Tube as a top value weight-saving upgrade for cyclists prioritizing weight reduction, such as for hill climb builds. They use the standard 36-gram version, noting that while lighter 18-gram tubes exist, those risk durability compromises. The reviewer praises the quality of RideNow TPU tubes as among the best Chinese options and highlights significant weight savings compared to stock butyl tubes, along with the added benefit of compactness for saddle bags. However, they note that TPU tubes are difficult to repair after punctures.
12:06The RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit is not mentioned in this video.
21:18The reviewer briefly mentions using TPU inner tubes in their Continental GP 5000 tires on their Elite Wheels EN 2.0 wheelset. They note that they have ridden these tubes for about 3,000-4,000 kilometers and experienced only one failure, which they attribute to riding with too low air pressure on poor asphalt. They do not provide a detailed review of the RideNow Ultralight TPU inner tube specifically.
14:23The reviewer discusses the RideNow TPU inner tube, noting it is a gravel tube weighing 45 grams (though they measured 50 grams). They highlight its compact size and light weight compared to traditional butyl tubes, making it a good option for saddle bags. The tube fits tires from 32 to 47C. They mention the price is around £10 each, or bundle deals like four for £20, which is cheaper than branded alternatives like Pirelli or Tubolito (around £20 each). The reviewer considers it a quality product with a good reputation, worth the extra cost over no-name brands.
16:33The reviewer tests RideNow TPU tubes to challenge GCN's claims about TPU tube characteristics. He finds that while TPU tubes are not completely inelastic, they do not fully recover their original shape after inflation, making reuse in smaller tires difficult. He recommends using fresh tubes for flats and patching them later with proper patch kits like Park GP-2.
10:08The reviewer discusses TPU inner tubes as a key part of their every ride carry for puncture repair. They describe them as an evolutionary step in inner tube technology that is very light and packs down very compactly, allowing them to carry two instead of one traditional butyl tube. They state that the whole cycling community agrees the included patches do not work at all. While they are more difficult to install than butyl tubes and require more care due to the thin material, the reviewer personally would never go back to butyl tubes and considers them the right option.
05:56The reviewer discusses the RideNow TPU inner tubes, highlighting their lightweight and compact design, which makes them ideal for carrying during rides. They also mention the included patch kit and removable valve core as useful features.
07:46The reviewer discusses their experience with the RideNow TPU inner tubes, which they initially wanted to like due to their small size, affordability, and lightweight nature. However, they encountered performance issues, with both tubes developing slow leaks after relatively short distances (200 km for the first and 300 km for the second). This led them to abandon the tubes in favor of tubeless setups.
13:16The RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit is not mentioned in this video.
08:06The reviewer discusses TPU tubes from AliExpress in general, not the specific RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube model. They state that TPU tubes are the lightest, strongest, and most packable insurance policy for flats, even with tubeless setups. They found a deal for two tubes, tire levers, and a patch kit for $12, which is significantly cheaper than brand-name alternatives like Pirelli. The tubes are available in various sizes for road, gravel, and mountain biking and are small enough to be left in a repair kit indefinitely.
10:44The reviewer briefly mentions the RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit but does not provide detailed analysis.
14:50The RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit is not mentioned in this video.
08:44The reviewer mentions the RideNow TPU inner tubes briefly when discussing the wheel and tire setup. They state that these TPU inner tubes are used inside the Continental GP 5000 tires and express personal approval of them, noting their lightweight nature and ease of portability.
11:10The reviewer briefly mentions the RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit but does not provide detailed analysis.
17:44The reviewer discusses the upgraded RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube, highlighting its improvements over the previous model and butyl tubes. They mention its benefits for cycling performance and practicality.
23:00The reviewer discusses the RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube as a significant upgrade from traditional butyl tubes, highlighting its compact size, lightweight nature, and ease of installation.
19:43The reviewer briefly mentions the RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit but does not provide detailed analysis.
14:15The reviewer briefly discusses the RideNow TPU inner tubes, noting their improved pressure retention compared to previous versions and their lightweight, compact design.
11:58The reviewer briefly mentions the RideNow TPU Inner Tube Road Bike 700x18C 25C 28C 32C 38C French Valve Gravel MTB Bike 29x1.5 1.75 Ultralight Bicycle inner tube but does not provide detailed analysis.
12:27The reviewer briefly mentions the RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C 700x18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40 47C Road Bicycle Tire MTB Bike Camera 29x1.5 1.75 1.9 pneu aro but does not provide detailed analysis.
12:13The reviewer discusses the RideNow Ultralight inner tubes extensively, highlighting their lightweight TPU material, affordability compared to competitors, and performance. They mention using these tubes across various bike setups, including road, gravel, and mountain bikes, and note the updated black valves as an improvement over earlier transparent versions. The reviewer compares these tubes to butyl, latex, and tubeless setups, emphasizing weight savings and space efficiency for saddle bags.
22:43The reviewer mentions the RideNow TPU tubes as part of a tire and tube upgrade, stating they are significantly lighter than the original Specialized inner tubes and contribute to reduced rolling resistance.
22:07The reviewer briefly mentions the RideNow Ultralight 19g 24g 36g Bike Inner Tube 700 x 18 25 28 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire French Valve Super Light but does not provide detailed analysis.
17:46The reviewer discusses the RideNow Ultralight TPU inner tubes, highlighting their significant weight reduction compared to regular rubber tubes. They mention the ultra-light version weighs 21g (despite being advertised as 19g) and notes its compatibility with disc brakes only due to heat concerns with rim brakes.
13:05The reviewer discusses the RideNow Ultralight TPU inner tubes, highlighting their significant weight reduction compared to standard butyl rubber tubes and their performance benefits.
20:34The reviewer briefly mentions the RideNow Ultralight 19g 24g 36g Bike Inner Tube 700 x 18 25 28 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire French Valve Super Light but does not provide detailed analysis.
17:37The reviewer briefly mentions the RideNow Ultralight Bike Inner Tube 700 X18 32 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire 65mm Length French Valve Super Light but does not provide detailed analysis.
37:36The RideNow Ultralight 19g 24g 36g Bike Inner Tube 700 x 18 25 28 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire French Valve Super Light is not mentioned in this video.
PattyL75Where to Buy
| Rating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
pandapodium.ccAffiliate · MyBikeParts | – | – | 5.0(1) | |
pandapodium.ccAffiliate · MyBikeParts | – | – | 5.0(1) | |
pandapodium.ccAffiliate · MyBikeParts | – | – | 5.0(8) | |
pandapodium.ccAffiliate · MyBikeParts | – | – | 5.0(2) | |
pandapodium.ccAffiliate · MyBikeParts | – | $36 | – | 0.0(0) |
aliexpress.com#1005006573052438Affiliate · MyBikeParts Jarebikeyiwu Store96% positive | 4.8(1938)10,000+ sold | |||
aliexpress.com#1005005990189733Affiliate · MyBikeParts YC Go Outdoor Cycling Store99% positive | 4.9(316)5,000+ sold | |||
aliexpress.com#1005006960622832Affiliate · MyBikeParts Top Point Cycling Store4.9/5 · 97% positive Price last checked about 1 year ago | 4.9(119)2,000+ sold | |||
aliexpress.com#1005005218432155Affiliate · MyBikeParts 360 go on Store4.9/5 · 97% positive Price last checked 2 months ago | 4.8(52)500+ sold | |||
aliexpress.com#1005005333541699Affiliate · MyBikeParts Shop911442061 Store4.9/5 · 97% positive Price last checked 8 months ago | 4.8(37)500+ sold | |||
aliexpress.us#3256804934426208Affiliate · MyBikeParts Manufacturer Direct Store96% positive Price last checked 5 months ago | €1– €6 | $9 | – | 4.8(291) |
aliexpress.us#3256803917157538Affiliate · MyBikeParts BikeGPS Store97% positive Price last checked 3 months ago | €10– €77 | $24 | – | 5.0(18) |
aliexpress.com#1005005136075210Affiliate · MyBikeParts Price last checked 4 months ago | €13 | $11 | £11 | – |
Variants
| Configuration | Bike Type | Bead Seat Diameter (ETRTO) | Tire Width Min | Tire Width Max | Valve Lengths | Valve Standard | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AllRoad 700x28-38C | All-Road | 622 mm | 28 mm | 38 mm | 45 / 65 / 85 mm | Presta (SV) | 39g |
| E-Bike 29in 622x1.9-2.5 | E-Bike | 622 mm | 48 mm | 64 mm | 45 mm | Schrader (AV) | 56g |
| MTB 24in 507x1.5-2.0 | MTB | 507 mm | 40 mm | 51 mm | 45 mm | Presta (SV) | 38g |
| MTB 24in 540x1.9-2.5 | MTB | 540 mm | 48 mm | 64 mm | 45 mm | Presta (SV) | 60g |
| MTB 26-27.5in 559-584x1.3-2.0 | MTB | — | 33 mm | 51 mm | 45 mm | Presta (SV) | 42g |
| MTB 27.5in 584x1.9-2.5 | MTB | 584 mm | 48 mm | 64 mm | 45 mm | Presta (SV) | 48g |
| MTB 29in 622x1.9-2.5 | MTB | 622 mm | 48 mm | 64 mm | 45 / 65 mm | Presta (SV) | 56g |
| Road 26in 520x23-32C | Road | 520 mm | 23 mm | 32 mm | 45 / 65 mm | Presta (SV) | 26g |
| Road 650B 584x22-32C | Road | 584 mm | 22 mm | 32 mm | 45 / 65 mm | Presta (SV) | 28g |
| Road 650C 571x22-32C | Road | 571 mm | 22 mm | 32 mm | 45 / 65 mm | Presta (SV) | 27g |
| Road 700x18-28C Super Light | Road | 622 mm | 18 mm | 28 mm | 45 / 65 / 85 mm | Presta (SV) | 24g |
| Road 700x18-28C Ultra Light | Road | 622 mm | 18 mm | 28 mm | 45 / 65 / 85 mm | Presta (SV) | 19g |
| Road 700x18-32C Light | Road | 622 mm | 18 mm | 32 mm | 45 / 65 / 85 mm | Presta (SV) | 36g |
Specifications
Attributes
Spotted an error in the specs? Help us correct it — sign in or create an account.
Questions about RideNow Race Formula TPU Inner Tube
Sign up and share your experience — help other riders decide!
Create Account & Review














