Buying Guide for Bike Tubes
Bike tubes are inner tubes, or balloons, that attach your wheels to your bike frame. Their purpose is to reduce the friction between the wheel and the bike frame and add stability to the vehicle. Also, when you ride your bike, the tube around the frame holds the bike's parts together and makes the ride safer. This makes them the crucial investment you can make for your bike. But, these days, everyone is selling tubes. You can get them in every size, shape, and material, and they are all served with a lifetime warranty. Thus, it seems like a simple, no-brainer product to buy. But then you look at the long list of companies that make bike tubes, and it becomes clear that there is no single "best" brand. This makes it important to look at all those factors that will help you buy the best one. Our buying guide will explain all those factors along with the benefits of buying these tubes.
Benefits of Bike Tubes
Helps Ride Smoothly
Whether you're an avid cyclist or a weekend warrior, you need to keep your bike moving as smoothly as possible. Bike tubes are an essential part of this process. They make your bike run smoothly, and also absorb road vibrations so you can stay in control.
Prevent Accidents
When you drive, there's a chance that you might slip and fall. That's why it is important to get a good quality tube installed. These tubes are used to keep the tires of the bicycle from leaving the ground, so the bike rider can stay on the bike. This helps to prevent any injuries or accidents to occur.
Easy to Install
Besides all the usual benefits that come with having a bike tube, there are a few more that are worth mentioning. For one, they are easy to install, since they are already pre-cut, and some come with a gripper that makes handling the tube easier. Also, some come with a reflective strip for safety.
Durable
Bike tubes are durable, and they're designed to last for years. That's important, since you may ride your bike a lot, especially if you ride on rough terrain. Plus, if you're a pro racer, you don't want to have to replace a tube every two or three races. That's why bike tubes is here to help.
Factors to Consider before Buying Bike Tubes
Size
Trying to buy the right bike tube for your bike can be a bit confusing if you're not too familiar with bike components. But there is a bit of science to bike tubes, especially when it comes to the width and length of your bike tube. These measurements are important because they are the lengths you should keep in mind when installing your tubes.
Material
We all have our favorites among bike tube. Some like carbon fiber, others like steel. Many choose carbon for its weight savings, while others prefer the flex and damping of a steel tube or the comfort of a straight steel tube. Each material has its pros and cons. Before purchasing a new tube, know which materials suit your ride.
Valve Type
Valve type refers to the shape and material of the valve. There are many types to choose from, from round to oval to clincher. Which valve type you choose will depend on your bike and your riding style. But, of all the different valve types, the air valves are thought to be the best. Hence, we recommend you prefer air valves.
Valve length
When buying bike tubes, it's important to look at valve length. The valve length is the measurement of the length of the cycling tube between the valve and the rim. Valve length affects how your tube rides on the rim and works with your tire. So, along with valve type, it is important to look at valve length before buying.
Conclusion
Bike tubes are an important part of any cyclist's kit, and there are a few things to consider when purchasing them. Firstly, think about the type of bike you have and the size of the tires. You will need to make sure you get the right size tube for your bike. Secondly, consider the type of riding you do. If you are a mountain biker you will need a different tube than a road cyclist. Thirdly, think about your budget. Bike tubes range in price from around $5 to $30. Finally, consider what brand you want to buy.
You may want to checkout the different type of bike pumps available. Our featured section above contains some of the best products available, so take a look to know more about your buying options. We review and recommend leading products based on design, performance, money value, and ease of use.
