BIKETUBES 26 X 4.0"-4.5" TPU Tubes: Final Review

 Note: Guitar Ted purchased three BIKETUBES 26" X 4.0"-4.5" TPU tubes for test/review. BIKETUBES has no knowledge of this review previous to this post and all opinions are Guitar Ted's.

This is the final review of the new fat bike sized TPU tubes from BIKETUBES. My mid-term report and a link back to the introduction can be found HERE. 

Please go back to find out the technical details, first impressions, and what I found that I did and did not like about these tubes at that point. This post will focus on my latest impressions and final word on these TPU fat bikes tubes. 

To start out, I wanted to address the air retention of these TPU fat bike tubes. I had reported that I had found there to be some leak-down which wasn't consistent with other TPU tubes I've tried. 

Fortunately since that time I haven't noted any big air pressure losses and these tubes are acting much more in line with my expectations for a TPU tube. I don't know why I was seeing the drop in pressure from the one check I reported on, but it may have been due to "operator error", so I think I will just run with that. 

Also, since the last update we had a run of really cold weather here. This was a chance to see how these tubes would adapt to sub-freezing temperatures. I got a ride in with the air temperature down in the teens (F) and saw no ill effect. I cannot speak to what might happen at sub-zero temperatures.

Our lack of snow meant that a little bushwhacking was in order.

I was able to get into some fat bike style rambling through a freshly cut ravine with a sand base. The surface was severely pockmarked by deer hooves and there were several embedded branches. This tested out the TPU tubes ability to conform to oddly shaped trail surfaces to see if the tires and tubes would work. 

I had a good ride and the tires were working well over the debris and deer tracks. I think it was better than with butyl tubes, but I would have guessed that seeing as how these old Larry tires are transformed by using TPU tubes. So, I think TPU is an upgrade over butyl rubber for tire performance. Especially in a fat bike application. 

Conclusions: TPU tubes seem flimsy, weird, and are expensive. However; they have come a long way in a short time, proving themselves in many situations, and saving weight, and more importantly, lowering rolling resistance. All without having the hassles of a tubeless set up. 

These fat bike tubes made a huge difference in the way this fat bike I've had for over a decade rides. In fact, it has made the bike lighter, more fun to ride, and has transformed the tires which weren't all that great to begin with. Now? They feel like more modern day, high performance fat bike tires. It makes me wonder how these TPU tubes would do in nicer tires. 

I'm not a big fan of the valve stems on these tubes. They are TPU material, or some other plastic, bendy, and not threaded so they cannot be fixed against the rim. This makes inflation a fiddly chore because you have to be very careful not to damage the stem. 

Air retention is, despite my early surprise, rock solid. TPU tubes have a reputation for holding air better than butyl tubes can. Some might fear that TPU tubes will puncture easier, but in most testing I have seen, this isn't true. TPU has a claim of being more resistant to punctures. I did not have any troubles, so I cannot speak to that facet of using a TPU tube. I do know that it is imperative that you use talc powder or baby powder with these TPU tubes or scuffing the TPU material inside the tire during usage may cause premature failures. It isn't any different with other tube materials, however butyl rubber does resist this issue far better without talc/baby powder.

TPU tubes have a much smaller size when rolled up compared to a butyl tube. This and the much lighter weight of TPU makes a TPU tube a great option for a bail-out solution even if you do run tubeless. They take up far less room in a bag and cut off a lot of dead weight.

So, despite the higher initial cost of a TPU tube, I think the benefits of using them in a fat bike far outweigh the costs. Just in ride feel alone a TPU tube is convincing. I highly recommend trying these out if you run 3.8" to 4.6" tires. Keep in mind that TPU stretches but does not return to its original state when deflated. So, if you use one in a larger tire, you are stuck with it in that wheel. More sizes would be welcomed. As of this writing there were no 27.5" sized fat bike tubes, and there were no sizes for 4.6" + sized 26"er tires either. Hopefully that will change soon in the future for fat bikers.

BIKETUBES 26 X 4.0"-4.5" TPU Tubes: Review Part 2

 Note: Guitar Ted purchased three BIKETUBES 26" X 4.0"-4.5" TPU tubes for test/review. BIKETUBES has no knowledge of this review previous to this post and all opinions are Guitar Ted's.

Image courtesy of BIKETUBES.

The TPU tubes for fat bikes which I am using were introduced a while back. That post can be read HERE in case you missed it. 

In this post I will be relating my first impressions and observations so far on how these tubes are doing with my riding so far here. 

Air Pressure:

I noted right away that the TPU fat bike tubes did not support the tires as well as the thicker, bulkier butyl tubes. These TPU tubes allow for a lot more tire flex and this can be seen two ways. 

One: It isn't maybe so great for some fat bike set ups and for using really low pressures for maximum flotation and traction. With a butyl tube the pressures can be run as low as almost zero and the tires tend to stay on and you can get maximum grip and flotation that way. However; I have to wonder if the TPU tubes either won't go to that extreme at even slightly higher pressures, or perhaps this is really all that needs to be done here. My instincts here are to say that I could do a similar thing as I could with a butyl tube, I just would not have to go so low in air pressure settings. 

Which leads me to number two: I needed to use a higher pressure to get a similar feel to what I was used to. Example: I would have never considered using anything higher than 10psi with a butyl tube. However; I not only am now using up to 10psi, I still don't see a similar feel to butyl tubes at this pressure compared to the 6psi - 8psi I used to use.And that is not a bad thing. The tires with TPU tubes feel amazingly smoother than with butyl rubber tubes in them.

Obviously (see image above) we just haven't had optimal conditions for snow/flotation. So, that low pressure thing will have to wait. I am pretty convinced that these tubes will be best if you shift your pressure ranges you are used to slightly higher. 

Finally, while other TPU tubes I've tried hold air quite well, these fat bike TPU tubes are not quite as good as what I expected in this regard. I noted that it only took about 3-4 days for my pressure to go from just under 10psi to about seven. That doesn't seem like much. Not even 3psi, right? But with a fat bike, 3psi is a huge difference. I plan on keeping a closer eye on this trait going forward. 

So, there might be a pressure holding issue and I don't like the valve stem design. That stem is just not robust enough and with no threaded/nut system to hold it against the rim, you have to be very careful with the stem as it is delicate. In fact, I have to wonder if using really low pressures might not cause a sheared valve stem problem. 

I'll be back with more in about a month or so. Stay tuned....

Friday News And Views

 Job Anniversary: 

This past week I observed my third anniversary of starting work at the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective. In case you are unfamiliar with this organization, they are a non-profit organization which benefits the community by recycling used bicycles either back into service or by being responsibly recycled via a local recycling/scrap company. 

We benefit local veterans who need transportation by providing free bicycles and accessories, as well as providing bicycles for other individuals in need. We support various area children's bicycling programs such as bicycle rodeos, Summer programs, and childrens benefit organizations. We also provide safety checks and educational opportunities as well as supporting local events via our Bike Valet program. 

There is more to it than that, but as you might be able to see by now, this is no "bike shop" gig. I get to turn wrenches, do mechanical repairs, and solve problems like I always have done for years, but added into the mix is a genuinely rewarding experience in helping others and making a difference in the community. Things I did not really get out of being a bike shop rat. 

So, I remember this week with gratitude and I don't take this opportunity lightly. It has been an amazing three years, and I cannot believe it has been three years already. But it has and I hope to add more years to that total going forward. If you have a bicycle cooperative/collective/non-profit in your community, I urge you to support that organization in some way this year. Either by volunteering or by donation. These organizations really impact the environment and the people who need bicycles for transportation and recreation.

A Light & Motion bike light on a handlebar (Image courtesy of Grannygear)

Light & Motion Ceases Business Activities:

On January 14th news hit the web concerning the bicycle, scuba, video, and photography lighting company, Light & Motion, who published an announcement that they were ceasing operations immediately. 

A story from "Bikemag" with some comments from the CEO of Light & Motion can be seen by clicking HERE. 

Comments: While many brands have ceased operations after the exit from COVID, this is one of the more well-known brands to close its doors. While Rocky Mountain and GT Bikes have "paused operations", which might leave the door open for some sort of "unpausing", I would assume, this announcement has a bit more of an air of finality to it. 

Citing "political winds" as one of the reasons for the closure, Light & Motion ends with an over 35 year run of manufacturing its products in the USA. It is no secret that the LED lighting segment for cycling is a super-competitive market and that many companies offer excellent lights for very competitive price points. So, by sticking to its guns with regard to doing things stateside, and by having product that was priced at a more premium level, it is not hard to understand how that and the downturn in sales for cycling overall has perhaps forced this action by Light & Motion. 

Snow Dog Update:

Since I rolled out the old Snow Dog again to test those BIKETUBES TPU fat bike tubes, I had to do some updating. I was using an old Archer electronic shifting box deal which could shift incompatible parts, and well, that was no longer an option here. Archer is done as a company and I didn't want to try using the app anymore to set up the thing since it isn't being supported as far as I could tell. 

So I fished out a roll of 4mm derailleur housing in silver and an old SRAM 9 speed shifter. I already had a SRAM rear derailleur mounted, so I figured that would work.

Except this was a SRAM shifter compatible with Shimano. Doh! Okay..... Back to the bins. I fished around and found an 11 speed Ultegra long cage derailleur. Probably the one that came on my Tamland Two? Maybe.... Well, that went on there and with a few adjustments, bingo! I had a working rear derailleur and shifter. 

You may be thinking, "Wait! That's an 11 speed rear derailleur running with a 9 speed chain and shifter? Isn't that forbidden?" And I say, "Don't try this at home, folks!" It's another instance of a mechanic doing what "they say" cannot be done. That's all. I would never tell anyone else this would work. Why? Because, well.....for you it probably wouldn't, and then it would be my fault for saying it does work. That's why. So, I'm saying "this doesn't work", but I'm going with it anyway. 

Remember, it is all fun and games until it breaks. Then if that describes you, and you end up with a failure, or worse, it is because you tried this. It will be your fault. I said it does not work. So there. 

And I will have an update on the tubes soon. 

Image from the Jan. 15th social media post.

Robidoux Roubaix Is Back:

Last August the race director of the Robidoux Roubaix, a gravel race in Western Nebraska, announced that the event was on "indefinite pause" status. 

Specifying a lack of concern by riders for safety and other safety related concerns for race directors of gravel events, the event was taken off the calendar. Now in an Instagram post dated January 15th, the event posted the following quote pulled from a longer statement. 

"It turns out that a little four month break, escaping an unfulfilling 9 to 5, and starting to ride bikes again was enough of a mental boost to remember why I’ve always loved hosting Robidoux!"

Comments: The statement directed readers to register now and that more details would be released about the new routes and more soon.

No mention of the concern about rider safety and conduct at gravel races. This, on one hand, seems odd, but it all may get addressed in future communications, so as of this time, I cannot really comment on this point other than to say the question is there to be answered. What about the previous safety concerns? 

I like that this event came back, however, if just for selfish reasons. I think the area would be a spectacular place to ride, and so I've always had a soft spot in my heart for doing the event. Not that it will ever happen. Especially now with a carless Guitar Ted! 

That's it for this time. Have a great weekend and ride those bicycles!

BIKETUBES 26 X 4.0"-4.5" TPU Tubes: Review

The BIKETUBES TPU fat bike tube.

Note: Guitar Ted purchased three BIKETUBES 26" X 4.0"-4.5" TPU tubes for test/review. BIKETUBES has no knowledge of this review previous to this post and all opinions are Guitar Ted's

The TPU innertube has caused quite a stir since it came aroiund several years ago. Limited sizes, stories of fragility, and the price kept a lot of folks away. However; more sizes, stronger designs, and lower prices have conspired to create something of a buzz around TPU tubes. 

I recently discovered that TPU tubes are now available in fat bike tire sizes with both 26" and 27.5" diameters being covered. There are no really wide sizes yet, but many riders could benefit from the 4.0 - 4.5" width that is being offered at this time. 

I ordered three of these tubes. Two to go in my 2011 Salsa Cycles Mukluk and one as a spare for my Ti Mukluk. This use as a spare or bail-out tube is one of the benefits of TPU tubes. TPU tubes have less mass and take up a lot less space in your kit. I'll get to a comparison between butyl rubber fat bike tubes and these in a bit, but I will give you a spoiler - There is a massive difference! 

These tubes are available on BIKETUBES website and cost me about 68 bucks for three with free shipping. 

What It Is: TPU stands for "Thermoplastic Polyurethane". The material is made into tube shaped "hoses", cut to length, bonded at the ends, and fitted with a valve stem. TPU can be colored, it can be clear, and it is 100% recyclable. TPU tubes can be patched in case of a puncture, (and these tubes come with two patches each) but as of now, no sealant is recommended to be used in a TPU tube. The good news is that TPU tubes are better at resisting punctures than butyl rubber tubes. 

TPU tubes also feature the benefit of very low rolling resistance when used inside a bicycle tire. Research done by a competing TPU tube brand has shown that TPU tubes are almost as low, in terms of rolling resistance, as tubeless, and slightly better than a latex tube would be. This is a very big deal when it comes to fat bikes due to the increased surface area that the TPU tube contacts when inside a tire.

It doesn't take much convincing when it comes to pack size as to which tube I want.

Rolling resistance differences aside, what will really strike you at first is just how crazy light these fat bike TPU tubes are in comparison to a normal fat bike tube. Each TPU tube I purchased weighed in at around 143 -148 grams each with the TPU band and plastic Presta Valve cap. The total weight of butyl rubber tubes I removed was 965gms/2.13lbs. The total weight of the TPU tubes installed in the wheels of my Mukluk is 287 grams/.63lbs. The missing one and a half pounds makes a HUGE difference in rolling weight, not to mention the lowered rolling resistance. 

Installation: TPU tubes are not that much different than butyl tubes when it comes to installation with the exception that TPU can be a little fussy when it comes to giving the tube some shape to get it installed. It is also recommended by many TPU tube brands to lightly talc the insides of the tire. I already had this done so I was good to go. 

TPU is a little less friendly to abuses than butyl rubber during the installation process, so take care to not pinch the tube between the tire and rim, and by no means should you ever use a tool to install the tire. (That goes for butyl rubber tubes also) Proper installation technique will make this very possible. Being a bit gentle with TPU goes a long way toward success. 

My 2011 Mukluk. You cannot see the TPU tubes but they are in there.

My Mukluk still runs the old Larry 3.8 and Big Fat Larry, which is more like a 4.5"- 4.6" tire. The TPU tubes are rated for this range of sizes, and I had no issues getting the tires mounted. I used a SILCA Terra pump which is designed to measure more accurately at low pressures. I went with 8psi front and rear for the initial set up. 

The only negative I see is that the valve stem, which in this case is also made of plastic and could be easy to bend. Care needs to be taken when applying a pump head so as not to damage this stem material, whatever it is. 

The Ride: I took the Mukluk out on some local gravel, dirt, grassy fields, and alleys. The lack of weight was immediately noted, obviously, but what I did not see coming was how these more flexible tubes allow the fat tires to work better. Tubes made of butyl rubber give these tires a stiffer ride by far. I thought I had some fancy, high-TPI fat bike tires on the bike, not these old, stiff Larrys! 

I'm sure the lower rolling resistance is awesome and the weight is better, but I'm telling you that it is the tires and the way they feel 100% different, in a good way, than before is what I am most excited about. The ride was dead smooth and even riding over a small, two to three inch diameter branch was like riding over nothing but smooth pavement. I wouldn't even have known I rode over that but for seeing it coming and hearing it snap when I rode over it. (Note: I've pulled the Redshift ShockStop post since the image was taken and still feel the same about the tires.)

Too bad we don't have any snow to try this out on. I'm very curious to see if this newfound flexibility and smoothness would increase flotation and traction. But maybe later, eh? We've missed out on all the big storms so far this Winter. 

I'll be riding these in the coming weeks and be back with an update. So far, I am very impressed despite the possible fragile valve stems and the steep price.