Bike Tubes: Butyl, Latex, and TPU Explained

   THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BUTYL, LATEX, AND TPU TUBES 

Since the advent of tubeless tires and their widespread adoption in professional road racing several years ago, tubeless tires have become the primary option for racing tire setups—they offer lower rolling resistance than butyl-tube tires and greater puncture resistance.

But in the last few years, the humble inner tube has come roaring back, at least on the road. (When it comes to gravel and trail riding, tubeless tires are here to stay.) In many cases, they offer more benefits and less hassle than road tubeless setups. Even some pro teams have swapped back to or continued using tubes in certain instances. 

The tubes we're talking about are not the standard, thick, heavy butyl tubes we’re all familiar with. We're talking about tubes made from latex and, more recently, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The ultralight and highly packable TPU tubes are the latest innovation in tire-inflation technology; they offer close to the same rolling resistance performance as latex tubes, but at roughly half the weight. They’re so good in some cases that I’m running tubes—and not tubeless—in most of my road wheels. That’s a pretty seismic change for me and other cyclists I know.

The change didn’t happen quickly. Early versions of TPU tubes used plastic valve stems, which were unreliable simply due to their fragility. Most TPU tubes now use alloy valve stems, and in my experience, have been as reliable as any other tube. Their only real downside is their price. Depending on the brand, they can cost up to three times as much as a butyl inner tube. But the performance gains you get make them a great value compared to other upgrades, and as more options become available, prices have started to come down as well.

Material: Butyl

This is the style of tube that has been inside almost every bike tire since the 1950s. Butyl, a synthetic rubber primarily made from isobutylene, is cheap, durable, and holds air extremely well, losing only about one psi per day. Tubes made from butyl are not light, though—weighing 100 grams or more per tube. Plus, butyl lacks the elasticity of latex and TPU, so it creates more rolling resistance than the other tube types. 

• Best for Any rider who values ease of use and low maintenance. 
• Advantages Cheap, repairable, excellent air retention, wide availability in every tire size. 
• Disadvantages Heavy and slower rolling resistance.

Material: Latex

Natural latex rubber tubes actually predate butyl. But butyl's superior air retention made it the dominant option for decades. Latex tubes have made a significant comeback in racing over the last five years, thanks to their improved rolling resistance, lower weight, and enhanced comfort compared to butyl tubes. 

• Best for Racers and riders looking to maximize speed and comfort, without the hassle of tubeless 
• Advantages: Lowest rolling resistance, lighter than butyl, and more comfortable
• Disadvantages: Can lose as much as 10 psi per day; needs to be pumped up before every ride.

Material: TPU

Thermoplastic polyurethane tubes are the latest evolution in tubes. They are incredibly light, pack up as small as a mini Clif bar, and roll nearly as fast as a latex inner tube.

• Best for Weight weenies and racers willing to pay for the lightest, most compact tube option
• Advantages: Ultra-light, excellent air retention, and good rolling resistance
• Disadvantages: Expensive and requires a TPU-specific patch kit

Minutes from the 

HBC Club Meeting 

10/7/2025

7:45 p.m. Karen Gellert called the meeting to order

Approval of prior meeting’s minutes - Jeff Erlitz made a motion to accept, David Hirsch seconded

Financial Report - Anthony Oliveri

Holiday Party - John Greene - November 1, 2025 - Harbor Yacht Club; cost is $45.00 before October 21, 2025 and $55.00 after that date

Membership - Sal Levy - 274 total members; 5 new members; need to get more people out on the rides

Gave out checks from Gold Coast - Dan Flanzig - Bike Coalition $1,000 - this money allows them to do the lobbying work that is so important for bicyclists

Long Island Cares - John Probert - $1,500; 30% increase in demand over the past year and expecting to see more due to holidays and changes to government programs

Received two thank you’s from the Gold Coast donations - (1) Kids Need More - Camp Adventure for kids with cancer their families and (2) Lois Lubash re: Dementia Society contribution.

Board Nominations - Scott Gross - sent email and received nominations. People can nominate today.

President - no candidates right now; names put forth were Sal Levy, John Greene, Larry Denbaum, Malachy O’Connor, Ken Abbott, Steve Labiner, Dan Panzenbeck, Bob McLaughlin

Vice President and Ride Chairman - Sal Levy

Secretary - Susan Farren

Treasurer - Anthony Oliveri

Scott is leaving the Board - John Greene nominated to take his place

Sal will be leaving if he is Vice President - David Hirsch is nominated to take his place

We could do a term limit with a roll up of each position moving up to the next position after 2 years, but would require an amendment to the By-Laws 

What about Co-Presidents - would require a change in the by-laws

Scott talked to Ken about this possibility

Ken feels he cannot take on the responsibility at this time

Karen put the official duties of the President in Folks on Spokes

What about Tom Gellert?  Scott Gross asked him and Tom declined

John Seidlecki was asked if he would consider taking the President position and he declined

Karen - President should be someone that looks out for the entire club, all rides and safety of all riders

Karen announced that the Board voted to have the Gold Coast again next year.

8:28 Jeff Erlitz made motion to close the meeting and Dan Panzenbeck seconded the motion.