Butyl, Latex, or TPU Tubes?
by John Neugent
Tech articles | Commentary articles
John Neugent probably knows more about bicycle wheels than anyone else alive. Maybe more about bikes as well. He's spent his life in the bike business, at every level. He now owns Neugent Cycling, a firm devoted to delivering world-class equipment at the lowest possible price. If you are in the market for a set of wheels, please, check out John's site. He really knows his stuff. —Chairman Bill
John Neugent
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John Neugent writes:
Butyl, Latex, or TPU Tubes?
Material and Weight
• Butyl Tubes: Made from synthetic rubber, they are the heaviest of the three but offer excellent air retention and durability.
• Latex Tubes: Made from natural latex rubber, they are lightweight and provide the lowest rolling resistance, making them ideal for performance riders. However, they lose air quickly and require frequent inflation.
• TPU Tubes: Made from thermoplastic polyurethane, they are the lightest option and combine good air retention with high elasticity. They are also compact and easy to carry as spares.
Air Retention
• Butyl: Best air retention; requires less frequent inflation.
• Latex: Poor air retention; needs inflation before every ride.
• TPU: Better than latex but slightly worse than butyl; holds air well for extended periods.
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Rolling Resistance
• Butyl: Highest rolling resistance among the three.
• Latex: Lowest rolling resistance, offering maximum efficiency for performance riders.
• TPU: Close to latex in rolling resistance, making it a strong contender for performance applications.
Durability
• Butyl: Most durable; resistant to punctures and wear over time.
• Latex: Least durable; prone to punctures and damage during installation or use.
• TPU: More durable than latex but less so than butyl. TPU tubes are also harder to patch compared to latex.
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Ride Feel
• Butyl: Least responsive ride feel due to its stiffer material.
• Latex: Most supple and connected ride feel, enhancing comfort and terrain feedback.
• TPU: Falls between butyl and latex in terms of responsiveness and comfort.
Cost
• Butyl: Most affordable option ($8–$20).
• Latex: Slightly more expensive ($15–$30).
• TPU: The most expensive ($15–$40), reflecting its advanced material properties.
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Which is Best?
The "best" tube depends on your priorities:
1. Everyday Use/Commuting: Butyl is reliable, affordable, and requires minimal maintenance.
2. Performance Riding/Racing: Latex offers the best ride feel and efficiency but demands more upkeep.
3. Lightweight Performance & Versatility: TPU provides a balance of low weight, good air retention, and durability, making it ideal for high-performance riders who want convenience without switching to tubeless setups.
For most riders seeking a mix of performance and practicality, TPU tubes may offer the best overall value despite their higher cost.
John Neugent was was one of the first to establish quality hand building in Taiwan around the turn of the century. He now owns Neugent Cycling, a firm devoted to delivering world-class equipment at the lowest possible price.