I’m trying to build a really light modernish road bike and so I’ve decided to try out TPU tubes. When they first hit the market, they were just too expensive for me, but the Thinvik tubes were about $10 each which isn’t so bad. They also have metal stems which seem like an improvement over some of the other options that have plastic stems, as I saw several reviews on other tubes saying the plastic stem had broken. Here are some pictures:
Weight
Very light, mine weighed in at just 39 grams. By comparison I have a Continental Race 28 tube here that weighs 140 grams. A 100-gram savings with one tube is quite amazing.
Stats
TPU material or Thermoplastic Polyurethane. Supposed to have some of the characteristics of rubber and plastic, claim is that its more puncture resistant and lighter. It is definitely lighter.
Metal stem 65mm
700 x 18-32mm size
Installation
Installation went very easy. I put enough air into it, so it held its shape and put it into the tire. Then I just installed the tire and tube the same as always. It has been installed and holding air for quite a few days now so seems to have gone well. The stem is a bit short for my 50mm deep carbon wheels. I chose the 65mm stem length which my research suggested was a good size, but it doesn’t come out of the rim very much. One of my pumps fits on it and the other doesn’t. If I had to I could also get a stem extender. But for now I do like the look of a short stem so I’m going with it and will just use the pump that fits, I guess. Oh it does come with a really nice-looking cap too.
Ride
I’m still working on building the bike so I will update later.
TPU tube claims
Lighter
Smaller when not inflated
High elasticity for better ride quality
More puncture resistant
Lower rolling resistance
Rating
Based on the price, weight, and easy installation, I’m gonna go with 5 out of 5 stars. Will update the review if I find issues with the tube.
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Frugal Average Bicyclist 
Patchable? Get your first flat and let us know how it goes.
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They do make patch kits for TPU tubes. I will definitely report back after first flat which hopefully isn’t soon. Tires are Gravel King slicks so not super flat resistant.
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I’ve been using a TPU tube in my front wheel only and a standard butyl tube in the rear. I do notice the difference, although the tubes (Pirelli) were expensive. Despite the fact you can only go as far 70 psi, I haven’t had an issue, plus they tend to lose air more slowly. So, I really like TPU tubes now and they’ve come down in price. Much better and less flat prone than latex tubes. I haven’t heard of Thinvik, I’ll have to check it out.
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Thanks for sharing your experience.
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There’s a lot of cycling, mountain biking and road bikes that cycle in Innerleithen and the Tweed valley where we live. But I am not a cyclist. Only rode to school and back about 50 years ago ☺️
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Ps thanks for visiting my post.
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Great low impact exercise. You might wanna consider getting back to it.
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Thanks…and we have lots of cycling and hiking paths here
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Thank you for liking my post. I subscribe to you. I hope you subscribe to me. I got up early then got ready for the day. I got money from the bank. I got my chores done. Have a good day. I hope you have a wonderful day, today.
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I need a new inner tube. Thanks.
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