RideNow TPU Tube Swap Review: Making upgrades to your bike doesn't always have to mean a new frame or set of wheels. Sometimes, the simplest component swap can make the biggest difference. That's exactly what I found when I switched from traditional butyl tubes to lightweight RideNow TPU inner tubes on my Trek Madone. As a rider who logs a lot of miles on 700x23 road tires, I'm constantly experimenting with ways to improve ride quality, reduce rolling resistance, and cut unnecessary weight without sacrificing reliability. TPU tubes have been making waves in the cycling world for promising all of that, and more.
What follows is my experience after many rides and several hundred miles on RideNow TPU tubes, unpacking, setup, tire pressure adjustments, road performance, and whether I think these tubes are worth the upgrade for road cyclists.
RideNow TPU Tube Review | Road Bike
What Are TPU Inner Tubes?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) inner tubes are a modern alternative to traditional butyl rubber or latex tubes. They are designed to be lighter, stronger, and more efficient. TPU material is also more environmentally friendly since it can be recycled. The biggest advantage most cyclists notice is the significant weight savings, often cutting tube weight by more than half compared to butyl.
TPU vs. Butyl vs. Latex
- Butyl Tubes: Affordable, durable, but heavier. Common stock option on most bikes.
- Latex Tubes: Very supple and fast-rolling, but lose air quickly and require frequent inflation.
- TPU Tubes: Lightweight like latex, hold air like butyl, and provide a balanced ride feel with strong puncture resistance.
First Impressions
The tubes shipped in sturdy boxes, well protected and unharmed. Inside, you get minimal instructions, a valve stem protector sticker (to place inside the rim and prevent valve damage), and a few patch stickers for quick roadside repairs.
Setup & Tire Pressure
Installation was straightforward. I removed the old butyl tube, placed the valve stem sticker over the rim hole, and partially inflated the RideNow TPU tube to give it shape. From there, I re-seated the tire, added the included plastic valve stem collar, and finished inflating. The whole process only took a few minutes and was no more difficult than a standard tube swap.
I normally run my tubes at 110–120 PSI, but TPU material behaves a little differently as the tires heat up. With these, I dropped the pressure to around 90–95 PSI, which as a bonus has given me a noticeably more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance.
Performance on the Road
After several hundred miles, these RideNow TPU tubes continue to impress. They feel noticeably lighter than standard butyl tubes, deliver a surprisingly smooth ride, and so far show solid puncture resistance—about the same as lightweight comparable butyl tubes. I still get the occasional pinch or thorn flat, but patching with the included sticker is a simple fix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do TPU tubes lose air faster?
No, they generally hold air as well as butyl tubes and much better than latex.
Are TPU tubes worth the price?
Yes, especially if you value weight savings and ride feel. They cost more than butyl, but less hassle than latex.
Can I patch TPU tubes?
Yes. RideNow includes TPU-specific patch stickers, which are easy to apply on the road.
Are TPU tubes durable?
They are puncture-resistant and hold up well for everyday road use, but like any lightweight tube, sharp objects can still cause flats.
What pressure should I run?
TPU tubes often perform best at slightly lower PSI than butyl—usually 5–15 PSI lower, depending on tire size and rider weight.
Pros & Cons of RideNow TPU Tubes
- Pros: Ultra lightweight, compact to carry as a spare, smooth ride feel, holds air better than latex, easy to patch with included stickers.
- Cons: More expensive than butyl, requires a bit more care during installation, still not immune to sharp objects or pinch flats.
Final Verdict
Would I recommend them? Absolutely 100%. If you want to shave weight, enjoy a softer ride, and don’t mind the slightly different inflation range, the RideNow TPU tubes are a great upgrade for any road cyclist.
If you're looking for one of the best TPU inner tubes for road bikes, RideNow is definitely worth considering. For cyclists debating TPU vs. butyl or even latex, these tubes strike an excellent balance between performance, weight, and durability.
Where to Buy:
Purchase the RideNow TPU tubes I used.
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