BMX Race Tubes

Q: Material Battle: Butyl vs. TPU

Standard Butyl (Black) The classic black rubber tube. Reliable, easy to patch, and affordable. Available in "Standard" and "Ultra-Light" (thinner wall) versions. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) The high-tech evolution (often orange or clear). TPU tubes are up to 60% lighter than butyl and significantly smaller when packed. They offer high puncture resistance but are more expensive. Tip: They require special patch kits!

Q: Which tube fits my tire size?

Just like tires, tubes follow the ETRTO sizing. A 20" tube isn't just 20". For 451mm Tires (Mini/Junior): Use tubes marked 20 x 1-1/8" or 20 x 1-3/8". For 406mm Tires (Pro/Standard): Use tubes marked 20 x 1.50" to 2.40".

BMX Race Tubes FAQ

What is a BMX Race Tube and why does weight matter?

The tube sits inside the tire and holds the air. In BMX Racing, the tube is the most cost-effective place to save weight. Reducing rotating mass at the outer edge of the wheel (rim/tire/tube) has a much greater effect on acceleration than saving weight on the frame. This is why many racers switch to lightweight materials.

Material Battle: Butyl vs. TPU

Standard Butyl (Black): The classic black rubber tube. Reliable, easy to patch, and affordable. Available in "Standard" and "Ultra-Light" (thinner wall) versions.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): The high-tech evolution (often orange or clear). TPU tubes are up to 60% lighter than butyl and significantly smaller when packed. They offer high puncture resistance but are more expensive. Tip: They require special patch kits!

Valve Types: Presta vs. Schrader

Your rim determines the valve type. You cannot fit a thick valve into a small hole!

Valve Type	Also known as...	Hole Diameter	Typical Use
Schrader (AV)	Auto Valve, American	8.5 mm (Thick)	Pro, Cruiser, OS20 rims. Can be inflated at gas stations.
Presta (SV)	French, Sclaverand	6.5 mm (Thin)	Junior, Expert, Mini rims. Requires a high-pressure pump head.

Note: You can run a Presta valve in a Schrader rim using a grommet/adapter, but you cannot run a Schrader valve in a Presta rim without drilling it out (not recommended).

What about Tubeless?

More and more Pro riders are ditching tubes entirely to save weight and eliminate pinch flats. If your rims and tires are "Tubeless Ready", you don't need a tube but rather sealant and valves.
? Switching to Tubeless? Check our BMX Race Tubeless Accessories.

Which tube fits my tire size?

Just like tires, tubes follow the ETRTO sizing. A 20" tube isn't just 20".

For 451mm Tires (Mini/Junior): Use tubes marked 20 x 1-1/8" or 20 x 1-3/8".
For 406mm Tires (Pro/Standard): Use tubes marked 20 x 1.50" to 2.40".

How do I change a race tube correctly?

Remove the wheel and the tire bead from one side of the rim.
Remove the old tube. Check the inside of the Tire for thorns or sharp objects!
Slightly inflate the new tube (just enough to give it shape).
Insert the valve straight through the hole.
Tuck the tube evenly into the tire. Ensure it is not twisted or pinched under the bead.
Mount the tire and inflate to the recommended pressure.

What do the specifications mean?

Specification	Explanation	Examples/Available
Size (ETRTO)	Must match tire diameter.	406 (Pro), 451 (Junior)
Valve Type	Shape of the valve head.	AV (Schrader), SV (Presta)
Valve Length	Length of the valve stem.	40mm (Standard), 60mm (Deep rims)
Material	Tube composition.	Butyl, TPU (High-End)