Tubes

Q: How is a tube constructed?

Tube Body A ring made of butyl rubber or TPU. Depending on the wall thickness, it is lighter or more puncture-resistant. Valve The connection for the air pump. In BMX, the Car Valve (Schrader / AV) is the absolute standard.

Q: What types of tubes are there?

Standard Tube The all-rounder. Wall thickness approx. 0.9mm - 1.0mm. Good compromise between weight and durability. Lightweight (Ultralight / TPU) Thinner wall thickness or high-tech material (TPU) for rotating mass savings. Popular in Park and Flatland. Heavy Duty / Puncture Resistant Extra thick wall thickness. Heavier, but resistant to punctures. Linear Tube A special tube (e.g., from Flybikes) that does not come as a ring but as a "sausage". You can change it without removing the wheel!

Q: What materials are used?

Butyl The classic synthetic rubber. Stretchable and airtight. TPU (Thermoplastic) High-tech material (orange tubes like Tubolito). Extremely light, very strong, and compact to pack, but more expensive.

Q: How do I identify and fix common problems?

Frequent flats: Check the rim tape! If spoke heads push through, they puncture the tube from the inside. Snakebite (Pinch Flat): Two small holes next to each other. Happens when air pressure was too low and the rim edge punched through the tube during an impact. Ride with more pressure! Valve tear-off: The tube has moved inside the tire (usually due to low air pressure when braking). Increase tire pressure.

Tubes FAQ

What is a BMX tube and what is its main purpose?

The tube sits inside the tire and holds the air. It consists of stretchable rubber or plastic and is inflated via a valve. Its quality determines how often you have to "patch" and how well the wheel rolls.

How is a tube constructed?

Tube Body: A ring made of butyl rubber or TPU. Depending on the wall thickness, it is lighter or more puncture-resistant.
Valve: The connection for the air pump. In BMX, the Car Valve (Schrader / AV) is the absolute standard.

What types of tubes are there?

Standard Tube: The all-rounder. Wall thickness approx. 0.9mm - 1.0mm. Good compromise between weight and durability.
Lightweight (Ultralight / TPU): Thinner wall thickness or high-tech material (TPU) for rotating mass savings. Popular in Park and Flatland.
Heavy Duty / Puncture Resistant: Extra thick wall thickness. Heavier, but resistant to punctures.
Linear Tube: A special tube (e.g., from Flybikes) that does not come as a ring but as a "sausage". You can change it without removing the wheel!

What materials are used?

Butyl: The classic synthetic rubber. Stretchable and airtight.
TPU (Thermoplastic): High-tech material (orange tubes like Tubolito). Extremely light, very strong, and compact to pack, but more expensive.

Which tube is right for me?

Focus primarily on the size and valve type.

Criterion	Selection Criterion	Available Option
Inch Size	Must match the tire exactly.	12", 16", 18", 20" (Standard), 22", 24"
Tire Width	Tubes often cover a range (e.g., 1.75" - 2.40").	Check the label on the box.
Valve	Almost all BMX rims have holes for car valves.	Schrader (AV) = Standard

How do I install a tube securely?

Before installation, check the inside of the tire for thorns or glass shards.
Inflate the new tube minimally so that it is round (prevents twisting).
Insert it into the tire.
Mount the tire and be careful not to pinch the tube with the tire lever.

How do I maintain and care for tubes?

Always use valve caps to protect the valve from dirt.
Inflate regularly. Rubber is porous and loses minimal air over weeks.
Use talcum powder during assembly so the tube does not stick to the tire.

How do I identify and fix common problems?

Frequent flats: Check the rim tape! If spoke heads push through, they puncture the tube from the inside.
Snakebite (Pinch Flat): Two small holes next to each other. Happens when air pressure was too low and the rim edge punched through the tube during an impact. Ride with more pressure!
Valve tear-off: The tube has moved inside the tire (usually due to low air pressure when braking). Increase tire pressure.

What do the specifications mean?

Term	Explanation	Examples
AV / Schrader	Car valve (American Valve). Thick and robust. Fits at every gas station.	Standard BMX
SV / Presta	Sclaverand (French Valve). Thinner, requires smaller rim hole. Rare in Freestyle.	Mostly Race / MTB
Size Indication	Inch x Width (e.g., 20 x 1.75-2.125).	Usually covers all BMX widths.