Iner tube

Types of Iner Tubes

An inertube is a central part of a tire that holds air and is placed inside the tire. It is made of flexible rubber and is inflated with air to support the weight of the vehicle. The air-filled inner tube keeps the tire in the correct shape and provides a cushion between the vehicle and the road. When the tire is punctured, the air leaks out of the inner tube, deflating it. There are two main types of inner tubes, namely;

• Standard Inner Tubes: These are the most common type of inner tubes found in bicycles, motorcycles, and some cars. They are made of latex or butyl rubber and are used for various purposes, such as mountain biking and road cycling. The standard inner tubes come in different sizes, measured by the diameter and width of the tire they fit. They also have different valve types, such as Presta and Schrader, which are used to inflate the tire air pump. Presta valves are narrower and found in French bicycles, while Schrader valves are wider and used in American bicycles. The standard inner tubes are affordable, easy to install, and repair punctures. They are also available in different sizes, making them suitable for various types of vehicles and tire sizes.
• Tubeless Tire Sealant: Tubeless tires eliminate the need for an inner tube by creating a seal around the wheel rim. This prevents air from leaking out. Tubeless tire sealant is a thick liquid with adhesive properties that fills pre-existing holes in tires and punctures to block the air from escaping. The sealant is usually applied inside the tire around the rim. It coats the inside of the tire and fills in any gaps or holes that may exist. The sealant is also used for off-road cycling, where sharp objects and punctures are common. It eliminates the need for frequent manual inflation or patches. Instead, the sealant automatically closes small punctures and leaks while riding. Tubeless tire sealants come in different types, such as latex-based, which contain natural latex and are suitable for road and mountain bikes, and synthetic-based, which contain synthetic materials and are more suitable for high-performance vehicles.

Specification and maintenance of the inner tube

The specifications of an iner tube are as follows:

• Size

  In the context of tire size, the size of the tire is expressed in three ways: the width, the aspect ratio, and the diameter of the wheel. The size of the motorcycle tire is indicated on the sidewall of the tire. For example, a motorcycle tire with 120/70R17 means it has a width of 120mm, an aspect ratio of 70%, and a wheel diameter of 17 inches. In this case, the motorcycle tire size indicates the inner tube size.

• Thickness

  The thickness of an inner tube is measured in millimeters or inches. The standard is 0.85mm. The thicker the inner tube, the rarer the puncture. The 1.2mm latex inner tube is thicker than the 0.85mm TPU tube, but it is also heavier.

• Material

  The inner tube is a cylindrical bag of tire made from natural latex or synthetic materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The natural latex inner tube has a high air retention capacity and is very elastic, so it is more comfortable and faster to ride. However, it is not waterproof, so it must be treated with an inner tube solution. The TPU inner tube is the most popular because it is a combination of latex and rubber. It has high elasticity and good air retention.

When an inner tube is in good condition, it is easy to ride. It is important to regularly check the condition of the inner tube. Here are some ways to maintain it.

• 1. Proper inflation and monitoring of tire pressure

  Check the pressure of the outer tube daily. In addition to the fact that the pressure of the outer tube affects the condition of the inner tube, the correct pressure of the outer tube is also very important when riding. The outer tube should be inflated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a pressure gauge to check the pressure of the outer tube. It is also important to maintain the condition of the outer tube. The outer tube is not inflated; it is easy to puncture the inner tube.

• 2. Proper tire installation

  Follow the instructions of the tire and tube manufacturers. When mounting a tire, ensure no objects can puncture the inner tube. Carefully inspect the tire before mounting it on the wheel.

• 3. Regular inspection and maintenance

  Every 1 to 2 weeks, remove the tire levers and carefully inspect the outer tire. Check the inner tire for bulges or bubbles, objects that can puncture, and wear. Pay attention to the sidewalls and tread of the tire. Regularly inspect the tire pressure. A pressure drop may be a sign of a puncture. Wash the outer tube with soap and water to remove dirt and debris.

• 4. Proper riding techniques

  Avoid high-speed driving. High speed increases tire pressure and increases the risk of tire damage. Do not ride on rough roads with potholes and sharp objects. Use proper gear when riding.

How to Choose Tire Inner Tubes

Wholesalers and retailers should consider the following factors when sourcing tire inner tubes for resale.

• Size

  Choosing the right size is the most important factor when selecting tire inner tubes. The correct size ensures a proper fit and functionality. The size of the tube should correspond to the tire's dimensions. This is indicated on the sidewall of the tire. It is represented in inches or millimeters, for example, 26 x 1.95 or 700c x 28-32. If the inner tube is not the correct size, it will not inflate properly. It will not offer an adequate seal, leading to flat tires.

• Material

  Inner tubes are mostly made from natural rubber or butyl rubber. Butyl rubber is more commonly used because it has good air retention properties. It is more affordable and durable. Natural rubber is more expensive and offers better puncture resistance. However, it has poor air retention properties.

• Tire Size

  There are different sizes of inner tubes for various tires. The size of the inner tube should match the tire size for a snug fit. Common tire sizes include 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 inches. It is important to double-check the tire size before purchasing the inner tube.

• Valves

  Inner tubes come with valves that are used for inflation. There are two common types of valves. The Presta valve is found on high-end racing and mountain bikes. It is long and narrow. The Schrader valve is found on hybrid bikes and most standard car tires. It is short and wide. The type of valve should be compatible with the bike or vehicle's rim.

• Thickness

  Thick inner tubes are more durable and puncture-resistant. They are ideal for off-road riding or heavy loads. However, they may add weight to the tire. Thin inner tubes are lightweight. They are suitable for racing or high-speed riding.

• Puncture Protection

  Some inner tubes come with built-in puncture protection layers. These layers are made of Kevlar or other durable materials. They offer added protection against thorns, sharp stones, and other sharp objects that can puncture the tire.

• Usage

  Buyers should consider the intended use of the inner tube. Will it be used for road cycling, mountain biking, or casual commuting? Different brands and models are designed for specific conditions and purposes.

• Brand and Quality

  It is advisable to source inner tubes from reputable brands. Wholesalers should research customer reviews and feedback to ensure the quality and performance of the inner tubes meet their standards.

How to DIY and replace an inner tube

Replacing a bicycle inner tube is a straightforward process that can be done with basic tools. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Gather the necessary tools: tire levers, a new inner tube, a pump or CO2 inflator, and a patch kit (optional, for repairs).
• 1. Prepare the bicycle: Shift the gears to the lowest point, especially for bikes with derailleur systems. This allows more space while working. Brake systems should also be released to avoid interference. In disc brake systems, the brake caliper lever can be compressed using a wedge.
• 2. Remove the wheel: For quick-release axles, open the levers and loosen the nut or cam on the central part. For nut axles, loosen the nuts holding the wheel to the fork or frame, then work from the axle ends. Once loose, the wheel can be pushed away from the frame or fork midsection and lifted. For bikes with rim brakes, the brake pads against the rim should be released from the lever.
• 3. Take out the old inner tube: Use tire levers to pry one side of the tire away from the wheel rim. Once loosened, the levers can be inserted between the tire and the rim to pull the tire completely out, exposing the inner tube. The valve stem holding the tube to the wheel rim should be unthreaded and disconnected.
• 4. Inspect the outer tire: Once the inner tube has been taken out, the outer tire should be checked for sharp objects that could damage the new tube.
• 5. Mount the new inner tube: Partially inflated to take the shape of the wheel, the new tube should be inserted into the tire. The valve stem should be aligned with the hole in the wheel rim and securely attached.
• 6. Reinstall the tire: Once the new tube has been placed, the tire should be fully mounted onto the wheel rim, ensuring even distribution and proper alignment. The wheel should then be fixed onto the bike, and the brake and gear systems reengaged.

Q&A

Q1: How should one store inner tube tires?

A1: It is advisable to avoid wet and direct sunlight spaces when storing the tires. Also, refrain from keeping them close to chemicals, oils, and heat sources that could damage them.

Q2: What is the lifespan of tire tubes?

A2: Generally, the tires remain in good condition for two to five years, depending on various factors such as usage, environmental conditions, and storage.

Q3: Do tire tubes fit all types of motorcycles?

A3: No. The tire tubes are specifically designed for certain sizes and types of tires. However, if the motorcycle's tire is compatible with the specific inner tube, it will fit.