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WORRY-FREE TOURING WITH TPU TUBES
An AERON/TPU tube is the perfect choice for your next bike trip. Discover here why a TPU tube makes your ride more worry-free.
It's the perfect day: the sun is shining, and you're out on your bike. Landscapes, dense forests, and deep lakes pass lazily by as you explore mile after mile. The bike hums on the asphalt — a bike tour doesn't get any better than this. But then, the nightmare strikes — the crunch of glass under your rear wheel. The next few yards become a mental obstacle course. Was there a slight wobble in that turn? Does the tire feel a little softer when you roll over a branch? No more enjoying the scenery — just silent prayers to the cycling gods that the tire stays inflated. And if the tube does end up going flat, things don't get any easier: pull over, remove the panniers, unpack your tools, and hope you packed a patch kit or a spare tube. Nobody likes a roadside repair, especially on an e-bike, where removing a rear wheel can turn into a real challenge. It costs time — time that can make the day feel uncomfortably long, especially on extended tours. And above all, the joy of riding is noticeably diminished, at least for a little while. Isn't there a better solution that allows for truly worry-free touring? The answer is yes! Switch from the classic black butyl tube to a modern AERON/TPU tube.
In this article, you'll discover what TPU truly is and why an AERON/TPU tube can make your tour more comfortable and stress-free.
Touring Tubes from AERON/TPU
City/Tour – UltraProtect
Outstanding puncture protection for touring and daily commuting. Low weight and reduced rolling resistance increase the fun factor on every ride.
What is TPU?
TPU, short for thermoplastic polyurethane, is a modern material that combines the high durability of plastic with the flexibility of rubber, making it ideal for manufacturing bike tubes. Unlike traditional butyl tubes, TPU tubes can be specifically customized during production — meaning weight and puncture resistance can be precisely matched to your needs, rather than being a compromise dictated by the material. And the benefits of TPU tubes don't even end there.
The Space-Saving Lightweight
Especially on long tours, space is a crucial factor. Even with modern or large panniers on your bike, compromises are always necessary: what gets packed and what stays home? That's when things like the packed size and weight of your spare tubes become important considerations — carrying just one spare tube is risky on extended trips with mixed terrain. Depending on tire size and valve type, the AERON/TPU City/Tour series saves you between 30 and 50 percent in weight. The tubes can also be rolled up very compactly, taking up much less room. And while it might not seem like much at first glance, the saved weight and extra space allow room for an extra pair of socks or more food — both of which are invaluable on long tours.
Stopping Flats Before They Happen
The best spare tube is the one you never have to use. Especially during multi-day trekking or bikepacking adventures through the backcountry, high puncture resistance is crucial. Gravel roads and poorly maintained pavement greatly increase the chance of punctures and so-called snake bites — two small holes caused by the rim striking the inside of the tire casing. This is especially frustrating because you're often far from the nearest bike shop at that point. You're completely dependent on your patch kit and spare tubes. That means a flat doesn't just require a repair on the side of a dirt trail — it also uses up one of your spare tubes. So you'll be pleased to know that TPU tubes can provide significantly better puncture protection. The AERON/TPU City/Tour UltraProtect offers the highest level of protection. It takes more than four times the force needed to puncture a butyl tube to actually put a hole in this tube. Such toughness gives you confidence — even on gravel paths with sharp stones or forest trails lined with blackberry bushes.
And even when sharp debris doesn't puncture your tire, having our TPU products inside the casing provides another benefit: their air retention is considerably better than that of aging butyl tubes. This results in less air loss during periods of inactivity, less need for topping off, and carefree days in the saddle. It's hard to imagine a more comfortable ride.
What About Tubeless?
Tubeless setups have become popular not only in road cycling and mountain biking but also in the touring and trekking bike segments in recent years. They offer several advantages over traditional tube systems. Minor punctures are automatically sealed by sealant applied during tire installation, and snake bites cannot happen at all. However, running tubeless requires carrying extra gear like a booster or CO₂ pump, sealant, plug strips, and specialized tools. Additionally, it's wise to bring a spare tube—just in case the damage can't be fixed with the tubeless setup.* Threading a tube into a tubeless tire can be tricky and requires strength and practice, and the sealant inside the tire can create a mess.
*We recommend removing as much sealant as possible when switching from tubeless to any TPU tube to prevent damage caused by adhesion.
More Benefits of the TPU Tube
Another advantage of our tubes is their compatibility with your bike. If you're currently using a butyl tube, you can switch to an AERON/TPU tube as well. Installation and removal are exactly the same as you're accustomed to. The main differences are in the inflation process, which will be explained thoroughly when you purchase an AERON/TPU tube. The AERON/TPU City/Tour UltraProtect comes with either a 42 mm Presta valve or a 40 mm Schrader valve, ensuring there is a suitable tube for every touring or trekking rim. The City/Tour UltraProtect works with both disc brakes and traditional rim brakes.
And last but not least: an AERON/TPU tube provides a smoother-rolling bike. About seven to ten percent less rolling resistance will noticeably boost your riding comfort and your bike's efficiency.
As you can see, an AERON/TPU tube can provide truly worry-free touring — whether you're planning a multi-day bikepacking trip or a short afternoon ride. If you'd like to learn more about AERON/TPU tubes, feel free to visit the AERON/TPU page.
Product Series
ROAD SERIES
Ultra-light, super-fast and mega-compact: AERON/TPU road bike tubes are trimmed for maximum performance. Depending on the discipline and intended use, they guarantee you the perfect set-up with a focus on maximum weight saving and minimum rolling resistance or outstanding puncture protection.
CX/GRAVEL SERIES
TPU technology, perfectly designed for off-road use: Lightweight, puncture-proof, low rolling resistance and the smallest pack size. AERON/TPU offers high-performance tubes for gravel and cyclocross racers as well as variants with maximum puncture protection for bikepackers and ultra-riders.
MTB SERIES
Tech for trails: AERON/TPU provides the perfect tube technology for mountain bikers with the best compromise between lightness, puncture resistance and low rolling resistance. Specific models offer you the perfect tube for your favourite mountain bike discipline, depending on your preferred terrain or riding style.
CITY/TOUR SERIES
Developed for bikers who want maximum reliability in everyday use. AERON/TPU tubes for city and touring are characterised by optimised puncture protection. Their low weight and low rolling resistance also increase performance and the fun factor on every tour.
