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Man installs tube on the wheel

How to Patch Your TPU Tube

Flat tires are always frustrating when cycling. But anyone who rides their bike through the urban jungle — where broken glass constantly litters bike lanes — or through forests and dirt roads — where sharp rocks or thorns can ruin the ride — will inevitably deal with damaged tires and tubes over time. It doesn't matter whether you're riding a mountain bike (MTB), road bike, gravel bike, city bike, trekking bike, or any kind of e-bike. Even riders going tubeless on their gravel bike or mountain bike will encounter situations where sealant alone can no longer handle a hole in the tire casing. And once tubeless plugs (also called tubeless sausages) are no longer enough to fix the problem, those riders will also need to fall back on spare tubes or tire sealant sprays.

TPU tube with a small hole

AERON/TPU Tubes as the Perfect Spare Tubes

TPU tubes are unquestionably the best choice today for bicycle tubes. They outperform butyl tubes in almost every aspect. And when it comes to spare tubes specifically, AERON/TPU tubes are a clear choice. A TPU tube is not only ultralight — often much lighter than a traditional butyl tube — but it also provides better flat protection, lower rolling resistance, and folds into a much smaller package. This compact size is a major benefit when carrying a spare. Whether you're riding a road bike, mountain bike, gravel bike, trekking bike, city bike, or e-bike, storage space is usually limited. That's why it's so convenient that a TPU spare tube folds downsmall enough to fit in any jersey pocket or saddlebag.

AERON/TPU TUBES

City/Tour – UltraProtect

Outstanding puncture protection for touring and daily commuting. Low weight and reduced rolling resistance increase the fun factor on every ride.

City/Tour UltraProtect

CX/Gravel – ExtraLite Protect

Perfectly tuned for athletic use beyond paved roads – lightweight, puncture-resistant, low rolling resistance, and compact packing size.

CX/Gravel ExtraLite Protect

MTB – SuperLite Race AL

For mountain bike racers: ultra-light with extra-low rolling resistance. Its extremely compact packing size also makes it the perfect spare inner tube for tubeless riders.

MTB SuperLite Race

Road – ExtraLite Protect AL

The Road ExtraLite Protect with aluminum valve stem is perfectly tuned for performance road biking – lightweight, puncture-resistant, low rolling resistance, and compact packing size.

Road ExtraLite Protect AL

Can You Patch TPU Tubes?

Most TPU tubes can be patched if you get a flat, despite their high puncture resistance. For AERON/TPU tubes, there is even a patch kit specifically designed for the product. It includes: 

  • 5 large patches 
  • 5 small patches 
  • 5 alcohol wipes 
  • 1 tube of glue
The contents of the AERON/TPU Patch Kit are laid out on a table

If you ever need to use this patch kit, you'll first have to remove the tube. We explain how to do that in the article "Changing and Installing a TPU Tube: Here's How.". Next, inflate the tube slightly — no more than 0.3 bar / 4.3 PSI — to find the hole.

Tire is removed from the wheel with a tire lever.

Once you've located it, mark it with a pen or marker. Then, clean the area around the hole with the included cleaning wipe from the patch kit.

Someone is cleaning a TPU hose with a cloth

Let the air out of the tube, apply the glue, and attach the patch. For instructions on reinstalling the tube and tire, check out the article "Changing and Installing a TPU Tube: Here's How". 

The patch is applied to the damaged section of the TPU hose

What Tools Do I Need to Patch a TPU Tube?

To patch an AERON/TPU tube, start by removing it from the rim. You will need tire levers along with a flathead or hex key for this step. Tire levers are crucial for taking the tire off the rim without causing damage. They usually come in a three-pack, but two levers are generally sufficient for removal and installation. You'll also need a patch kit, such as the AERON/TPU Patch Kit mentioned above. Finally, a pump is necessary to re-inflate the tube.

The tube is removed using a tire lever

Should I Patch My Bike Tube or Buy a New One?

That's not an easy question to answer. In general, we'd favor patching because it's the more sustainable option. At the same time, we understand riders who don't feel comfortable trusting a patched tube — even though they could. One approach we'd recommend is to always carry a spare tube, use it when you get a flat on the road, and then patch the damaged tube at home. Inflate it slightly and check for any air loss. If it holds, you can pack it back up as your ultralight spare tube.

AERON/TPU Tube is installed on the wheel

Can I also repair larger holes with AERON/TPU patches?

The AERON/TPU Patch Kit includes larger patches designed for bigger holes. In most cases, these should be enough to repair even more significant damage, restoring the tube to its original performance and puncture protection before the flat.

AERON/TPU tube with an adhesive patch

What Pressure Should the Tire Be Inflated To?

The tire pressure for AERON/TPU tubes, like with butyl tubes, depends on riding conditions. Mountain bikers tend to run lower pressures than road cyclists, which also relates to tire width and casing construction. The maximum pressure for an AERON/TPU tube varies depending on the specific model and tire used. Refer to the packaging and the tube itself for guidance.

Tire is inflated with an electric tire

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.

Road

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.

Gravel

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.

MTB

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.

City

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