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The ETRTO numbers on the tire sidewall are what a tube must match

The best bike inner tubes for 2026

A tube fits by a pair of ETRTO numbers printed on the tire sidewall — 28-622 or 57-584, giving width and rim diameter in millimeters — and those two figures settle the choice far more reliably than the inch sizes on the packaging. Then come valve type (Presta, Schrader or Dunlop) and stem length, since a deep-section rim needs a longer stem than the 40 mm (1.57 in) standard. We compare all of these plus butyl against lighter, pricier TPU tubes.

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What we recommend

  1. Fischer bicycle inner tube in its packaging showing the ETRTO size

    Fischer Inner tube, ETRTO 40/62-559, Schrader

    An inner tube covering ETRTO 40/62-559 on a Schrader valve, elastic enough to span a 22 millimeter width range.

    ETRTO size
    40/62-559
    Valve
    Schrader (AV)
    Material
    Elastic butyl, covering several tire sizes
    Amazon reference
    B01LD96YKQ (identical on 6 markets)
    EAN
    4008153850974
    • A published ETRTO range covering 40 to 62 mm (1.57 to 2.44 in) on 559 mm (22 in) rims — most 26-inch mountain bikes
    • Rank 397, and the cheapest tube of the European listings on this site
    • Schrader valve only in this reference — check what your rim is drilled for

    Best for: A 26-inch mountain bike or city bike with a Schrader valve, as a spare or a replacement.

    ≈ $26
    Check price on Amazon
  2. Continental Race 28 bicycle inner tubes with 42 mm Presta valves

    Continental Race 28, 700×20-25, Presta 42 mm (1.65 in), 2-pack

    Two Continental Race 28 road tubes for 700×20-25 and 27-inch 630 mm rims, with a 42 mm (1.65 in) Presta valve and about 100 g (3.5 oz) each.

    ETRTO
    20-622 to 25-630
    Inch sizes
    700×20C to 700×25C, and 27 × 1 1/4 on 630 mm (24.8 in) rims
    Valve
    Presta (Sclaverand), 42 mm (1.65 in)
    Weight
    About 100 g (3.5 oz) each, per Continental’s catalog
    Contents
    2 tubes
    Material
    Butyl, seamless, mold-cured
    Variants named
    Light and Supersonic — thinner, need reinflating more often
    Article
    0181781
    Wall thickness
    Not published
    Pressure range
    Deferred to the tire sidewall
    Amazon reference
    B09X8K1WVN
    EAN
    0303941060394
    • Publishes the ETRTO range, which is what the shelf says decides the purchase
    • Warns that a deep rim needs a longer valve than its own 42 mm (1.65 in)
    • A narrow band, 20–25 mm (0.79 to 0.98 in): no use on a gravel or MTB tire

    Best for: A road bike on 20–25 mm (0.79 to 0.98 in) tires, or a 27-inch bike on 630 mm (24.8 in) rims

    Check price on Amazon
  3. Two Continental MTB inner tubes for 29-inch wheels

    Continental MTB Tube 29", 47/62-622, Presta, 2-pack

    A pair of Continental MTB tubes for 29-inch wheels, covering 47 to 62 mm (1.85 to 2.44 in) tire widths on a Presta valve.

    ETRTO range
    47-622 to 62-622
    Wheel size
    29 inch
    Valve
    Presta
    Quantity
    2 tubes
    Amazon reference
    B00O7W44P4 (identical on 6 markets)
    EAN
    4251056611467
    • Two tubes, so one goes in the wheel and one in the saddle bag
    • Rank 241, and from a manufacturer that makes its own compounds
    • Presta only — check your rim drilling

    Best for: A 29-inch mountain bike, buying the spare at the same time as the replacement.

    ≈ $42
    Check price on Amazon
  4. Bell 26 inch bicycle inner tube with Schrader valve

    Bell 26" × 1.75-2.25, Schrader 35 mm (1.38 in)

    A mold-cured 26-inch Schrader tube for cruiser and mountain bikes, covering 1.75 to 2.25 inch tires.

    Size
    26" × 1.75-2.25 — inch sizes only
    Valve
    Schrader, 35 mm (1.38 in), with cap
    Weight
    210 g (7.4 oz) on the listing; 136 g (4.8 oz) on the shipping record
    Material
    Mold-cured rubber, consistent sidewall
    Inflation
    Any petrol-station airline or standard pump
    Price
    $7.99 — the cheapest of the American tubes here
    Contents
    1 tube
    ETRTO
    Not published
    Pressure range
    Not published
    Amazon reference
    B000AAYBHI
    EAN
    0035011000718
    • The cheapest tube on this page, at $7.99
    • The widest stated range here, 1.75 to 2.25 inches
    • Publishes 210 g (7.4 oz) in its text and 136 g (4.8 oz) on its shipping record

    Best for: A cheap spare for a 26-inch cruiser or mountain bike, inflated at the garage

    Check price on Amazon
  5. Alphatrail inner tubes with Dunlop valves in their packaging

    Alphatrail Rick 28" tube, Dunlop valve, 2-pack

    Two butyl tubes for 28-inch wheels with the Dunlop valve still standard on European city bikes, covering several ETRTO sizes.

    Wheel size
    28 inch
    Valve
    Dunlop (Blitzventil)
    Material
    Elastic butyl rubber
    ETRTO sizes
    including 40-609 (27 × 1.5) and 28-622
    Quantity
    2 tubes
    Amazon reference
    B08B8VP982 (identical on 5 markets)
    EAN
    4260518674216
    • A Dunlop valve option, which many tube ranges skip entirely
    • Two tubes, and the manufacturer names specific ETRTO sizes covered
    • Not listed on the US market

    Best for: A European city or trekking bike on Dunlop valves, where Presta and Schrader tubes are both wrong.

    Search Amazon for this model
  6. YunSCM 20 inch bicycle inner tubes with Schrader valves

    YunSCM 20" butyl, Schrader 32 mm (1.26 in), 2-pack

    Two 20-inch butyl tubes with 32 mm (1.26 in) Schrader valves for children’s bikes, BMX, folding and small-wheel commuters.

    Size
    20" × 1.75 to 2.125 — inch sizes only
    Valve
    Schrader, 32 mm (1.26 in)
    Contents
    2 tubes
    Weight
    320 g (11.3 oz) the pair — about 160 g (5.6 oz) a tube
    Material
    Butyl, ozone and aging resistant
    Suits
    Children’s, BMX, folding, small-wheel city bikes
    Fitting advice given
    Water-test before fitting; check valve angle; inflate gradually
    ETRTO
    Not published
    Rim diameter
    Not published — 20" is 406 mm (16 in) or 451 mm (17.8 in)
    Amazon reference
    B07YHW2JKD
    EAN
    0716852452248
    • The only 20-inch tube in the American survey for this shelf
    • Gives three genuinely useful fitting instructions no other listing here gives
    • No ETRTO, and 20-inch covers two incompatible rim diameters

    Best for: A child’s bike or a BMX on 406 mm (16 in) rims, bought two at a time

    Check price on Amazon
  7. Ultraverse 26 inch bicycle inner tubes with Schrader valves and tire levers

    Ultraverse 26" butyl, ETRTO 45/57-559, Schrader 32 mm (1.26 in)

    Two thick-walled 26-inch butyl tubes with a published ETRTO range of 45/57-559, a 32 mm (1.26 in) Schrader valve and two tire levers.

    ETRTO
    45/57-559
    Inch sizes
    26 × 1.75, 1.90, 1.95, 2.0, 2.10, 2.125
    Valve
    Schrader (AV32), 32 mm (1.26 in)
    Contents
    2 tubes and 2 tire levers
    Weight
    472 g (16.6 oz) the pair — about 236 g (8.3 oz) a tube
    Material
    Thick mold-cured butyl, reinforced valve base
    Suits
    Mountain, cruiser, city and electric bikes
    Wall thickness
    Not published
    Pressure range
    Deferred to the tire sidewall
    Amazon reference
    B08HZG5H7T
    EAN
    0677222545673
    • Publishes the ETRTO pair, which only one other tube in this group does
    • The thickest plain tube here at about 236 g (8.3 oz), which resists pinch flats
    • $16.95 — the most expensive tube in the group, Slime sealant included

    Best for: A 26-inch mountain or cruiser wheel on rough ground, where pinch flats are the problem

    Check price on Amazon
  8. Ultraverse 700C bicycle inner tubes with Presta valves and tire levers

    Ultraverse 700C butyl, Presta, 2-pack with levers

    Two 700C butyl tubes with tire levers, on a listing whose stated tire width and valve length contradict themselves.

    Width range
    CONFLICTING — 700×35-43c in the title, 18/25-622 in bullet 1
    Valve length
    CONFLICTING — 48 mm (1.89 in), 60 mm (2.36 in) and FV48 on one page
    Valve type
    Presta
    Rim
    622 mm (24.5 in) (700C)
    Contents
    2 tubes and 2 tire levers
    Weight
    381 g (13.4 oz) the pair, about 190 g (6.7 oz) a tube
    Material
    Mold-cured butyl, reinforced valve base
    Agreement
    Title and bullet 5 both say 35–43C; title and bullet 2 both say 48 mm (1.89 in)
    Wall thickness
    Not published
    Amazon reference
    B097RYY254
    EAN
    0677222545772
    • Two tubes and two tire levers in the box
    • A reinforced valve base, which is where a Presta stem usually tears
    • Publishes two incompatible tire width ranges on one page

    Best for: A 35–43 mm (1.38 to 1.69 in) gravel or hybrid tire, once the seller has confirmed the valve length

    Check price on Amazon
  9. Slime self-sealing bicycle inner tube in its packaging

    Slime 26" self-sealing, Schrader

    A 26-inch Schrader tube with sealant already inside, stated to seal punctures up to 3 mm (0.12 in) and to keep working for two years.

    Size
    26" × 1.75-2.125 — inch sizes only
    Valve
    Schrader
    Sealant
    Pre-filled, Fibro-Seal
    Seals punctures to
    1/8" (3 mm (0.12 in))
    Stated life
    2 years
    Weight
    644 g (22.7 oz) — the heaviest in this group
    Sealant properties
    Non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable, water soluble
    Also sold for
    Wheelbarrows, wheelchairs, strollers, snow blowers
    ETRTO
    Not published
    Topping up
    Not addressed
    Amazon reference
    B071RVYZR4
    EAN
    0716281507519
    • Seals punctures up to 3 mm (0.12 in) without stopping, which no other tube here does
    • A published figure for what it seals, not just a claim that it seals
    • 644 g (22.7 oz), roughly half a kilo more than a plain tube on the same wheel

    Best for: A commuter, cargo or utility bike where a roadside repair is the real cost

    Check price on Amazon
  10. Loxan 14 inch inner tubes with angled valve stems for electric scooters

    Loxan 14" × 2.125, ETRTO 57-254, angled valve

    Two 14 × 2.125 tubes with angled valve stems for 14-inch electric scooters and e-bikes, ETRTO 57-254.

    ETRTO
    57-254
    Inch size
    14 × 2.125
    Valve
    Angled stem — type not stated
    Contents
    2 tubes
    Suits
    14-inch electric scooters, e-bikes, electric bicycles
    Explicitly excluded
    12-inch wheels
    Material
    Not published
    Weight
    Not published
    Valve angle
    Not published
    Amazon reference
    B0CSD1932W
    EAN
    0606993877157
    • Publishes the ETRTO pair, 57-254, and asks you to check the sidewall
    • States what it does NOT fit, which almost no listing does
    • Does not state whether the valve is Schrader or Presta

    Best for: A 14-inch electric scooter or small e-bike, once the valve type is confirmed

    Check price on Amazon

For which need, in inner tubes

Matching the wheel

Wheel diameter is a strict compatibility. A tube of another diameter will not fit, or folds inside the tire.

Continental 182181

Keeping spare tubes

A spare tube is what gets you home after a puncture. Having several costs a few euros.

Alphatrail AT-350

For whom, within inner tubes

On a ride
A new tube in the bag repairs faster and more reliably than a patch applied at the roadside.
Workshop
Punctured tubes are repaired calmly at home and used again. That is what makes patches worthwhile.
Valve length
A deep rim needs a long valve. A valve that is too short does not protrude enough to be inflated.

What each advantage costs, on inner tubes

Light tube against durability
Thin tubes save a few tens of grams and puncture more easily. On an everyday bike, standard thickness is more restful.
Butyl against latex
Butyl holds pressure for weeks; latex rolls better and goes noticeably down overnight. It is a racing choice.
Patching a tube or fitting a new one
A well-applied patch holds indefinitely; replacing costs more and goes faster. Many riders replace on the road and repair at home.

Before buying inner tubes

How do I know which tube to buy?

The wheel diameter and the width range are marked on the tire sidewall. Both have to match.

What valve length?

It depends on rim depth: the valve has to protrude enough for the pump head to engage fully.

Do I need rim tape?

Absolutely: without it the spoke heads pierce the tube. Displaced rim tape causes repeated punctures in the same place.

Why do I always puncture in the same place?

A foreign body still in the tire, or displaced rim tape. Feel around the inside of the tire before refitting.

Should the tube be slightly inflated before fitting?

A little air gives the tube its shape and stops it being pinched between tire and rim. That is the most frequent cause of a puncture on fitting.

Is latex worth it?

It rolls better and goes noticeably down every night. It is a racing choice, not an everyday one.

Can an inner tube be repaired?

Yes, and a well-applied patch holds indefinitely. Cleaning and the glue's drying time are what make the difference.

Does a lightweight tube last as long?

A thin tube pinch-punctures more easily and patches less well. It saves a few tens of grams per wheel, which is barely felt and is paid for in punctures.

What to remember about inner tubes

Diameter and width range are marked on the tire sidewall: both have to match. Inflate the tube slightly before fitting it — pinching is the first cause of a puncture on fitting — and feel around the inside of the tire before refitting.

A quick look at inner tubes

  • Weight: 100 to 644, on 6 of the 10 models.
  • Valve: 32 to 42 mm (1.65 in), on 4 of the 10 models.

Inner tubes in one table

To appear here, a characteristic has to be stated by four items in five. Short of that, the column would mostly say nobody publishes.

ModelPriceValve
Fischer 85097$26Schrader (AV)
Continental 182181$42Presta
Bell 1001999—Schrader, 35 mm (1.38 in), with cap
Alphatrail AT-350—Dunlop (Blitzventil)
Continental Race 28, article 0181781—Presta (Sclaverand), 42 mm (1.65 in)
Loxan 14x2.125—Angled stem — type not stated
Slime 30074 self-sealing—Schrader
Ultraverse Ref. 104, 700C——
Ultraverse Ref. 101, 26-inch—Schrader (AV32), 32 mm (1.26 in)
YunSCM039—Schrader, 32 mm (1.26 in)

Sources and how we rank

Specifications: manufacturer sheets for bike gear and the matching Amazon product pages. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure in this table names its source.

Most recent revision in this category: October 6, 2026.

How we assess inner tubes

Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.