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Aeron Debuts Tougher, Lighter Ultralight TPU Inner Tubes

aeron tpu inner tube shown inflated.
6 Comments

Upstart Aeron claims to have the new world’s best TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) inner tubes, using a true multi-layer construction with road bike tubes starting at just 22g.

They also claim to dramatically improve rolling resistance while providing better puncture protection and air retention compared to butyl rubber tubes, and provide an easier, lower-total-operating-cost than going tubeless. While I’ll stick to using lightweight tubes as a backup for my tubeless setup, they do offer some interesting options compared to the competition.

aeron tpu inner tube shown rolled up, deflated.
They roll up really small, like all TPU tubes, saving space in your saddle bag or pack.

First, they have distinct versions for City bikes, road bikes, cyclocross and gravel, and mountain bikes. Within those, the performance bikes get SuperLite Race, ExtraLite Protect, and UltraProtect options. Here’s a quick overview of the options:

aeron tpu inner tube retail packaging.

Road bike tubes

Three sizes are offered, all for 700c wheels only. The ExtraLite Protect and SuperLite Race fit tires measuring 23-28mm and 28-32mm wide, and the UltraProtect fit 25-35mm tires. All offer 42, 65, and 80mm valve stem lengths. Weights from 22-96g.

CX/Gravel tubes

These have 42 and 65mm valve stem options, fit 32-52mm wide tires, and fit both 650B and 700c rim diameters. Weights from 31-129g depending on level of protection.

Mountain bike tubes

Available for 27.5″ and 29″ rims to fit tires from 1.7″ to 2.5″, plus an oversized UltraProtect option for 2.5-3.0″ tires. Aeron’s TPU MTB tube weights range from 42-199g, and they have a glueless patch kit available for making repairs.

City/Touring bike tubes

These have the thickest walls for the most puncture protection, yet are up to 68% lighter than comparable butyl tubes. They’re available in 650b and 700c sizes to fit tires 37-50mm and 50-65mm wide, with both Presta and Schrader valve stem options. They have two levels of puncture protection, too, with weights from 67-156g.

aeron tpu inner tube shown inflated.

Aeron says TPU is 100% recyclable and can be turned back into new TPU tubes. MSRP ranges from €17.95 to €24.95, which compared to the recent increase in rubber tube costs, doesn’t sound like too much of a premium.

Aeron-tpu.com

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6 Comments
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Nick
Nick
5 months ago

Where can these TPU tubes be recycled?

AERON.tpu
4 months ago
Reply to  Nick

We are working on a recycling solution and want to have it developed by the market launch. We will communicate this via all AERON channels.

jason
jason
5 months ago

weight extra light vs ultra protect?

AERON.tpu
4 months ago
Reply to  jason

This depends on the tube you choose, jason.

Comparing two tubes from the same segment the weight reduction between ultra protect and extra light is about…

-65% (Road)
-57% (CX/Gravel)
-55% (MTB)

Frank Cheshter
Frank Cheshter
4 months ago

Can’t seem to find where to buy these? Aeron website doesn’t list stockists or sell direct??

AERON.tpu
4 months ago
Reply to  Frank Cheshter

The targeted market launch will be Q1 2025, Frank. Stay tuned…

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