One of the first lessons that most new cyclists learn is that you have to pump up your tires far more often than you would expect. Even though most bikes still rely on an inner tube to contain the air, that inner tube is permeable enough to allow a substantial drop in pressure given enough time. That’s why it’s recommended to check your tire pressures often – or even every ride.
But what if you don’t want to have to bust out the pump just before each ride? Well, the answer might be in the tube. Schwalbe’s new Air Plus tube is specifically designed to offer up to 50% higher air retention compared to a standard tube. To get there, Schwalbe starts with pure butyl rubber in a wall thickness of 1.5mm. That’s up to 70% thicker than the average tube. That increased thickness will also help in preventing punctures and pinch flats, making these a good option for heavy cargo and e-bikes.
Combined with a high pressure stable presta valve seal, you end up with a tube that will let you skip days at the pump – perfect for your commuting rig that allows you to skip time at the gas pump as well.
Offered in the seven most popular tube sizes, you’ll be able to find the Air Plus tubes in 20″, 26″, 27.5″, 27.5+, 28″ (700c), 28″/29″, and 29+. All of the tubes are sold with presta valves, though here in the U.S. the ‘SV’ marking might cause a bit of confusion. That ‘SV’ isn’t for Schrader Valve, instead it stands for Sclaverand Valve which is another name for the Presta Valve.
Claimed weights range from 120g to 420g depending on the size, and tubes will start at €11.90.
