If there’s one thing we learned in 2025, it’s that 32-inch wheels, tires, and mountain bikes are coming in 2026. Maxxis seemingly opened Pandora’s box back in the spring with the introduction of the 32-inch Aspen at the Taipei show. Since then, we’ve seen prototypes from Faction Bike Studio and BMC, along with numerous hand-built 32er frames at the MADE show. Components brands have created 32-inch-specific negative rise stems and lightweight carbon wheelsets, and the UCI has given the green light on 32-inch wheels in XC World Cups next season. Recently, Actofive even opened up preorders for the I-Train 32, one of the first commercially available full-suspension 32-inch bikes you can actually buy.
Until now, however, one thing we haven’t heard anything about — but is arguably one of the most important pieces of the 32-inch puzzle — is tubes. In preparation for the 32-inch revolution, Tubolito is announcing the Tubo-MTB-32, a lightweight TPU tube specifically designed for use with 32-inch mountain bike wheels and tires. From the product announcement: “The mountain bike world is growing — literally. With the introduction of the new 32-inch wheels, an exciting evolution in the off-road segment has begun, and we at Tubolito are ready for it.” It goes on to say, “With the Tubo-MTB-32, we are making a clear statement: We don’t just follow new trends — we make cycling lighter, faster, and better.”
Given that some unicycles use 32-inch wheels and that a small number of custom frame builders have been producing 32-inch bikes for years, 32-inch tubes already exist, of course. But if you search for a 32-inch bike tube, you’ll notice that the existing options are actually very limited. Most are made from more traditional Butyl rubber, and one option we found is made of EFT, an unvulcanized rubber made from modified TPE.
With the larger diameter resulting in more material, it stands to reason that 32-inch tubes are going to be heavier than those made for smaller diameters. That will be adding to what is likely to be an already higher rotational mass and inertia from the larger diameter (heavier) tire and rim that’s also farther away from the hub. While we couldn’t find a claimed weight for the 32-inch Butyl tube we found online, the fancy clear tube made from EFT has a claimed weight of 240 grams (~8 ounces). That’s pretty significant.
To keep the tube weight to a minimum, it makes sense to use a lightweight material such as TPU. Generally speaking, TPU tubes are 50% lighter, or more, than those made of Butyl rubber, plus they are smaller while claiming to be stronger and with better air retention. It makes sense that Tubolito, one of the originators and leaders in TPU bike tubes, would be among the first to identify the need for lightweight, high-performance 32-inch tubes and bring them to market. Given the rate of product development in the 32-inch space, however, we imagine they’ll have some competition pretty soon.
Tubolito MTB 32”: Pricing and Availability
So far, additional details on Tubolito’s MTB 32” tubes are pretty sparse. The product announcement simply says “coming spring 2026,” and there is no mention of pricing. Given that Tubolito’s current MTB tubes sell for $28 each, we think it’s fair to assume that the 32” version will cost at least that much, but probably a few dollars more. Hit the link below to read the product announcement or to learn more about Tubolito’s other products.
