If you’re a cyclist, sooner or later you’re going to get a flat tire. It’s just part of the sport. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through the ride. There are plenty of options available to help make changing a flat tire a little easier. In this article, we’re going to take a look at eight of the best bike spare tubes on the market and help you choose the right one for you.

But first, let’s take a look at what a bike spare tube is and how it can help you.

What Is a Bike Spare Tube?

A bike spare tube is a small, lightweight tube that you can carry with you on a ride in case you get a flat tire. They’re usually made of latex or butyl rubber and are designed to be used with a Presta valve.

Most bike spare tubes are very similar in terms of size and weight. They’re all designed to fit in a jersey pocket or saddlebag, and they all weigh less than a pound.

What sets them apart is the material they’re made of and the valve type. Some bike spare tubes are made of latex, which is lighter than butyl rubber but not as durable. Others are made of butyl rubber, which is heavier but more puncture-resistant.

And then there are the valves. Some bike spare tubes have Presta valves, while others have Schrader valves. If you’re not sure which type of valve your bike has, just look at the valve stem. If it’s narrow and has a small nut on the top, it’s a Presta valve. If it’s wide and has a small lever on the side, it’s a Schrader valve.

Why Do You Need a Bike Spare Tube?

So, now that you know what a bike spare tube is, you might be wondering why you need one. After all, if you get a flat tire, can’t you just patch the hole and be on your way?

Well, yes, you could do that. But patches don’t always hold, especially if the hole is big or if you’re riding on rough terrain. And even if the patch does hold, it’s not going to be as strong as a new tube.

A bike spare tube is a much better option because you know it’s going to hold air. And if you get a flat while you’re out on a ride, you can change the tube and be on your way without having to worry about the patch holding.

Plus, bike spare tubes are relatively inexpensive. So, even if you never use it, it’s not going to break the bank. And if you do use it, it could save you a lot of time and hassle.

How to Choose a Bike Spare Tube

Now that you know what a bike spare tube is and why you need one, let’s take a look at how to choose the right one for you. There are three main things to consider:

Valve Type

As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of valves used on bike tires: Presta and Schrader. If you’re not sure which type of valve your bike has, just look at the valve stem. If it’s narrow and has a small nut on the top, it’s a Presta valve. If it’s wide and has a small lever on the side, it’s a Schrader valve.

Most bike spare tubes are designed for use with Presta valves. But there are a few that are made for Schrader valves. So, if you have a Schrader valve, make sure to get a bike spare tube that’s designed for that type of valve.

Material

Bike spare tubes are usually made of latex or butyl rubber. Latex is lighter than butyl rubber but not as durable. So, if weight is a concern, latex is a good option. But if you’re looking for a tube that’s more puncture-resistant, go with butyl rubber.

Size

Bike spare tubes come in different sizes to fit different tire widths. The most common sizes are 700c and 26-inch. But there are other sizes available, too. So, before you buy a bike spare tube, make sure to check the size to make sure it will fit your tire.

Top 8 Best Bike Spare Tubes

Now that you know what to look for in a bike spare tube, let’s take a look at eight of the best bike spare tubes on the market.

1. Continental Race 28″ Butyl Rubber Presta Valve Tube
$6.95

The Continental Race 28″ Butyl Rubber Presta Valve Tube is a great option if you’re looking for a puncture-resistant tube. It’s made of butyl rubber, so it’s durable and can handle rough terrain. Plus, it has a Presta valve, so it will fit most bikes.

2. Vittoria Latex Tube
$5.99

The Vittoria Latex Tube is a good choice if you’re looking for a lightweight tube. It’s made of latex, so it’s very light. And it has a Presta valve, so it will fit most bikes.

3. Topeak Presta Valve Tube
$5.95

The Topeak Presta Valve Tube is a good all-around tube. It’s made of butyl rubber, so it’s durable. And it has a Presta valve, so it will fit most bikes.

4. Bontrager Race Lite Hard-Case Lite Presta Valve Tube
$6.99

The Bontrager Race Lite Hard-Case Lite Presta Valve Tube is a great option if you’re looking for a puncture-resistant tube. It has a hard case that protects against punctures. Plus, it has a Presta valve, so it will fit most bikes.

5. Specialized S-Works Turbo Tubeless Presta Valve Tube
$7.99

The Specialized S-Works Turbo Tubeless Presta Valve Tube is a great choice if you’re looking for a puncture-resistant tube. It’s made of butyl rubber, so it’s durable. Plus, it has a Presta valve, so it will fit most bikes.

6. Maxxis Presta Valve Tube
$5.99

The Maxxis Presta Valve Tube is a good all-around tube. It’s made of butyl rubber, so it’s durable. And it has a Presta valve, so it will fit most bikes.

7. Schwalbe Durano Plus Presta Valve Tube
$6.95

The Schwalbe Durano Plus Presta Valve Tube is a great choice if you’re looking for a puncture-resistant tube. It’s made of butyl rubber, so it’s durable. Plus, it has a Presta valve, so it will fit most bikes.

8. Continental Grand Prix 4000S II Presta Valve Tube
$7.95

The Continental Grand Prix 4000S II Presta Valve Tube is a great choice if you’re looking for a puncture-resistant tube. It’s made of butyl rubber, so it’s durable. Plus, it has a Presta valve, so it will fit most bikes.