Gravel inner tubes

How to choose a gravel inner tube

On a tubeless gravel bike, the spare inner tube must accommodate wide tyre sizes and fit in a frame bag. Hutchinson, Continental, Michelin, Vittoria, Schwalbe, Pirelli, Tubolito and Tannus are represented.

What width?

• The stated range must cover the actual width of your tyre, most often between 35 and 50 mm.
• A road inner tube that is too narrow when fitted in a gravel tyre stretches and punctures quickly.
• The common diameters are 700c and 650b.

What valve length?

• 48 mm suits most aluminium gravel rims.
• 60 mm and above for high-profile carbon rims.
• A removable valve core accepts an extension and can also be used for tubeless fitting.

Butyl or TPU?

• Butyl : economical, repairable, the everyday solution.
• TPU : the size of a clenched fist when folded, ideal as a bikepacking spare.
• Always carry an inner tube, even when running tubeless: it is the only solution for a major cut.

See also: Gravel tyres · Road inner tubes