Bike inner tubes and accessories

Inner tubes bicycle tubes and accessories in the Sportano shopEvery cyclist, whether beginner or experienced, appreciates the importance of a good quality inner tube on their bike. Inner tubes play a key role in ensuring riding comfort, stability and effective damping of unevenness. Without a well-chosen and well-maintained set of inner tubes, even the best bike can become a source of problems when riding. At Sportano, we've taken care of professional bike parts, so with us you'll find bike tubes and accessories from brands such as Michelin, Peaty's, Continental, Topeak and Zefal.Construction and types of tubes: understanding the basicsBike tubes are an essential part of most bikes, serving to keep air inside the tyre. Although they may appear to be a simple product, their construction and the types available are the result of years of research and innovation in the bicycle industry. The construction of an inner tube is relatively simple: it consists of a flexible material, usually butyl rubber or latex, which can be inflated to a specific pressure. In the centre of the inner tube is a valve through which air is introduced and released. The valve can be of various types, the most common being Presta and Schrader valves, which vary in design and application. Tube types can be classified on the basis of various criteria. One of the most basic is the type of material used. Butyl inner tubes are the most popular, have good puncture resistance and are relatively cheap. On the other hand, we have latex inner tubes, which are more flexible and allow for better vibration absorption, but may require more frequent pumping. Another classification criterion is the size of the inner tube, which should correspond to the size of the bicycle tyre. Inner tubes are available in a wide range of sizes, from those for small children's bikes to large inner tubes for MTBs. Inner tubes can also be classified based on their intended use. Road bike tubes tend to be narrower and designed for higher pressures compared to mountain bike tubes, which are wider and more resistant to damage. Bike inner tubes are a key component of a bicycle that affects riding comfort, performance and the overall riding experience. Understanding the basics of construction and the types of inner tubes available is key to choosing the right product for your specific application and making sure your ride is trouble-free.Inner tube sealers: protection against puncturesWhen you think about a long bike ride, one of the most frustrating events that can happen to you is a punctured inner tube. Imagine the situation: you're riding through a scenic area, you're relaxed and enjoying the environment, and suddenly you feel your wheel getting muddier. This is the moment when inner tube sealants come into play as the first line of defence against such surprises. Sealants are specially designed fluids that quickly fill and seal holes in an inner tube when needed. They are invaluable especially on long journeys when you don't want to waste time replacing an inner tube or repairing it. The sealant works by reacting quickly to contact with air - when the inner tube is punctured, the fluid immediately fills the hole and solidifies, preventing further air loss. By using a sealant, the life of the inner tube can be significantly extended and the need for immediate replacement can be avoided. This not only saves time, but also the costs associated with buying new inner tubes.Self-sealing patches and repair kits: first aid For your inner tubeEvery cyclist should be prepared for unexpected breakdowns, and a punctured inner tube is one of the most common. Although sealants are a great tool for a quick repair, sometimes you need more traditional repair methods such as self-adhesive patches or repair kits. Self-adhesive patches are small, self-adhesive pieces of rubber that can be easily stuck to a punctured inner tube, providing a quick and effective repair. They are the perfect solution when you are on the road and need a quick repair. The biggest advantage of self-adhesive patches is that they don't require any glue or other tools - just clean the area around the puncture, stick the patch on and go on your way. Repair kits, on the other hand, are complete solutions designed to repair inner tubes in a more advanced way. They usually include patches, glue, a rough surface to prepare the repair area and sometimes tools such as tyre spoons to help remove the tyre. Although they require a little more work than self-adhesive patches, they provide a more permanent repair and are ideal for those who want an in-depth repair to an inner tube, rather than simply using a temporary solution.Tube vents: the key to proper pressureTube vents are often underestimated but key components in the cycling ecosystem. Virtually every cyclist uses them regularly, although they do not always realise their importance. The valve is responsible for maintaining the correct pressure in the tyre - it is what allows us to easily inflate the inner tube and also release it when necessary. The correct tyre pressure is extremely important for the comfort, traction and performance of the bike, which is why it is so important that the valve works properly. There are different types of valve available on the market, the most popular being the Presta valve and the Schrader valve. Each has its own unique characteristics and uses. The Presta valve, often found on road bikes, has a slimline design and is usually longer, allowing for more pressure. In contrast, the Schrader valve, which is widely used on mountain bikes and cars, is slightly wider and has a built-in non-return valve. Choosing the right valve depends on the type of tyre, rim and also the rider's preference. However, it is important to remember to always use the correct inflator, adapted to the specific valve type. Regular monitoring of tyre pressure and care of the valve will ensure optimum riding performance and can significantly increase the life of tyres and tubes.Tyre spoons: an essential tool when changing a tubeFor many cyclists, the moment when the tyre has to be removed to change the tube can be a challenge. This is where tyre spoons come to the rescue - small but indispensable tools that make the process significantly easier. Although you can attempt to remove the tyre without them, using spoons minimises the risk of damaging the rim or tyre during removal. Tyre spoons are usually made of plastic or metal and are used to gently lever the edge of the tyre, allowing it to be easily removed from the rim. This process requires some precision and technique, but with the right spoons it becomes much easier. First, let the air out of the inner tube and then, using the spoon, gently remove one side of the tyre from the rim. Once the inner tube has been replaced, the whole process is done in reverse order. For people who cycle frequently, especially on difficult terrain where the risk of punctures is greater, having tyre spoons in the toolkit is almost mandatory. They allow you to change an inner tube quickly and efficiently in the event of a breakdown, which is key to uninterrupted and safe cycling. Taking care of the right tools and knowing how to use them is essential to enjoy cycling without unnecessary downtime.