I’m looking for the right size of tubolito TPU tubes for my 32mm GP 5000s. I run hooked carbon rims with 25mm internal width. Tubolito offers two size-ranges that meet exactly at 32mm. So technically they should both work, but it feels like there should be a version that is better suited than the other. Any advice or experience? Thanks!
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I think it’s saving a few grams in the one case, and gaining a little bit of durability (because there is more material, and it’s less stretched) in the other.
I typically go for the durability, since Tubolitos are light in any case. But mainly I use tubeless, and I carry Tubolitos as spares.
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I’ve heard a few stories of problems with TPU tubes stretched to the upper end of the size range, so probably safer to go for the larger size.
The stretching argument makes sense. Thank you!
Had the idea to also ask Tubolito directly and here is their answer:
The Tubo-Road-700C tube is tested and approved for 18-622 to 32-622.
The Tubo-CX/Gravel-All tube is tested and approved for 32-584 to 50-622.
If weight is your top priority, we recommend the Tubo-Road-700C.
If robustness is more important, then the Tubo-CX/Gravel-All is the better choice.
At 32-622, the Tubo-Road-700C is at the upper limit of its recommended range, while the Tubo-CX/Gravel-All is at the lower limit.
This means the CX/Gravel-All will generally be a bit more robust, whereas the Road-700C will be lighter.
Both tubes will fit your tire size, so the choice depends on whether you prioritize lightweight performance or a bit more robustness.
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Update: Used a Tubo-Road-700C to fix a flat while out riding. Worked well without issues for my way back home (approx. 1 hour ride), but the next morning the tire was flat again. Found no obvious damage, so my theory is, that the tube is beeing stretched too much. To my eyes the tube looks rather small for the 32mm tire that blows up to 33mm on my rims.
My experience with Tubolito tubes is that they seem less likely to puncture than butyl, and definitely less likely to puncture in a way that loses air fast. But I have experienced small punctures and slow leaks - I can get home, but then the tire is flat after hours or overnight. Finding such leaks can require immersion in water, including because one really shouldn’t inflate them much outside a tire. And I’ve had mixed success patching Tubolitos (although I haven’t yet tried the patch kits that come with fluid, just the kind that use tape alone).
Thanks for the input - will check for this kind of slow leak. Ich ordered the tubolito patch kit to test.
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