The Problem With TPU Inner Tubes

TPU inner tubes have revolutionized cycling by offering a lightweight and high-performance alternative to standard butyl, but they aren't without their quirks. In this video, we explore the history and benefits of thermoplastic polyurethane before diving into five common frustrations that catch many riders off guard. From "phantom punctures" to heat sensitivity with rim brakes, find out if these high-tech tubes are the right choice for your ride. Chapters: ⏱️ 00:00 - TPU Inner Tubes: Fantastic, Until They’re Not 00:35 - A Brief History of TPU 01:12 - Brands: From Tubolito to Pirelli 02:47 - The Benefits: Weight & Performance 03:41 - Problem 1: Plastic Valve Issues 04:47 - Problem 2: Sizing & Permanent Stretch 05:30 - Problem 3: The "Phantom Puncture" 06:49 - Problem 4: Repair Difficulties 07:43 - Problem 5: Rim Brakes & Heat 08:30 - Final Verdict: Should You Switch? Useful Links: GCN Tech Uploader 👉 https://gcn.eu/techuploader Subscribe so you don’t miss a thing 👉 https://gcntech.co/subscribe Insurance: Viewers in the USA and UK can explore GCN Insurance products 👉 https://gcn.eu/GCNinsurance Sign Up To The GCN Newsletter 👉 https://gcn.eu/Newsletter Visit the GCN Shop 👉 https://gcn.eu/gcnshop GCN WhatsApp Channel 👉 https://gcn.eu/GCNwhatsapp GCN Instagram Broadcast Channel 👉 https://gcn.eu/instagrambroadcast Join the GCN Club on Zwift and ride with us! 👉 https://gcn.eu/GCNClubRides Are you a TPU convert, or do you still swear by standard butyl or tubeless setups? Let us know your experiences (the good, the bad, and the leaky!) in the comments below! Watch more on GCN Tech... 📹 https://youtu.be/H2rlJ0qYNO4 📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 https://gcntech.co/EditorsChoice 📹 Watch the latest GCN Tech Show 👉 https://gcntech.co/GCNTechShow 🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵 Academia - Heyson American Mastiff (Instrumental Version) - Katori Walker Glow - Autohacker Monomyth - Aleph One #gcntech #gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife #biketech 📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech is the only channel you need for all things bike tech – past, present and future. Simply put, we’re obsessed with tech: we seek out and showcase the best in bikes, components, tech, accessories, upgrades and more from races and events, tech shows and product launches across the globe to bring you the best in road bike technology. We’ve got great maintenance videos to help you get the most from your bike; pro-bike tours from all the biggest races; special features and the weekly GCN Tech Show! Thanks to our sponsors: Canyon Bikes: http://gcn.eu/-Canyon Orbea Bikes: http://gcn.eu/Orbea Pinarello Bikes: https://gcn.eu/Pinarello Topeak Tools: http://gcn.eu/Topeak CamelBak: https://gcn.eu/Camelbak Pirelli Tyres: https://gcn.eu/Pirelli Vision Wheels: http://gcn.eu/Vision Wahoo Fitness: http://gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness Park Tool: http://gcn.eu/-parktool Selle Italia: https://gcn.eu/SelleItalia Zwift: https://gcn.eu/Zwift Gtehcniq: https://gcn.eu/Gtechniq Core Body Temperature: https://gcn.eu/corebodytemp Precision Fuel & Hydration: https://gcn.eu/precisionhydration Elitewheels: https://gcn.eu/Elitewheels CeramicSpeed: https://gcn.eu/GCNCeramicSpeed HJC Sports: https://gcn.eu/hjcsports Shimano: https://gcn.eu/shimano Cyclowax: https://gcntech.co/cyclowax Watch our sister channels: Global Cycling Network - https://www.youtube.com/@gcn GCN Racing - https://www.youtube.com/@gcnracing Global Triathlon Network - https://www.youtube.com/@gtn GCN Italia - https://www.youtube.com/@gcnitalia GCN en Español - https://www.youtube.com/@gcnenespanol GCN auf Deutsch - https://www.youtube.com/@gcnaufdeutsch GCN en Français - https://www.youtube.com/@gcnenfrancais GCN Training - https://www.youtube.com/@GCNTraining Global Mountain Bike Network - https://youtube.com/@gmbn GMBN Racing - https://youtube.com/@gmbnracing GMBN Tech - https://www.youtube.com/@gmbntech Electric Mountain Bike Network - https://www.youtube.com/@embn