You may need to replace your inner tube, for example due to a flat tire. This is one of the most common problems. Therefore, it is important to know how to make the right choice for your new inner tube. In this blog, we will explain how to choose the correct size, what types of valves there are, and how to install an inner tube.
Check the size of your bicycle tire
The size of the inner tube is perhaps the most important aspect when making your choice. The wrong size can lead to leaks, difficulties in mounting, and uncomfortable cycling. The size of the inner tube must exactly match the size of the outer tire.
Where can you find the tire sizes?
On the side of your outer tire you often find a series of numbers, for example 37-622. This is called the ETRTO size (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization). The first value (e.g. 37) indicates the width of the tire in millimeters, and the second value (e.g. 622) is the diameter of the tire in millimeters.
Another measure you might encounter is, for example, 28 x 1.40. This is the English measurement system, where 28 is the diameter of the tire in inches, and 1.40 is the width in inches. When buying a inner tube, make sure that both the diameter and the width match the specifications on your outer tire.
How do you choose the right size?
When you know the ETRTO value, choosing an inner tube is simple. Inner tubes often have a range for the tire width, such as 28-35 mm. This means that an inner tube is suitable for outer tires with a width of 28 to 35 millimeters. Make sure that your inner tube falls within this range.
Choose the correct valve type
Choosing the right valve is just as important as choosing the correct tire size. There are three common valve types: Dutch valve, auto valve, and French valve. Each type of valve is usually used for specific types of bicycles, and it is important to choose the right valve for your bike.
Dutch valve (HV/DV)
The Dutch valve is often used on city bikes and folding bikes. This valve is easy to use and can be inflated with most standard bicycle pumps. Many well-known brands, such as Batavus, Cortina, and other Dutch brands, use this valve on their city bikes.
Automotive valve (AV)
The car valve is often used on mountain bikes and bicycles with wider tires. It is the same valve you find on car tires, making it easy to inflate your tire at gas stations. The car valve is robust and can handle wider rims and lower tire pressure, which is ideal for off-road biking.
French valve (SV/FV)
The French valve is mainly used on touring and racing bicycles. This valve is thinner and longer, and is designed for bikes that require high tire pressure. You need a specific bicycle pump or an adapter for inflation, but the valve is lighter and better suited for narrow rims.
How do you mount your new inner tube?
Now that you have chosen the correct size and valve, it's time to install the inner tube. This requires precision to ensure that the tire fits properly on the rim. The steps below explain how to replace an inner tube:
- Remove the old inner tube:
First, let the air out of the inner tube and remove the wheel. Use tire levers to loosen the outer tire. Use the bike's rim as a kind of lever to loosen the outer tire. - Place the new inner tube:
Before installing the inner tube, check for sharp objects first. First, turn the valve on the rim. Pump the new inner tube slightly. Insert it into the outer tube and work around the wheel to secure the tire in place. - Check for bottlenecks:
Make sure that the inner tire does not pinch anywhere between the outer tire and the rim, this will prevent any leaks. - Pump up the band:
Pump your tire until the bicycle pump indicates the correct pressure. The pressure is usually listed on the outer tire. During inflation, make sure the tire is evenly seated on the rim.
