Review: Schwalbe Aerothan innertube

Thermoplastic urethane (TPU) innertubes present a compelling challenge to butyl and latex tubes – and even road tubeless – for riders seeking the best performance from their tyres.

Schwalbe’s Aerothan TPU tubes feature robust tube walls and reliable, accurately dimensioned aluminium stems. At 50g for the 28in SV 15-AE tube tested, weight still matches the very lightest butyl tubes.

This tube can be used in tyres from 23mm to 32mm in section. TPU tubes have limited elasticity and will stretch permanently if inflated past their yield size. Once this has happened, the tube should not be used afterwards in a narrower tyre, as it will risk failure.

Fitting is easy with the tube lightly inflated, the low-friction surface letting it slip easily into the tyre/rim pocket. Aerothan tubes are approved for use with rim brakes, and in tests have proven more resistant to heat damage than latex or lightweight butyl. I used them on steep, high-speed descents with rim brakes.

The Supersonic tubes feel fragile, the Aerothan tubes don’t; the latter win

Their manufacture uses an average of 92% recycled material to produce 100% recyclable tubes. They can be repaired using Schwalbe’s own glueless patches. And they offer impressively low rolling resistance.

This, their light weight and small size when folded are the three features that make TPU tubes most attractive to performance-minded riders. I tested them alongside Continental Supersonic lightweight butyl tubes (also 50g).

There is a notable difference in feel. The Supersonic tubes offer a quieter ride, but the rolling performance is much the same.

Verdict

The lightweight butyl tubes I used lost 10psi overnight while the Aerothan’s air loss was negligible – as was the difference in performance on my coast-down test slope. But the Supersonic tubes feel fragile, the Aerothan tubes don’t; the latter win.

Other options

Conti Tube Race 28 Supersonic £15.95

Exceptionally lightweight (50g) butyl tube that needs careful installation.

Michelin Air Comp Latex 700c £10

Low rolling resistance and tough for a latex tube. This road tube weighs 75g.

First published in Cycle magazine, October/November 2025 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.