Cycling enthusiasts know that the right tire can make or break a ride. Whether you’re tearing up gravel trails or cruising along smooth tarmac, your tire choice is essential — especially if you use inner tubes. In this guide, I will explore the best tire options for road and gravel cycling and share some insights from leading tire manufacturers, which I asked about the use of tubeless tires with inner tubes.
Tubeless-ready means that the tyre can be ridden tubeless, but does not have to be. Hannah from Continental
I’m a fan of inner tubes in the tires myself, whether road or gravel. The main reason for this is that I hate handling new or dried-out milk when changing tires. Now that modern latex and TPU tubes have been available for some time, I ask myself which tires are actually the right ones (so this article is about tubeless-ready vs tube-type or clincher tires)?
Why Tire Choice Matters for Inner Tubes
Tires affect traction, comfort, and speed while also influencing your bike’s performance on different terrains and in varying conditions. Using inner tubes adds another layer of consideration, as it impacts puncture resistance, rolling resistance, and overall weight.
Tire manufacturers have mixed views on using inner tubes with tubeless-ready or tubeless tires. Some emphasize compatibility, while others caution against defeating the purpose of tubeless designs. We’ll dive deeper into their recommendations throughout this article.
Best Tire Choices for Road Cycling with Inner Tubes
When it comes to road cycling, speed and efficiency are paramount. Here’s what to consider when using inner tubes:
1. Tube Compatibility with Tubeless-Ready Tires
Manufacturers like Schwalbe and Continental highlight that tubeless-ready tires can be used with inner tubes without issue. According to Schwalbe, the main difference lies in the bead material used in the tire, and there’s no disadvantage to pairing inner tubes with tubeless-ready designs. Continental echoes this sentiment, noting that modern TPU or latex inner tubes can maintain low rolling resistance and lightweight properties, even with tubeless-ready tires.
2. Optimal Tire Width
Road cycling tires typically range from 23mm to 32mm in width. Wider tires (28 mm – 32 mm) provide increased comfort and better rolling efficiency, especially on rougher roads. For riders using inner tubes, it’s essential to match the tube size with the tire width for optimal performance.
3. Puncture Resistance
Punctures are a common issue with inner tubes, making tire choice critical. Brands like Schwalbe and Continental offer tires with advanced puncture protection layers. Pair these tires with high-quality inner tubes like those from Tubolito for added resilience.
Best Tire Choices for Gravel Cycling with Inner Tubes
Gravel cycling presents unique challenges, from loose terrain to varied surfaces. Here’s how to choose inner tube-compatible gravel tires:
1. Tubeless-Ready Tires vs. Clinchers
Gravel tire specialists like Panaracer advise against using inner tubes with tubeless-ready tires unless in emergencies, citing increased rolling resistance and added weight. Instead, they recommend clincher tires for those committed to inner tubes. The Panaracer GravelKing series, some sizes available in clincher options, is a top choice for gravel riders.
2. Tire Width for Gravel
Wider tires (35 mm – 50 mm) are ideal for gravel riding, as they offer superior stability and traction on loose terrain. For riders using inner tubes, ensure the tube size aligns with the tire dimensions to avoid pinch flats. Problem is, just a few manufacturers offer clincher tires and appropriate tubes.
3. Consider the Terrain
Aggressive tread patterns with pronounced knobs are best for off-road trails, while semi-slick tires with side knobs work well for mixed surfaces. Schwalbe’s TLE/TLR gravel tires and Continental’s tubeless-ready gravel options are inner tube-compatible, making them versatile picks – still it’s hard to find appropriate tubes for wider tires. Tubolito for example is offering these, tire width up to 50 mm.
Insights from Top Tire Manufacturers
- Schwalbe: All Schwalbe tubeless-ready (TLE/TLR) tires are compatible with inner tubes, offering no performance drawbacks. This gives riders the flexibility to use tubes if they prefer traditional setups.
- Pirelli: While Pirelli acknowledges inner tube compatibility with tubeless tires, they note it defeats the purpose of tubeless setups, which are designed for airtight seals and pinch-flat prevention.
- Panaracer: Panaracer advises against using tubes with tubeless tires unless in emergencies, emphasizing the added weight and rolling resistance. They recommend clincher tires like the GravelKing series for inner tube users.
- Continental: Continental highlights that tubeless-ready tires can be paired with inner tubes, especially when using TPU or latex tubes for a lightweight and low-resistance setup. However, they recommend tubeless systems for gravel riding due to lower pressures and reduced puncture risks.
- Tubolito: Tubolito’s inner tubes are compatible with tubeless tires. They recommend consulting their sizing guide to ensure the best fit for your tire dimensions.
Pro Tips for Using Inner Tubes with Road and Gravel Tires
- Match Tube and Tire Sizes. Always ensure your inner tube matches the tire’s diameter and width to prevent flats or damage.
- Maintain Proper Pressure. Road cycling requires higher pressures (70–100 PSI), while gravel riding benefits from lower pressures (25–50 PSI) for better traction. Just avoid pressures so low that they lead to pinch flats. Check out the tire pressure guide from SRAM.
- Carry Spares and Tools. Flats happen, even with the best tires. Always carry spare tubes, tire levers, and a portable pump for quick roadside fixes.
- Upgrade Your Tubes. Consider high-performance tubes like those from Tubolito or latex options for reduced rolling resistance and weight savings. My favourite latex inner tubes come from Vittoria an the range of sizes is quite good as well.
The MTB latex tubes from Vittoria can be used on standard 700C rims (gravel rims), as both 29” and 700C wheels have the same ‘bead seat’ diameter of 622 mm. Vittoria Customer Service
Conclusion: Finding the Right Setup for You
Whether you’re hitting the tarmac or exploring gravel trails, choosing the right tire and inner tube setup is key to a smooth and enjoyable ride. While tubeless-ready tires are increasingly popular, many manufacturers affirm their compatibility with inner tubes, giving cyclists the flexibility to choose.
By prioritizing the right tire width, tread pattern, and materials, you can enjoy optimal performance and reliability—whatever terrain lies ahead.