Inner Tube Buyer's Guide
An inner tube is an inflatable rubber tube that sits inside a bike tyre. It holds the air that keeps the tyre inflated, providing cushioning and support while you ride.
Choosing the right inner tube is essential—it ensures the tube fits your tyre size and valve type correctly, which helps prevent flats and damage. The right tube will keep you rolling smoothly and stop you from getting stranded on a long ride.
The material and thickness of the tube also make a big difference: the right choice can improve durability, puncture resistance, and air retention. A properly fitted inner tube helps maintain tyre pressure, giving you better control, handling, and safety.
Inner Tube Sizes
E-Scooters – Very Small (e.g. 10″ for buggies, kids’ bikes, and E-scooters)
Small bikes, E-scooters, and pushchairs usually require very small inner tubes, typically around 10 inches.
E-Scooter Inner Tube 10 x 2.0 – 2.215” Bent Valve
The Halfords E-Scooter Inner Tube (10 x 2.0–2.215") fits most E-scooters with 10" tyres. It works for both front and rear wheels and is a key component to keep your scooter running smoothly.
Fitting tip: E-scooter inner tubes can be difficult to fit and often require specialist tools. To avoid damaging your scooter, we recommend using our expert fitting service.
Shop nowKids and Urban Bikes (12–22″)
Kids’ and urban bike inner tubes range from 12–22 inches, depending on the rim size. At Halfords, we stock Schrader inner tubes from our own brand as well as trusted names like Schwalbe.
Schrader Bike Inner Tube 12"
Keep the wheels of little bikes rolling with the Halfords Schrader Bike Inner Tube. Suitable for 12" bike wheels from 1.5" - 2.1", this tube makes the perfect replacement when old inner tubes become worn or damaged. This tube is suitable for Schrader-type bike valves.
Schrader Bike Inner Tube – 12.5"–26"
This high-quality tube offers excellent air pressure retention and resilience. Thanks to Schwalbe’s pure rubber compound and precise moulding, the tube features even wall thickness, consistent air retention, and a longer lifespan.
Mountain Bikes (24–29″)
Mountain bike inner tubes are designed to be more robust than road bike tyres, as you’re more likely to put pressure on them while cycling around sharp bends and down steep valleys.
Schrader Bike Inner Tube 27.5" x 1.9"–2.5"
Fits most 27.5" mountain bike wheels and tyres. The Halfords Schrader Bike Inner Tube 27.5” x 1.9” – 2.5” is a reliable replacement when puncture repair isn’t enough—ideal for off-road riders that need to carry a spare tube or two on every ride.
Schwalbe Bike Inner Tube 27.5" x 1.5"–2.4" (SV21)
This lightweight Presta valve inner tube holds air longer thanks to its high-purity rubber compound and uniform wall thickness. Extra light, yet just as reliable as standard tubes, so you won’t need to stop on the slopes to pump your tyres.
Road Bikes (700c)
On road bikes, inner tubes are usually sized for 700c wheels, which is the standard road bike wheel diameter.
The main difference comes from the tyre width, which determines the range of inner tube sizes you’ll need, so you should check the width size before purchasing.
Halfords Presta Bike Inner Tube 700c x 28c–38c
While you’re speeding along on your road bike, it’s a good idea to carry a spare inner tube to ensure you don’t get stranded. The Halfords Presta Bike Inner Tube 700c x 28c – 38c is an affordable and reliable replacement.
Presta Inner Tube – 700c
Made from durable butyl rubber, this tube undergoes a chemical process to ensure consistent wall thickness and excellent air pressure retention. Designed for long-lasting performance on the road, making this tyre great for road racing and time trials.
Key Features to Consider
Size
Always match the tube’s diameter and width to your tyre size. Using the wrong size can lead to poor performance, damage, or punctures. You can find the correct size printed on the wall of your bicycle's tyre.
Valve Types
Choose the right valve for your wheel rim:
- Schrader valves (car valve style – common on mountain bikes)
- Presta valves (narrower – common on road bikes)
Material & Thickness
There are differences between the types of materials that inner tubes are made of, and each has its benefits, so it’s about choosing the right inner tube for the riding you’re doing.
Butyl Tubes
- Resist wear, punctures, and weathering
- Widely available in all sizes and valve types
- Offer reliable everyday performance at low cost
- Hold air well (less frequent pumping needed)
Latex Tubes
- Lower rolling resistance for faster rides
- More flexible, improving comfort and shock absorption
- Lighter than butyl, preferred by racers
- Require frequent pumping (poor air retention)
- More delicate and prone to punctures
Puncture Protection
Some tubes include puncture-resistant layers or liquid sealants to reduce the risk of flats – these are a good option for long-distance cycling and commuting.
Smart Bike Inner Tube – 700c
To prevent unwanted punctures while you’re out on the road, the Slime Smart Bike Inner Tube – 700c is an excellent option. Instead of a traditional inner tube, Slime tubes are pre-filled with green sealant that seals and repairs punctures before your tyres run flat.
Tyre Fitting Service
At Halfords, we offer an inner tube fitting service for just £10 per wheel. If you’re not confident fitting tubes yourself, let our experts handle it for you.
Book nowIf you’re still unsure which inner tube is right for you, visit your local Halfords store where one of our friendly experts will help you find the best option for your bike.
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