For years, like many dedicated cyclists, I’ve experimented with TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) tubes from brands like Schwalbe and Pirelli. My experience has always been positive, a subjective feeling of improved performance. However, the introduction of Continental TPU tubes to the market, particularly at BTD (BikeTiresDirect), provided an opportunity to move beyond subjective impressions and gain a more concrete understanding of their impact. Swapping out the standard butyl tubes on my relatively new bike for Continental TPU tubes has truly transformed my riding experience and solidified my opinion on these performance-enhancing upgrades.
To give you a clear context, let me share my recent bike evolution. Until late last year, my primary ride was a 2021 Specialized Roubaix Expert equipped with alloy wheels. This bike has been a fantastic companion, perfectly suited to my needs. After logging approximately 20,000 miles, I decided to upgrade, acquiring a brand-new, unassembled 2022 Specialized Roubaix Expert at an incredible deal. The 2022 model is essentially identical to my 2021, sharing the same frame and components, but boasting a 12-speed drivetrain and, crucially, carbon fiber wheels. Everything else, down to the handlebar tape, remained consistent.
Initially, I was underwhelmed. Despite the upgrade to carbon wheels, the difference compared to my previous alloy wheel setup felt minimal. The anticipated transformative effect of carbon wheels seemed overstated. That is, until I made one key change: replacing the factory-standard butyl inner tubes with Continental TPU tubes. Suddenly, the promised benefits of carbon wheels materialized. The bike’s character shifted dramatically. Several hundred miles later, and the transformation remains exhilarating. The bike feels noticeably faster, more responsive, and significantly more lively.
This experience led me to a significant realization. The upgrade to Continental TPU tubes on my 2021 Roubaix with alloy wheels effectively elevated its performance to a level comparable to my 2022 Roubaix with carbon wheels running standard butyl tubes. If you’re currently riding on alloy wheels that are in good condition but contemplating a carbon wheel upgrade, I wholeheartedly recommend considering Continental TPU tubes as a remarkably cost-effective alternative. For a fraction of the investment of new wheels, these tubes can deliver a substantial performance boost. Furthermore, if you are already enjoying the benefits of carbon wheels but are still using traditional butyl tubes and are hesitant to switch to a tubeless setup, upgrading to Continental TPU tubes is an absolute must-do. You’ll unlock the true potential of your carbon wheel investment and experience a significantly enhanced ride quality.
