Are you looking for a detailed Tubolito Tubo BMX inner tube review?
This isn’t your usual black butyl tube.
Oh no!
Tubolito uses TPU, a lightweight thermoplastic material that folds down to a tiny size and reduces the bike’s rotating weight significantly.
The 20” Schrader version weighs just 2.0oz/58g. (Or ONLY 1.4oz /39g if you have the S-BMX version like me!)
Tubolito also claims it’s up to 60% lighter and twice as strong as a standard inner tube.
After my tests, it’s even 75% lighter! (The S-BMX version.)
Sounds pretty wild for such a small part.
But here’s the real question:
Is saving that rotational weight actually worth paying around $28 for one tube? (That’s around 4x pricier than a standard BMX inner tube.)
Besides my unboxing video, I properly tested the Tubolito Tubo tube, so I’ll share my first impressions of its size, material, valve, and overall feel.
Let’s get into it.
This post covers:
- Tubolito Tubo BMX Review: What Makes It Different?
- Conclusion: Is The Tubolito Tubo BMX Inner Tube Worth It?
- FAQs About The Tubolito Tubo BMX Inner Tube
Tubolito Tubo BMX Review: What Makes It Different?
The biggest difference is the material.
Instead of traditional butyl rubber, the Tubolito Tubo BMX uses TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane.
That change affects almost everything.
- Weight.
- Packed size.
- Installation.
- Repair.
- Even the way the tube feels in your hands.
The Tubolito packs down much smaller than a standard BMX tube, which makes it useful as a lightweight spare.
And, of course, it is also SERIOUSLY light.
The 20” Schrader version weighs only 58g, so around 60% less than a regular butyl tube.
The company also says the tube is twice as strong and uses a four-ply construction to improve puncture and pinch-flat resistance.
That doesn’t mean it’s flat-proof.
But the design is clearly aimed at reducing the tube’s weight without making it feel disposable.
Honestly, I cannot really tell about the “twice as strong” because I rarely get a flat – even with the Tubo.
Note: I’ve been testing it for over a year, and it’s still holding up nicely!
Tubolito also claims better air retention, which is nice because nobody enjoys topping up tire pressure before every session.
I can confirm this claim!
Moreover, there are versions for different wheel diameters, tire widths, and valve types.
And if anyone wants to make their 22″ BMX bike lighter, there’s a 22″ Tubo available, too! (This is something I will test next.)
Remember, when everything matches, the Tubolito offers a very different kind of upgrade: tiny on the scale, tiny in your bag, and potentially noticeable where it matters most.
GET YOUR TUBOLITO TUBO BMX INNER TUBES NOW!1. My Tubolito Tubo BMX Unboxing
My first reaction?
This thing is TINY.
The packaging is simple and compact, but once you take the tube out, the size difference becomes even more obvious.
It folds down much smaller than a regular BMX tube, which instantly makes sense if you want to carry one as a spare.
Then there’s the color.
That bright orange TPU material looks nothing like a traditional black rubber tube, and it also feels completely different in your hands.
It’s smoother, thinner, and a little more “plastic-like” than rubber.
The valve construction also stands out.
It feels more like a separate molded part than something blended into the tube, so it’s worth handling carefully during installation.
GET YOUR TUBOLITO TUBO BMX INNER TUBES NOW!2. What I Like About The Tubolito BMX Tube
- Extremely low 58g weight: That’s a huge drop compared to a regular butyl BMX tube. Or even bigger weight savings if you get the S-BMX version!
- Massive rotational-weight saving: Because the weight comes off the wheels, the bike may feel a little quicker to accelerate and easier to move.
- Very compact when folded: Easy to carry as a spare without taking up much space. You can literally carry it in your back pocket.
- Fits common 20” BMX tire widths: The standard version covers 1.5”–2.5” tires.
- Schrader and Presta options: Useful for different BMX rims and rider preferences.
- Removable valve core: The listed Schrader model includes one, which adds some flexibility for maintenance.
- Improved puncture resistance: Tubolito says the TPU construction is tougher than a standard tube. (I cannot really vouch for this claim because I rarely get a flat – I can go with a single tube for years.)
- Better air retention: Less frequent topping up would be a nice bonus. This is oh-so-true from my experience!
- Dedicated TPU patch kit available: Good to know the tube can be repaired with the correct kit. (You can get the kit here.)
- 20”, 22”, and 24” options: The range covers standard BMX, 22”, and cruiser-style setups. Golden!
- Works for race, park, and street builds: The weight savings can appeal to riders across different riding styles, especially on performance-focused bikes.
3. How Much Weight Can Tubolito Save?
This is where the Tubolito starts looking seriously impressive.
My S-Tubo BMX tube weighs just 37g (even lighter than the official weight), while the regular butyl BMX tube I compared it with weighs 145g.
That’s a saving of 108g per wheel.
That’s super solid!
Run Tubolito tubes front and rear, and you remove around 216g from the bike.
Even better, that weight comes off the wheels.
Wheels constantly accelerate, slow down, and change direction as you ride.
Reducing weight there makes your bike feel quicker to pick up, easier to accelerate, and slightly more responsive (more feathery) during tricks.
Will 216g completely transform your BMX?
No.
But it’s a meaningful saving from two very small parts, especially if you’re building a lightweight race or park bike.
Racers and weight-focused riders are most likely to appreciate the difference.
Casual riders may notice it less, particularly if the rest of the bike is already heavy.
Still, this is one of the simplest ways to make your BMX bike lighter.
GET YOUR TUBOLITO TUBO BMX INNER TUBES NOW!4. Installing The Tubolito Tubo BMX Tube
Installing a TPU tube takes a little more patience than fitting a regular butyl tube.
But nothing intimidating here!
Start by checking the tire, rim tape, rim, and spoke holes for anything sharp.
Then add only a small amount of air to the Tubolito – just enough to make it round and easier to position.
Do not inflate it beyond 8 PSI (0.5 bar) outside the tire.
Place the tube fully inside the tire and make sure it is not twisted, folded, or trapped beneath the bead.
Pro tip: The valve should sit straight through the rim, not pulled to one side.
Take extra care with tire levers, too.
Avoid sharp or pointed tools (plastic is better – something like the Odyssey Future tire lever kit works great), and never force the bead into place if the tube may be caught underneath it.
Once the tire is seated, check both sides carefully before adding full pressure.
I also like rolling the partially inflated wheel along the ground to help release any trapped or wedged sections before inflating it completely.
Important: Don’t stretch or fully inflate a tube outside the tire like you might with a regular rubber tube.
A careful installation is one of the best ways to avoid damaging an expensive tube before the ride even begins.
GET YOUR TUBOLITO TUBO BMX INNER TUBES NOW!5. Does Tubolito Tubo Change How A BMX Bike Rides?
Yes, but don’t expect a completely different bike.
The main change comes from reducing the rotating weight at the wheels.
That can make the bike feel a little quicker, lighter, and easier to move around.
5.1. BMX Racing
Racing is probably the best use case for Tubolito.
A lighter rotating setup may help the bike accelerate a little quicker, which matters most out of the gate and when rebuilding speed after a turn.
The difference will be more relevant on an already lightweight race bike, where small savings add up.
For riders chasing marginal gains, this upgrade makes sense.
Note: Pairing the Tubolito with lightweight rubber can cut even more rotating weight, so check out my best BMX race tires roundup.
5.2. Park
At the park, a lower wheel weight may make the bike feel slightly easier to lift, spin, and move through the air.
Oh yes, it affects tailwhips and barspins.
Smooth riders who care about weight will likely appreciate it most.
But hard cases, rough landings, and repeated impacts put more pressure on any tube, so durability matters just as much as the weight saving.
Reminder: Tire choice matters just as much as the tube, especially for grip and durability, so have a look at my collection of the best freestyle BMX tires.
5.3. Street
The low weight is still attractive for street riding.
But sharp debris, heavy landings, and constant abuse can make a standard butyl tube feel safer financially.
A regular tube is cheaper to replace, easier to find, and less painful to destroy.
So while Tubolito can work for street, I don’t recommend it as the best-value choice for every rider.
Hint: If you need street-specific rubber, take a peek at these best BMX street tires.
5.4. Spare Tube Use
As a spare, the Tubolito is awesome.
It folds down tiny and barely takes up space in a backpack or tool bag.
The downside?
It’s an expensive spare.
Still, if storage space and weight matter more than price, it’s hard to beat.
It’s a big win for traveling.
GET YOUR TUBOLITO TUBO BMX INNER TUBES NOW!6. Tubolito Tubo BMX Specs, Weight & Price
- Material: TPU / thermoplastic polyurethane
- Wheel size: 20”, 22″, 24″
- Tire width: 1 1/8″ – 1 3/8″ or 1.5”–2.5”
- ISO diameter: 406+
- Valve type: Schrader or Presta
- Weight: 1.4oz+ (39g+)
- Weight savings Up to 75%
- Puncture protection: Yes
- Strength: Stronger as a standard tube
- Price: $29.95+
7. Who Should Get The Tubolito Tubo BMX Tube?
- BMX racers chasing lower rotating weight: This is where the weight saving matters most.
- Weight-conscious park riders: A lighter wheel setup may make the bike feel a little easier to lift and move.
- Riders building a premium lightweight BMX: Perfect if you’re already paying attention to every gram.
- Riders who want a very compact spare: It folds down tiny and barely takes up space in a bag.
- Riders willing to pay more for small performance gains: The benefits are real, but they come at a premium.
- 20”, 22”, or 24” riders using a compatible version: Tubolito offers BMX options across several wheel sizes.
For casual riders, the price may be hard to justify.
But for racers and lightweight-build nerds?
It makes a lot more sense.
8. Who Should Skip It?
I’d probably skip it if you are:
- On a tight budget: Nearly $30 for one tube is a lot when standard butyl options cost much less.
- Someone who frequently destroys tubes: Replacing Tubolitos over and over can get expensive FAST.
- Looking for cheap, widely available replacements: Regular tubes are easier to find at local bike shops and online.
- Using ordinary patch kits: Standard butyl patches won’t work. You need Tubolito’s dedicated TPU repair kit.
- A heavy street rider: If hard impacts, sharp debris, and rough landings are normal, easy and affordable replacement may matter more than low weight.
- A casual rider: The weight saving may not feel important enough to justify the premium price.
Tubolito is a performance-focused upgrade.
If affordability, simplicity, and easy replacement come first, a regular butyl tube will probably suit you better.
Conclusion: Is The Tubolito Tubo BMX Inner Tube Worth It?
Yes, the Tubolito Tubo BMX is worth it for racers and riders who genuinely care about lowering rotating weight.
The savings are hard to ignore.
Compared with my 145g butyl tube, the 37g S-Tubo removes 108g from one wheel.
Run two, and that comes to 216g without changing the tires or wheels.
That’s IMPRESSIVE for such a small part.
Its tiny packed size is another real benefit, especially if you want a feathery spare that takes no space at all.
But the price is the catch.
At around $30 per tube, Tubolito costs far more than a regular butyl option.
Installation also needs more care, and I’d keep durability expectations realistic rather than treating it as flat-proof. (Because it’s not.)
For regular riders who want something cheap, simple, and easy to replace, a dependable butyl tube is a much better option.
But if shaving rotating weight matters to you, the Tubolito Tubo BMX is one of the simplest upgrades available.
It is best suited for racers and serious weight-conscious riders.
GET YOUR TUBOLITO TUBO BMX INNER TUBES NOW!FAQs About The Tubolito Tubo BMX Inner Tube
What is the Tubolito Tubo BMX made from?
It’s made from TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane, instead of traditional butyl rubber.
How much does the Tubolito BMX tube weigh?
The reviewed 20” Schrader version weighs 58g. The lighter S-Tubo BMX version can weigh around 37g.
Is the Tubolito BMX tube lighter than a regular tube?
Yes. Tubolito is up to 75% lighter than a standard butyl inner tube.
Is Tubolito stronger than a butyl tube?
Tubolito claims it is twice as strong as a standard tube, but that does not make it flat-proof.
What tire sizes fit the Tubolito Tubo BMX?
The standard 20” version fits BMX tires from 1.5” to 2.5” wide.
Does Tubolito make 22” and 24” BMX tubes?
Yes. Tubolito offers versions for 22” and 24” BMX wheels.
Is the Tubolito BMX tube good for racing?
Yes. Racing is one of its best uses, as the low rotating mass helps with acceleration.
Is the Tubolito BMX tube good for street riding?
It can work for street, but hard impacts and frequent flats may make regular butyl tubes more economical.
Can you patch a Tubolito BMX tube?
Yes. You need Tubolito’s dedicated TPU patch kit.
Can I use a regular patch kit on Tubolito?
No. Standard butyl tube patches are not designed for TPU.
Does the Tubolito BMX tube hold air well?
Tubolito improved air retention, which I noticed during my testing. However, I still recommend checking tire pressure regularly.
Is Tubolito difficult to install?
Not difficult, but it needs more care than a normal rubber tube.
Can a Tubolito tube get pinch flats?
Yes. It may offer better pinch-flat resistance, but incorrect pressure or installation can still cause damage.
Should I use Tubolito in both wheels?
You can, and that gives you the biggest total weight saving. Starting with one wheel is also a cheaper way to test it.
Is the Tubolito Tubo BMX worth the money?
Yes, for racers and riders chasing a lightweight build. Casual riders may get better value from a standard butyl tube.
GET YOUR TUBOLITO TUBO BMX INNER TUBES NOW!
