The Nutrak TPU tube sits somewhere between traditional butyl and lightweight TPU, offering some of the weight savings of the latter combined with a more substantial construction and a metal valve. That compromises some of the main benefits of TPU though.
The main appeal of Nutrak’s tube is that it occupies something of a middle ground. It’s considerably lighter than a traditional butyl tube, but its more substantial construction should offer better durability than ultra-light TPU alternatives. I had no punctures or problems with the Nutrak tubes during testing, although that’s obviously not enough to make any definitive claims about long-term durability.
The other clear benefit is the metal valve. Most of the lightweight TPU tubes I’ve used have plastic valves, and with more riders carrying electric pumps, that’s not always ideal. Some pumps aren’t particularly well suited to plastic valve stems, whereas the metal valve on the Nutrak feels much more robust.
Weight and size
At 56.8g, the Nutrak is still a big saving over the 138.4g of my standard butyl tube. However, it’s less impressive when compared with other TPU options.
One standard size TPU tube I tested weighed just 27.8g, while a gravel TPU tube designed for 40-50mm tyres came in at 48.9g. The Nutrak is more than twice the weight of the lightest TPU option, but even the larger gravel tube is still lighter.
It’s a similar story with packed size. The Nutrak is significantly larger than other TPU tubes I’ve used. I’d comfortably fit two standard TPU tubes into roughly the same space as one Nutrak.
That matters because weight and size are arguably the two biggest advantages of TPU over butyl. The Nutrak retains much of the weight saving over butyl, but gives away a significant amount compared to other TPU tubes.
Value
This is where the Nutrak becomes difficult to justify. Lightweight TPU tubes have become extremely cheap, with two standard tubes available for around £11 from some retailers, while those from established brands are often lower in cost too.
The last we tested was the PSIKIC TPU inner tube for £15.99, for example, and while the RRPs for Tubolito’s offerings are a little higher, they’re widely available for less.
Nevertheless, if you can buy two or three lightweight TPU tubes for the price of one Nutrak, I’m not convinced the potential durability advantage is enough to make the trade-off worthwhile.
Conclusion
The Nutrak is a good TPU tube for those looking to balance the benefits of TPU with a more substantial construction and metal valve. However, when you consider that weight and size are two of the biggest advantages of TPU, it becomes more difficult to justify it over lighter and more compact alternatives.
> Best bike inner tubes 2026 — save weight, ride faster and prevent flats
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Lightweight TPU construction for reduced rolling weight
Durable copper valve for improved strength and corrosion resistance
High air retention compared to standard rubber tubes
Compatible with most Presta valve pumps
Compact and easy to carry as a spare
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
This is TPU tube made with a copper valve and slightly thicker TPU for added durability.
Weight: 56g
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
Fairly typical price.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend?
Probably not
Use this box to explain your overall score
The tubes work just fine, but for me the advantages don’t outweigh the weight and size penalty versus a standard TPU tube.
About the tester
Age: 28Height: 185cmWeight: 65kg
I usually ride: Argon 18 nitrogen discMy best bike is: Canyon grizl CF 7
I’ve been riding for: 5-10 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: Road racing, Cyclocross, Gravel riding, Indoor riding, Bikepacking, Club riding
