These PSIKIC TPU inner tubes are lighter and more compact than typical butyl tubes and come in a range of valve lengths. Performance-wise, they’re similar to rivals, which makes the price appealing.
For those of us not running tubeless (I’ve never been a big adopter for road use) the inner tube game has changed a lot over the last few years with the popularity of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) increasing.
If you aren’t aware of the difference compared to the more traditional butyl tube, then TPU wins on weight and allows a much more compact footprint when folded up which makes them ideal for carrying in a jersey pocket, saddle bag or frame storage.
TPU materials are also toxic free and can be recyclable.
The downsides are price – TPU tubes can be triple the price or more of butyl offerings – and they are also more porous, requiring a top up of air more often.
So, if you’ve read that and decided that TPU tubes are for you then why go for the PSIs?
Compared to other options that I’ve used – primarily those from Tubolito – I do prefer the matte finish to the material used here, rather than the shiny, glossy feel of others. I found it made the PSIs easier to fit, especially on tricky tyre/wheel combinations.
Other than that though, I wouldn’t say there’s much in it. A weight here of 36g for the 60mm valve version is on par with other TPU road tubes, and PSI KIC makes no claims about increased puncture protection over butyl tubes, saying that they offer similar resistance levels.
I ride a lot of miles a year on a lot of different tyres, and I really don’t puncture more than maybe once or twice a year, so the fact that I didn’t puncture on these was no great surprise. The majority of the testing took place through the winter though in a lot of wet conditions on broken up back lanes, so overall I was impressed with their robustness – especially as I don’t switch to winter specific tyres through the off season.
Air retention wasn’t too bad overall, but I would have to top them up every couple of days which I would say is pretty standard for TPU.
There are three valve lengths on offer of 48mm, 60mm and 80mm for tyre sizes 23mm to 32mm wide. This is a bit limited given tyres seem to be getting ever wider on road bikes, but as these will be likely used on race/speed orientated machines then they cover the main options.
Something going in KSI’s favour though is the price. These are £15.99 a throw, so more than double that of a butyl tube, but cheaper than most TPU offerings.
The Revoloop Race Ultra tube that we reviewed back in 2023 has a current price of £27.99 for instance, as do Tubolito’s Tubo Road tubes.
Conclusion
Overall, if you think TPU tubes are what you need then the KSIs are definitely worth consideration, most notably due to that price. In terms of performance, I wouldn’t say they are any better or worse than others I have used.
> Best bike inner tubes 2026 — save weight, ride faster and prevent flats
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Crafted through a meticulous process, our TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) innertubes underwent rigorous lab tests and have been proven in numerous competitions and challenges across the world. Experience reliability and performance like never before.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
TPU materials are 100% toxic free and recyclable. When disposed of, there is no pollution caused. Light and durable with full quality control using the best materials and manufactured in a cleanroom.
35g – 48mm Valve
36g – 60mm Valve
37g – 80mm Valve
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
These are well priced compared to others like the Tubolito offerings, and those from Revoloop.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product?
Yes, mostly due to their price compared to other TPU tubes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Use this box to explain your overall score
There is nothing groundbreaking here in terms of performance, but they work well and are very competitively priced.
About the tester
Age: Height: cmWeight: kg
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6 thoughts on “PSIKIC TPU inner tubes 700c”
I’ve used TPU tubes for a couple of years now, I definitely prefer the ride feel on them, seems quite similar to latex tubes. My one bugbear with them (besides the cost) is the “mystery puncture” when sometimes you’d go to ride and find the tube has developed a slow puncture. Turns out these are often weather related, possibly with the tubes getting too hot and the pressure increasing? The past couple of months I’ve been deflating the tubes a bit after each ride, taking about 15psi or so out and touch wood, I haven’t experienced the issue. A minor faff, but as I usually set the pressure with a digital inflator each ride anyway it’s not the worst trade off.
I cannot say I have noticed my TPU tubes being any more porous than Butyl
@redimp Same for me. I think I currently have some Vittoria TPU tubes in.
I’ve been using Cyclami for 3 years (from either eBay or AliExpress) and they tend to work out at around £5/£6 per tube. I’ve only punctured once in that time and don’t need to re-inflate that often. You can also choose to have them with metal valves.
@kinderje Same. I have Cyclamis with metal valves
Butyl or bust.