Wheels & Tyres
What is an Inner Tube?
The rubber ring inside a tyre that actually holds the air.
Simplified schematic — not to scale.
In plain English
On a traditional (non-tubeless) setup, the inner tube is a thin rubber ring sitting inside the tyre that's inflated to give you a cushioned, round wheel.
A simple analogy
“It's a balloon shaped like a ring, doing all the work while the tyre just protects it.”
How it works
The tube is inflated through a valve until it presses the tyre out against the rim. A sharp object piercing both tyre and tube causes a puncture — air escapes and the tyre goes soft.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Slow or sudden loss of air pressure
- ⚠A tyre that's gone soft overnight
- ⚠A hissing sound after riding over debris
Rough UK cost
£3 – £10 per tube
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by bike, region and parts brand.
Heads up: Bikeautonomy is for general guidance only. If your bike is behaving oddly or you're not confident, get it looked at by a qualified bike mechanic.