This tyre should be dead. Here's why not!

In this latest clip from West Coast Cycles YouTube channel, you’re seeing something you don’t normally expect: a bike tyre that should be done… but isn’t. Even with clear, visible damage to the tube inside, it’s still inflated and rideable. That’s the real-world strength of TPU inner tubes — and it’s worth understanding what makes them different from standard options.

What’s a TPU tube?
TPU stands for Thermoplastic Polyurethane — a lightweight, high-strength plastic used in some premium bike inner tubes. Compared to traditional butyl rubber tubes, TPU tubes offer several advantages: they’re significantly lighter, often pack much smaller, and can be more resistant to punctures and abrasion thanks to the material’s strength and structure

In everyday riding, that means a few real benefits:

• Lower weight — saving grams right at the wheel helps acceleration and makes your bike feel livelier.

• Compact size — TPU tubes fold down much smaller than standard tubes, making them ideal spares.

• Strong, durable material — TPU is inherently tougher than many butyl tubes, which helps it survive hits and scrapes that might flatten a rubber tube.

This video is a great example: despite obvious damage in the tire, the tube inside continues to hold pressure — a real testament to TPU’s resilience in actual riding conditions.

That said, TPU tubes aren’t perfect — they can be pricier, sometimes harder to patch than butyl, and air retention varies by brand and conditions. But as this clip shows, in many real-world situations they outperform what you might expect.

If you’re curious about trying TPU tubes yourself, give Leon a call.