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A road.cc review found the Nutrak TPU inner tube worked without punctures during testing and valued its metal Presta valve and more substantial construction. At 56.8 grams, however, it was heavier and bulkier than the TPU alternatives compared, and the reviewer questioned whether the possible durability benefit justified its price.
Road.cc’s review of the Nutrak TPU inner tube found it offered a more substantial build and a metal Presta valve, but weighed 56.8 grams and took up more space than the lightweight TPU alternatives in the reviewer’s comparisons. The reviewer reported no punctures or problems during testing, while stressing that this experience does not establish long-term durability.
The tube is positioned between conventional butyl tubes and the lightest TPU models: it remains considerably lighter than the reviewer’s standard butyl tube, while using thicker TPU and a copper-coloured metal valve. Nutrak’s product claims include a durable valve, high air retention and compatibility with most Presta valve pumps; those are manufacturer statements, not independently established results in the review.
In the reviewer’s measurements, the Nutrak tube weighed 56.8 grams, compared with 138.4 grams for their standard butyl tube. Two other TPU tubes cited in the review weighed 27.8 grams for a standard-size model and 48.9 grams for a gravel model intended for 40–50mm tyres. Those figures describe the specific tubes tested, not every product in each category.
The reviewer also found the Nutrak noticeably larger when packed, estimating that two standard TPU tubes could fit in roughly the space occupied by one Nutrak. They reported no punctures or other problems during their use. The test account does not give a distance, duration or conditions that would allow that result to predict long-term performance.
The Durability and Weight Trade-Off
The review addresses a practical choice for riders carrying a spare: whether a more substantial tube and metal valve are worth giving up some of TPU’s main attractions, low weight and compact storage. That may matter to riders who value a valve stem they consider more robust, including those using electric pumps. The review says some pumps are not well suited to plastic valve stems, but does not report a controlled pump-compatibility test.
For riders prioritising the lightest, smallest spare, the measurements favour the lighter tubes tested. The Nutrak’s result against butyl is still a substantial weight reduction in this particular comparison, but its advantage narrows against the other TPU models. The reviewer’s overall score was 5 out of 10, reflecting a product they said worked but whose weight and size penalties weakened its case.
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How It Compared in Testing
The road.cc report is a product review, not a controlled durability study or a recall notice. Its assessment combines the reviewer’s own use and measurements with manufacturer-provided product information. The report includes retailer links and says purchases through them may earn the publication a commission; it also states that its reviews are independent.
The reviewer gave the tube 8 out of 10 for quality and 8 out of 10 for performance for its intended use, but 5 out of 10 for value and 5 out of 10 overall. They said they enjoyed using it but would not buy it and would probably not recommend it. Although the review calls the price fairly typical, it also compares the Nutrak unfavourably with cheaper lightweight TPU options, including two standard tubes available from some retailers for around £11 at the time described. Prices and availability can change.
“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.”
— Road.cc reviewer
Long-Term Durability Is Untested
The review does not establish whether the thicker construction produces fewer punctures or a longer service life than lighter TPU tubes. The reviewer reported no failures but did not provide a test duration, mileage, puncture rate or side-by-side durability results. It is also unclear how the tube performs across different tyre widths, pressures, riding conditions and pump designs. The manufacturer’s claims about air retention and corrosion resistance are not accompanied in the source material by test data.
Check Fit, Price and Pump
Riders considering the tube can compare its stated size and valve configuration with their tyre and rim setup, then check current retailer prices against lighter TPU alternatives. Those who use an electric pump may want to verify that the pump head fits the valve securely. The source material gives no new test announcement or follow-up schedule, so whether further evidence on long-term durability will be published remains unknown.
Key Questions
How much does the Nutrak TPU tube weigh?
Road.cc measured it at 56.8 grams. The review compares that with 138.4 grams for the reviewer’s standard butyl tube and TPU models weighing 27.8 and 48.9 grams.
Did the reviewer experience punctures?
No punctures or other problems were reported during testing. The reviewer cautioned that this does not establish long-term durability, and the source does not specify the test mileage or duration.
What is the reported benefit of the metal valve?
The reviewer considered the metal valve more robust than plastic valve stems found on some lightweight TPU tubes and said it may suit riders using electric pumps. Pump compatibility was not reported as a controlled test result.
Is the Nutrak tube more compact than other TPU tubes?
No. The reviewer found it larger when packed, estimating that two standard TPU tubes could fit in roughly the same space as one Nutrak tube.
Did road.cc recommend buying it?
The reviewer rated it 5 out of 10 overall, said they would not buy it and would probably not recommend it. They described the tube as functional but questioned whether its sturdier build and metal valve justified the weight, size and cost trade-offs.
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