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A road.cc review found the Nutrak TPU tube performed without punctures during testing and offers a metal Presta valve with a more substantial construction. At 56.8g, however, it was heavier and bulkier than the TPU alternatives compared in the review, and the reviewer questioned whether its potential durability benefit justifies the trade-off.
Nutrak’s TPU inner tube, built with a more substantial tube wall and a metal Presta valve, completed road.cc’s test without punctures, but its 56.8g weight and larger packed size set it apart from lighter TPU competitors. The review describes it as a middle-ground option between conventional butyl tubes and ultralight TPU models, while questioning whether the added construction is worth the compromises.
The review reports that the Nutrak tube was substantially lighter than the tester’s standard butyl tube, which weighed 138.4g. But several TPU alternatives in the comparison were lighter: a standard-size tube weighed 27.8g, while a gravel-specific tube for 40–50mm tyres weighed 48.9g. The reviewer also found the Nutrak larger when packed, estimating that two standard TPU tubes could fit in roughly the space occupied by one Nutrak.
The tube uses a copper metal valve, which the reviewer considered more robust than the plastic valve stems on many lightweight TPU tubes, particularly when using some electric pumps. The manufacturer describes the valve as durable and corrosion-resistant and says the tube has high air retention and is compatible with most Presta pumps. These are manufacturer claims; the review does not report independent measurements of air retention or corrosion resistance.
In the road.cc review, the product received 8/10 for quality and performance, but 5/10 for value and an overall rating of 5/10. The tester said the tube worked as intended but would not buy it and would probably not recommend it, citing its weight and size compared with other TPU tubes. The reviewer recorded no punctures or other problems during testing, while cautioning that this experience does not establish long-term durability.
The Trade-Off for Spare Tubes
The review speaks to a practical choice for cyclists carrying a spare: lower weight and smaller pack size versus a tube designed with a more substantial construction and a metal valve. TPU’s compactness can matter on rides where riders carry their own repair kit, while a metal valve may be appealing to those concerned about how a pump connects to a plastic stem.
But the test does not show that the thicker construction actually delivers better puncture resistance over time. With no punctures during the reported testing, the Nutrak performed without an issue, but the available evidence cannot establish a durability advantage. Riders weighing the purchase can treat the metal valve and sturdier feel as product features, not as proof of a longer service life.
Value also depends on the price available to a particular buyer. The review says some retailers offered two standard lightweight TPU tubes for about £11, and notes that some branded alternatives were also discounted. It does not give a specific current price for the Nutrak, so readers should compare live listings rather than assume a fixed price gap.
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How the Review Compared Tubes
The report frames the Nutrak as sitting between traditional butyl and lightweight TPU. Butyl is heavier in the reviewer’s comparison, while the TPU alternatives offer more of the weight and pack-size savings commonly associated with the material. The Nutrak’s thicker construction and copper valve are intended to give it a more substantial feel, according to the product description supplied with the review.
The comparison includes tubes of different types and intended tyre sizes, so the figures are not a direct like-for-like ranking for every rider. In particular, the 48.9g model is a gravel tube designed for 40–50mm tyres, while the 27.8g model is described as standard size. The review’s broader point is that the Nutrak is heavier and larger than the TPU examples tested, while still offering a considerable weight saving over the tester’s butyl tube.
Road.cc disclosed that its review contains retailer links that may earn the publication a commission. It also stated that its reviews are independent. The supplied test material identifies the reviewer’s riding background, including road racing, cyclocross and gravel, but does not specify the testing period or conditions in enough detail to assess how the tube might perform across longer-term use.
“I had no punctures or problems with the Nutrak tubes during testing”
— Road.cc reviewer
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Durability Evidence Remains Limited
The review does not state how long the tubes were tested, how many were used, or the precise conditions and distances involved. It reports no punctures or problems, but that outcome does not establish that the thicker TPU is more durable than lighter alternatives. No comparative puncture testing or long-term wear data is provided.
The exact Nutrak price at the time of publication is also absent from the supplied material, despite the review’s discussion of value and prices for competing tubes. The product claims about air retention and corrosion resistance are not accompanied by measurements in the report. The tube’s performance in conditions beyond the reviewer’s test, including with different pumps and tyre setups, is not detailed.
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Compare Specifications Before Buying
For shoppers, the next step is to check current prices and confirm that the tube’s size and valve length suit their wheel and tyre setup. The review offers no announced product update or further test schedule. Anyone considering the Nutrak can compare its 56.8g weight and packed size with the alternatives available to them, and decide whether a metal valve and more substantial construction matter more than carrying a lighter, smaller spare.
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Key Questions
What did the road.cc review find?
The reviewer reported no punctures or problems during testing, but rated the tube 5/10 overall. The review’s main reservation was that it is heavier and larger than the other TPU tubes compared.
How much does the Nutrak TPU tube weigh?
The review measured it at 56.8g. The supplied product information rounds the weight to 56g.
Is the Nutrak tube more durable than lighter TPU tubes?
The review says its thicker construction may offer better durability, but the test did not establish a long-term advantage. The reviewer had no punctures, while noting that this alone is not definitive evidence.
What is the benefit of its copper Presta valve?
The reviewer found the metal valve more robust than plastic stems on many lightweight TPU tubes, including when using some electric pumps. The report does not provide independent testing of the manufacturer’s corrosion-resistance claim.
Is the Nutrak tube good value?
The reviewer gave it 5/10 for value and said cheaper lightweight TPU alternatives could make the trade-off difficult to justify. The supplied material does not state the Nutrak’s exact price, so current retailer prices should be checked before comparing.
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