Let’s take a closer look at the new Eclat BMX Tube Amp Kit…
When it comes to BMX tubes, there really isn’t much going on as far as “innovation” goes with them. It’s a pretty standard thing that is an essential part of any BMX bike. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the more common parts you end up replacing as well. In the past few years we’ve seen a few changes like heavier duty tubes to hold up to the riding, or the Cobra Tube from Flybikes that has a unique design that allows you to change the tube without taking your wheel off. Beyond that, it’s pretty much been business as usual in the tube department.
The guys at Eclat were kicking around ideas and realized it’s time for the BMX tube to get a little attention to keep up with what BMX is throwing at it these days. Today the Eclat BMX Tube Amp Kit has started hitting BMX shops and mail-orders that have a few different features that make it something worth taking a closer look at. Starting things out, one thing that most people don’t realize when they buy a cheap tube is that they are not designed for the bigger 2.35 – 2.40″ (or bigger) tires that have become the norm in BMX. Most tubes are designed for 1.75″ – 1.95″ tires, which means that when it’s inflated in a bigger tire, the rubber just stretches and becomes thinner. Think of it like a balloon, when it’s deflated it’s “thicker” and it isn’t as easy to pop it. When it’s fully inflated and stretched out, the balloon becomes more translucent and thinner, making it easier to pop it. Since balloons and bicycle tubes are essentially the same thing, that applies to tubes as well. Having that smaller tube in the 2.40″ tires means it’s stretching beyond what it was intended to be used, which means pinch flats or punctures are far more likely…
The Eclat BMX Tube Amp is designed for 2.10″ – 2.40″ tires, meaning that the tube is bigger and a little thicker so when it is inflated it’s going to be more resistant to pinch flats and punctures, whether you run 90 PSI or 40 PSI like some of the street riders out there. Now, that isn’t exactly a new thing either. One example would be that
Cult have a 2.20″ / 2.40″ tube that does the same thing. Either way, this is an important feature.
Next, Eclat have opted to go with a steel valve stem versus the rubber valve you find on other tubes. Similar to road bikes, these steel valves help to prevent flats at the valve since if you install the tube improperly, the valve area can easily cause a pinch flat. The valve on the Eclat BMX Tube Amp allows you to use a lock ring to help ensure the tube has been seated at the valve straight and properly. It also looks pretty cool, too.
Finally, the 3rd piece to this tube, and why it’s being referred to as a Kit, is that the Tube Amp comes in packs of TWO. The reason behind this is that when you buy in bulk, you save money. Since tubes are one of those things you’ll always want to have one or two on hand just incase, they’ve opted to sell packs of two to help save you some money in the long run. We don’t have exact pricing, but we did find them online for
$7.67 (not including shipping) from Source BMX in the U.K. We will update this once we get exact pricing.
So, let’s wrap this up. The Eclat BMX Tube Amp Kit is a larger tube designed for larger BMX tires and has a full steel valve to help resist flats and comes in packs of two to help save you some money. That’s what these are all about and they look like a great option to keep you rolling. Plus, that box should get all you guitar players stoked. That’s pretty rad. You can learn more about the tubes on the Eclat Website.
What do you think? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!
