BMX tube Archives – BMX UNION

Eclat BMX Tube Amp Kit

June 22, 2017

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!

Colony BMX – How To Replace a BMX Tube

February 27, 2016

Colony BMX keeping the maintenance how-to videos coming through. This time around, we get a tutorial on how to replace your tube when you catch a flat tire. Although this is pretty basic and one of the most common repairs you will do on a BMX bike, it’s something you’ll want to learn how to do right. Obviously this is something more directed toward the younger crowd just getting into BMX that haven’t worked on their own bikes before. So, if you’re looking for some tips, his play and take it all in.

If you don’t have a spare tube, you should check this out — How To Patch A BMX Tube

We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Product: Odyssey – Air Supply Tube

February 24, 2016

There might not be a lot of talk in new and innovative technology revolving around a BMX Tube, but you would be surprised what a little change can do to help keep you rolling longer. Odyssey have just released their new Air Supply tube, which might look like a regular tube just looking at the photo above. What you can’t tell is that they’ve made this tube specific to 20 x 2.10″ to 20×2.45″ tires with a higher quality rubber.

What exactly does this mean? Well, a traditional tube is usually designed around smaller diameter tires, like a 20 x 1.75″ that is commonly found in stores. That means when it’s fully inflated, it’s designed for a smaller tire, not the 2.40″ tires we’re seeing more and more of, which leads to the rubber stretching. When rubber stretches, it makes it more susceptible to punctures and pinch flats because the material is made thinner all around like a balloon being over inflated until it pops. So, having a larger diameter tube means less stretch and more resistant to punctures and pinch flats. Add in a higher quality rubber, and it’s makes it even more durable, and apparently it retains air (so you have to pump it up less frequently) than other tubes as well.

The Air Supply tube from Odyssey is hitting BMX shops and mail-orders now with a retail price of $4.99.

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Product: Cult – 2.20″ / 2.40″ Tubes

June 16, 2015

Cult have just released their new tubes that are designed to fit the bigger tires that BMX have been using these days. Most BMX tubes are designed for smaller tires that stretch the rubber more and can make it easier to catch a pinch flat. Get the full scoop below! These tubes are out NOW!

“Todays tires are only getting bigger but the tubes have stayed the same thin sizes over time… Smaller thinner tubes work on bigger tires but thin out when fully inflated causing flat tires more occasionally… The CULT RUBBERS are specifically designed to fit bigger 2.20″/2.40″ tires therefore they dont stretch and thin out like most tubes on the market.“

Product: Fly Bikes – Cobra Tube

May 12, 2015

We don’t talk about tube too often, but we were just reminded about Fly Bikes’ Cobra tube that is pretty awesome. Traditionally, a tube is round, you take your wheel and tire off, slide it on over the rim and you’re good to go. The Cobra tube uses a linear design that eliminates the need to take the wheel off the bike to change it. You simply pull off half of your tire, wrap the tube around the wheel, then lock it together with the little tab and then slide the valve stem through the rim to keep it together. We’ve personally used this tube and did not notice any difference in the feeling of the wheel rolling with the tube in place. It’s definitely a handy tube to have when you’re trying to fix a flat with minimal tools and time.

You can find out more about Fly Bikes and their products by visiting their website — FlyBikes.com

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Product: The Daily Grind – Tubes

February 1, 2013

DG Inner tube

The Daily Grind are now offering tubes to help keep you rolling. They’ve got a sweet deal on their web store where you can pick up 3 for $10 and you get The Daily Grind DVD for free! Hell of a deal. Get it!