What Size Inner Tube Do I Need for a Road or Hybrid Bike?
Finding the right inner tube for a road or hybrid bike is straightforward once you know what to look for. This guide explains wheel size, tyre width, and valve type — the three things you need to get right before ordering.
Step 1 — Find your wheel size
Check the sidewall of your tyre. You'll see a size marking printed on the rubber. Road and hybrid bikes typically use one of these:
- 700c — the standard road and hybrid wheel size. Also written as 700 x [width]mm or ETRTO 622mm
- 26" — common on older hybrid bikes, leisure bikes, and some folding bikes
- 27.5" / 650b — used on some hybrid and gravel bikes
- 29" — used on some hybrid and gravel bikes with larger wheels
Most road bikes and modern hybrid bikes use 700c. If your tyre says 700 x 28c, 700 x 32c, or similar — you need a 700c tube.
Step 2 — Find your tyre width
The second number in the tyre marking is the width. For example:
- 700 x 23c — narrow road tyre (racing bike)
- 700 x 28c — standard road tyre
- 700 x 32c — wider road or commuter tyre
- 700 x 38c — gravel or hybrid tyre
Inner tubes are sold with a width range (e.g. 28–35mm). Your tyre width needs to fall within that range. A tube will stretch to fit within its stated range, so one tube covers several tyre widths.
Step 3 — Check your valve type
Road and hybrid bikes use one of two valve types:
- Presta valve — narrow, with a locking nut at the top. Common on road bikes and higher-end hybrids. Requires a Presta-compatible pump head
- Schrader valve — wider, like a car tyre valve. Common on hybrid and commuter bikes. Works with any standard pump or garage air line
Check your current tube or look at the hole in your wheel rim — a narrow hole means Presta, a wider hole means Schrader. Order the same valve type as your current tube.
Quick reference — common road and hybrid tube sizes
| Bike type | Typical tyre size | Tube to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Road bike | 700 x 23–28c | 700c, 18–25mm or 23–32mm, Presta |
| Road bike (wider) | 700 x 28–32c | 700c, 28–35mm, Presta |
| Hybrid / commuter | 700 x 32–38c | 700c, 32–47mm, Schrader or Presta |
| Gravel bike | 700 x 38–45c | 700c, 35–50mm, Presta |
| Older hybrid / leisure | 26 x 1.75–2.10 | 26", 1.75–2.35, Schrader |
What if I can't read the tyre sidewall?
If the markings are worn, check:
- Your bike's original spec sheet or manual
- The manufacturer's website — search your bike model
- The rim — some rims have the size stamped on the sidewall
Still not sure? Contact us at Peak Bike Station and we'll help you find the right tube.
Inner tubes we stock at Peak Bike Station
We currently stock Impac inner tubes for MTB and hybrid bikes:
- Impac 26" MTB Inner Tube — 26 x 1.75–2.35, 40mm Schrader
- Impac 27.5" MTB Inner Tube — 27.5 x 1.75–2.35, 40mm Schrader
- Impac 29" MTB Inner Tube — 29 x 1.75–2.35, 40mm Schrader
All available with free UK delivery on orders over £18, or collect in store at Peak Bike Station, Hadfield.