{"id":2206222,"date":"2026-10-19T09:33:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T06:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2206222"},"modified":"2026-10-19T09:33:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T06:33:00","slug":"fly-bikes-cobra-tube-installs-without-removing-a-wheel-mountain-bikers-could-have-a-version-next-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2206222","title":{"rendered":"Fly Bikes\u2019 Cobra tube installs without removing a wheel. Mountain bikers could have a version next year."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Most mountain bikers run tubeless these days and stash a spare tube \u2014 either a standard butyl or TPU tube \u2014 for emergencies. However, installing a tube requires removing the wheel, which adds to the hassle.<\/p>\n

BMX brand Fly Bikes caught my attention recently with a workaround. The Spanish brand\u2019s Cobra Tube<\/a> is a straight length of rubber rather than a closed loop, so it can be threaded around the rim between the wheel and the frame or fork without unbolting anything. Pop one side of the tire off, wrap the tube around, push the valve through the rim, and reinflate. The design has been around for years in BMX sizes, but Fly says more sizes and Presta versions are in the works, which means mountain bikers could see a version next year.<\/p>\n

The concept will sound familiar to longtime mountain bikers. In a pinch, riders have been known to cut a punctured tube at the hole, tie a knot in each end, and inflate it to limp home. The Cobra Tube is a cleaner, purpose-built take on that trail hack, and with the valve basically stitching the ends together, it promises to be more secure.<\/p>\n

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Only BMX sizes for now, but more sizes are planned for next year<\/h3>\n

Right now, the Cobra Tube comes only in 20- and 26-inch sizes with Schrader valves.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, a mountain bike version of the Cobra tube could be in the works. I asked Fly if Presta and\/or 27.5 or 29\u2033 versions were in the works, and a representative told me: \u201cWe are planning to make more sizes and Presta valve versions in the near future.\u201d They added that the company expects to have them around the middle of next year.<\/p>\n

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