The Schwalbe Aerothan MTB+ tube is basically the toughest, most durable version of Schwalbe’s Aerothan lineup—built specifically for harder MTB riding, not just lightweight XC use.

Let’s break down what makes the MTB+ version different (and whether you actually need it).

???? What “MTB+” Actually Means

Compared to the regular Aerothan MTB tube, the MTB+ version is:

• Stronger and more puncture-resistant

• Designed for aggressive riding

• Still lighter than standard butyl tubes

???? Think:

• XC Aerothan = speed-focused

• MTB+ Aerothan = durability-focused

???? Real-World Performance

????️ Puncture Resistance (Main Upgrade)

• Highly resistant to:

  • Snakebites (pinch flats)

  • Sidewall damage

• Material doesn’t tear easily

???? On the trail:

• You can run lower pressures with less risk

• Much more confidence on rocks and rough terrain

???? Weight

• Still ~40% lighter than butyl

• Slightly heavier than standard Aerothan MTB

???? Trade-off:

• You give up a bit of weight for more toughness

⚡ Rolling Resistance

• Lower than butyl tubes

???? Not quite as fast as:

• Tubeless

• Pure XC setups

…but still efficient.

???? Stability at Low Pressure

• Holds shape well even when pressure drops

???? Important for:

• Technical trails

• Grip and control

⚖️ Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Extremely puncture-resistant

• Safer air loss (no sudden blowouts)

• Lighter than standard tubes

• Handles low pressures well

• Very durable for rough riding

❌ Cons

• More expensive than butyl

• Heavier than XC-focused Aerothan

• Still not as good as tubeless for puncture sealing

• Overkill for smooth XC riding

???? Where It Fits (Important for You)

Let’s connect this to everything you’ve been looking at:

You’ve mentioned:

• Road bike setups

• XC MTB tyre (Vittoria Peyote 29x2.4 XC Race tyre)

• MTB shoes

• Now MTB tubes

???? So here’s the key:

This tube only makes sense if:

• You’re riding a mountain bike

• On rough, technical terrain

???? Tubeless vs Aerothan MTB+ (Important Choice)

???? Tubeless (Still King for MTB)

• Self-seals punctures

• Best grip (lower pressure)

• Most common setup

???? Best for most MTB riders

???? Aerothan MTB+

• Cleaner, simpler

• Very tough

• Great as a backup tube

???? Best use:

• Emergency spare

• Riders who hate tubeless maintenance

???? Smart Rider Setup

Most experienced MTB riders will:

• Run tubeless tyres

• Carry an Aerothan MTB+ tube as backup

???? Why?

• Packs small

• Lightweight

• Way better than carrying a bulky butyl tube

???? Bottom Line

The Schwalbe Aerothan MTB+ is:

• A premium, ultra-durable MTB tube

• Ideal for rough trails and aggressive riding

• Best used as a high-end backup or alternative to tubeless

???? Simple Advice

• XC racing → normal Aerothan MTB

• Trail/enduro → MTB+

• Road bike → Aerothan Race