Tech Week 2023: Ultralight Tubes, Tiny Tools, New Stems & Goggles

Oct 27, 2022
by Mike Kazimer  
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Smith Rhythm Goggles

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Smith Rhythm & Loam Goggles

Smith has added two new mountain bike goggles to their lineup, the Rhythm and the Loam.

The Rhythm is a slightly more racing-oriented option due to its roll-off compatibility and outriggers designed to help it sit securely in a full-face helmet. The roll-offs are available separately and come pre-mounted to a clear lens. Pulling the drawstring on the left side advanced the clear film, and eliminates any unsightly tear-off litter. Two film canisters are included for use on those extra sloppy days.

A screen is also available for the Rhythm goggle to help keep sand and grit from gettting in through the upper vent holes.

There are six colors to choose from: Black, White, Amethyst, Slate / Fool's Gold, Bone Gradien, and AC / Iago Garay. All options come with a tinted ChromaPop lens and an additional clear lens. MSRP: $95 ChromaPop lens, $80 clear lens only. Dirt Screen - $25. Roll Offs - $60.

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Smith Loam Goggles

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The Loam goggles don't have the outriggers, roll-off compatibility, or three-layer foam of the Rhythm goggles, but they still offer generous ventilation and a wide field of view.

There are four color options: Black, Amethyst, Slate, and Poppy, with multiple lens options. All goggles come with a spare clear lens, or in some cases are available with a clear lens only. MSRP: $55 mirrored lens, $50 clear lens only. More info:


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Chromag RIZA Stem

Chromag's latest machined aluminum creation is the RIZA stem. It's replacing the BZA and Ranger stems to take its place as the company's top-of-the-line Canadian-made stem. The bar clamp area has been machined to avoid any sharp edges, reducing the likelihood of stress risers occurring.

Designed to handle the range of riding styles from trail to enduro, the stem is available in 32, 38, and 45mm lengths. Color options are black, blue, red, gold, and silver. MSRP: $146 (31.8 mm) or $150 USD (35 mm). On my scale the 38 mm version weighed in at 196 grams.



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PNW Components Pebble Tool

PNW Components' new Pebble multi-tool keeps making its way into my pack or pocket not because of the bits it possesses (it's not perfect in that regard), but because of how nice feels in my hand. There's something about the round shape that's soothing – it's like a worry stone for cyclists.

As far as functionality goes, this isn't the tool to bring if you're heading out on a big ride deep into the backcountry. It simply doesn't have all the bits you might need, and the ones that it does have are on the shorter side, limiting its functionality. I wish the 5 mm bit was longer to make getting to the lower caliper bolt on a SRAM front brake easier, and the lack of a 2, 2.5, or 8mm bit further reduces its capabilities. When put head-to-head against OneUp's EDC tool, the Pebble is 7 grams lighter and $0.50 cheaper, but that's not enough to give it the win when it comes to usability.

Still, the Pebble should do the trick for removing a wheel, adjusting a stem, shifter, or brake lever position, and it also has an integrated Dynaplug plug to help fix a flat. Colors include black, orange, purple, and bronze. MSRP: $37 USD.


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All of the MTB tubes now use the same Presta valve stem.
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The S-Tubo weighs only 43 grams.

Tubolito Tubes

Tubolito has added mixed-wheel compatibility to their lightweight thermoplastic mountain bike tubes for 2023, which means riders no longer need to choose between a 27.5” or 29” tube – one size fits all, at least in this case. Tubolito already had an in-between size that worked for 650b and 700c road wheels, so they applied those lessons to their mountain bike lineup, tested the result, and made sure it passed ISO mounting and durability tests.

There are two options, the Tubo and the S-Tubo. The Tubo weighs in at 84 grams, and Tubolito claim it's 2x more puncture resistant than a standard butyl rubber tube. The S-Tubo is an extra light version that's designed to be carried as a spare. It weighs only 43 grams thanks to a thinner wall thickness, and now has the same fixed valve stem as the Tubo, rather than the removable stem that was used previously.

Prices haven't been announced yet, but for reference the current S-Tubo is priced at $37.95 USD.




Tech Week 2023 is a chance to get up to speed on the latest mountain bike components, apparel, and accessories. Click here to view all of the related content.


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Tech Week 2023 Accessories Chromag Bikes PNW Components Smith Optics Tubolito


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119 Comments
  • 117 15
 Great. A tube for all the exo riders. Rip your tyre, insert lightweight tube, then pop that tube. It's like bonus trailside time for the entire crew.
  • 39 0
 This hurt my feelings. (Im an exo rider)
  • 26 1
 That's assuming the valve stem hasn't snapped before you even get a chance to install it....
  • 28 2
 @matthewhtnalbitz: I also like EXOs. My rocks are round, not a lot of tearing going on here.
  • 5 5
 That would occur if the tube inflated to use. What garbage
  • 18 24
flag pink505 (Oct 27, 2022 at 7:30) (Below Threshold)
 You are lucky, I usually need to give them my spare S-tubolito... And tire levers and pump and they never take their turn to bring beer. Hate those EXO assholes.
  • 2 0
 @pink505: Hate those a*sholes that think they ride harder than everyone.
  • 1 0
 I ride in the rockies and break plenty of rims and the occasional frame but have only torn a single exo casing tire. They really surprise me how much they take, curious what it takes to warrant dd casings
  • 1 0
 @Bro-LanDog: I found there was a really small sweet spot between it folding in the corners, or it being super pingy because it was overinflated. Pair that with really bad line choice and the ability to case absolutely everything, I figured I'd rather go back to thicker, more supportive, and armored sidewalls. It's not everyones story, but it works for me.
  • 1 0
 @Bro-LanDog: I Ride in pemby. Lots of sharp rocks here. I see DD tyres ripped here often. Not as often as lighter cased tyres. Exo mainly, few contis.
  • 62 1
 I bought a Tubolito because of how small it packs down, I can fit it with a multi tool, CO2 and chuck, tire plug tool and my car key in a small Backcountry Tulbag and it tucks nicely in any of my jersey pockets. I've only had to use the Tubolito once in the last 2 years, it was for a front flat on my singlespeed hardtail. It got me back to my car, and when I got home I pulled it out, cleaned it off, folded it back up and put it back in the Tulbag. I was able to seal the tire back up with additional sealant. It functioned exactly as I expected it to.
  • 22 0
 I had to use my emergency tubolito in a gravel race in 2019. I cleaned it afterwards and put it back in the bag, it's still there every ride. It seems really expensive until you realize it outlasts rubber and you can carry one for 5 or more years at under half the weight and space.
  • 2 0
 Same. I have a tubolito in a smith keg carrier in my bottle cage along with all of my other tools. A regular tube wouldn't fit inside with everything. I used it once and that was to help a buddy who tore his bead on the trail. Worked fine and got him back to his truck.
  • 3 0
 I did this as well for the same reasons. I thought my tubolito would save the day when I got a flat, but the seam failed immediately when I installed it. The sun set, and I had a long walk out in the dark.
  • 3 1
 @Flyers05: I lent mine to a buddy who had a flat in a gnarly spot, but never got it back. Sad face. Don't do that.
  • 6 0
 I bought a tubolito because it freed up needed space in my ibis pork chop bag. I’ve only had to use the tubolito once due to a dented wheel and it performed great… easy to install and got me home without any problems. I fixed the wheel and put the tube right back in my pork chop bag for next time. Well worth the $40.
  • 1 0
 Same, use one my commuter it's less than half the size of a standard tube and doesn't seem to dry out or rub through like normal rubber tubes
  • 1 0
 I used cushcore + tubolitos when my rims were too dented to get tubeless to seal and I thought it would make the tire feel lighter than cushcore + tube. Didn't really notice the weight, system worked about the same as cushcore + tube in that i'd get a flat maybe once every 10-20 rides. Unforeseen thing was the tubolito permanently compressed the cushcore foam so then the insert had less damping/protection.
  • 1 0
 @Flyers05: Tubolito has very particular installation instructions--I'm wondering whether you read and followed them? The critical step most people wouldn't do without reading first is "6. Roll the half-inflated tire along the ground to release any wedging."

Because the tube permanently (plastically) deforms upon inflation, it's critical to make sure that deformation happens symmetrically (rather than all in one place).
  • 4 0
 I have a the 84g Tubo version and have used it at least 3 times to get home after casing cuts that couldn't be plugged. Super reliable, compact, and light. Worth every penny.
  • 1 0
 @boopiejones: ha. Funny. That’s why I bought mine. To free up space in the pork chop
  • 1 0
 Anyone used the Pirelli equivalent yet? (Smartube)
  • 2 0
 Ive had good luck with them. Pro tip. You don’t need different sizes. I’ve used a 29” in a 29”,27.5” and 24” wheels. As factory Dad doing the trail side repairs they work for all sizes. I used the same tube about 4 times before it failed. Just wash off the sealant when you get back home and reuse. I’d never buy anything but a 29”. They are totally worth the size and weight reduction as everyone else has said.
  • 2 0
 How would you patch them? Do they have their own patches or can you somehow weld them (considering it is a thermoplastic)?
  • 2 0
 @vinay: They have their own patches.
  • 1 2
 @vinay: @barp you don’t even need their own patches. Those little square self-adhesive clear Parktool patches that cost about $5 for a dozen work just fine. Just clean the area with some alcohol first, and I’ve permanently patched several times with no issue.
  • 4 0
 @g123: PSA: ^Please don't do this!^ Tubeless sealant works as a solvent that *dissolves* the glue in Park or any other self-adhesive patches intended for conventional butyl tubes. They will fail within minutes of insertion if there is any sealant at all inside your tire. If you want to patch a tube for emergency use inside a tire containing sealant, you need to patch with glue that will not react with that sealant. For butyl tubes, vulcanizing fluid with Tip-Top butyl patches works great. I have also used Seamgrip urethane adhesive to repair casing cuts and it is likewise unaffected by Stan's, Orange Seal, Truckerco, etc. I have tested the Tubolino branded patches and found them to be likewise impervious to sealant. My Tubolino has never failed or punctured in emergency use, but I carry a couple extra sealant-proof Tubolino patches in my repair kit just in case.
  • 3 0
 @powturn: that’s great info, thanks for that. I may have been lucky and cleaned the sealant out well enough to not have experienced this. For sure at least 1 patched tube during a race with some sealant inside however, and no failures. Worth a look, thx for the heads up!
  • 3 0
 @powturn: Thanks for the very complete answer. I hate to see stuff being disposed of for a minor failure so great to hear they can be properly fixed.
  • 2 0
 @rp86: I put them on my road bike because the yellow fits the colour scheme better. Seems like the same thing. The rear one is now losing air over a period of days.
  • 54 1
 Unpopular opinion: if you strap a tube to your bike, Tublito is one of the best and least costly bike weight savings out there.

Some ppl spend $$$ to buy cassettes, cranks, saddles etc that are marginally lighter than their OE spec as a weight-conscious performance upgrade. The same ppl then go and strap a 200g+ inner tube to their frame, which usually stays there as a mostly permanent fixture. What other weight upgrade offers this much savings for under $40?
Obv a bigger deal for the DC/XC minded, but I’d argue most trail bikes could benefit from some cheap weight savings.
  • 4 0
 I used the same mentality with my tube. I went with a maxxis ultralight tube that can get shoved in the “secret” BB compartment in my Forbidden Druid. I want to say it was about ~80-90g savings from my standard tube that was strapped to my frame for at least a year before it was used. For something I have used maybe once a year that’s a decent weight removal. People buy carbon rims for less weight reduction.
  • 8 0
 This was my thinking. Had a Tubolito on the frame for about a year without needing it and saved a lot of weight for £30. However, when I came to need it the valve just broke and it couldn't be inflated, so I could have saved even more weight AND the £30 by just not carrying a spare for the same end effect...
  • 8 1
 @G-Sport: I think you are on to something here. Save the $30 and use it at the bar after walking your bike out of the woods
  • 12 5
 just poop before the ride... on a good day, it saves 1.2 kg, on a bad day at least 600g... I checked on my kitchen scales Big Grin
  • 3 1
 @DapperCyclist: yeah, but people buy carbon rims for more reasons than just weight savings. Also, rotational weight, especially unsprung rotational weight is different than sprung weight.
  • 6 0
 @valrock: Imagine the weight savings from pooping before a ride AND having those tubes!
  • 2 1
 @chocolate-thunder: Yes and then they put DD casing Assegai tires on the carbon rims...
  • 7 0
 @laupe: I think you missed the point where @valrock is pooping on his kitchen scales. Don't go to dinner at his house.
  • 1 0
 @laupe: Drop the poop but don't let go of the hot air!
  • 1 0
 The thing is, adding weight to the suspended parts of your bike improves suspension performance. Just like removing weight from the non-suspended parts improves it. This also dictates my "desperate" attemps to run lighter tires whenever possible.
  • 1 0
 @DavidGuerra: According to this theory, tubes should be heavy when they're not installed (but strapped to the frame as a spare), then be light when mounted. That said, of course the biggest suspended part is the rider. Ride with a backpack and put everything in there and don't ever strap something anything (tools, spares, water) to the bike. That said, there is a whole lot more money to be made by producing "solutions" that do allow one to stow and strap stuff on and inside the bike.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: If you ride with stuff on yourself you get more tired. It might be good if you can handle it. I prefer storing the bottle on the frame than fixing it to my waist.
  • 19 0
 Chromag with the BZA and now the RIZA. I'm holding out for the Ol' Dirty Bastard stem.
  • 4 0
 hard pass on wanting anything to do with ODB's stem, i've seen the women he dated. but ghostface killah brake levers, method man pedals... you could be onto something. chromag might work on their wu spelling tho lol
  • 2 0
 A 37th Chamber would make for a nice bike storage system.
  • 8 0
 @whambat: "protect ya neck" brace would be legit as well.
  • 3 0
 @obee1: Liquid Swords tire plug applicator/sealant re-filler
  • 10 0
 45mm for the win. Magic number, wish more stems came in this size.
  • 2 1
 Mine is a 40mm and it's exactly the lenght I need. But more stem length choice is always better.
  • 4 2
 You're telling me you can feel 45 vs 40mm? Go ride them blindfold and report back Wink
  • 6 0
 @ultimatist: Absolutely can. I always found it weird you can adjust bar height with teeny little 1 and 2mm spacers but stem length was done in 10mm increments for ages. Awesome to see something other than another 40 or 50mm option.
  • 1 0
 47.5 is the sweet spot for me.
  • 1 0
 @nateb: Nah dude you gotta try 49ers, they're faster
  • 2 0
 @tallisman: SRAM will be offering a 48.99 mm stem before you know it.
  • 1 0
 @mrtoodles: yeah, I get it. Stem length is complicated with bar setbacks, bar rotation, etc. But yes, I would feel the difference in "reach". Or are you referring more to change in steering speed?
  • 2 0
 @ultimatist: Nah steering speed I can really only notice the bigger steps, but for front wheel weight distribution and reach I think smaller steps are noticeable. Also, the world has plenty of 40 and 50mm stems, glad someone is doing some other options. Makes more sense than e-bike specific valve caps or some other gimmick shit that we're getting sold these days.
  • 8 0
 We'll need the weight saving from the tubes to offset that absolute unit of a stem.
  • 4 0
 You’d need to carry 10 tubolito tubes to offset that boat anchor. Lol.
  • 7 0
 Now I need a lighter strap to hold my lighter tube!
  • 4 0
 packing tape
  • 2 0
 I've got Tubolito's installed on my roadbike instead of setting up the wheels tubeless. They're expensive, tiny, light and easier to install in my opinion than butyl or latex tubes. The Tubilito material is super slippery and their form factor when semi-inflated seems smaller than the same size latex/butyl tube, which also helps when installing them. Sucks they're so much $, but you know Roadies love that.
  • 1 0
 How's the ride quality compared to the others? Notice enough difference to justify the price?
  • 2 0
 @ripridesbikes: I can't tell the difference when riding from the standard latex/butyl, but I installed new 27mm tires at the same time. So, too many factors changed at once to say really. If you absolutely must fit everything for a ride in one tiny jersey pocket, then the tubulito price is justifiable. No idea on the supposed improved puncture resistance when riding I've only 30 miles on the new tires+tubes.
  • 1 0
 @theLowrizza: Right on. I have heard people say that latex is as close it gets to the feel of a tubeless setup so I was curious if tubolitos had a similar effect. No matter, I don't ride road often enough to justify spending that much on a pair of tubes.
  • 1 0
 "Tubolito claim it's 2x more puncture resistant than a standard butyl rubber tube"

I tried DH tubes with the same claims. Conclusion: if something punctures your outer tire, it'll puncture your inner tire. Buy stronger outer tires or just forget about it.
  • 3 0
 Actually reasonably priced goggles, especially considering that they come with a clear
  • 2 0
 For 80% of my riding I'll ride out on my cushcore, can't be arsed pissin' around with tubes anymore. On big epic rides I'll use a normal tube if my plugs don't work.
  • 3 0
 Works great on pumptrack bike
  • 3 1
 Loam (/lōm/): a soil with roughly equal proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
  • 14 0
 Loam spelled backwards is maol. wake up sheeple
  • 3 0
 Duff and humus don’t roll off the tongue like loam.
  • 2 0
 lo mama don't care if it ain't correct
  • 4 0
 @Broth-Ratchurch: I hate it when all the loam is blown out and all that's left is loam. Like, the loamer's not a loamer anymore, you know? It's just a loamer now. There's no more loam, it's all just loam now.
  • 2 1
 Pro tip - Jenson USA has bell goggles for $15 a pop - I probably have more in my garage now than Jenson does in the warehouse - stock up boys!
  • 1 2
 Tubolitos suck. I had a set on my DJ bike and within a few months the absolutely minimal friction of the tube against a perfectly well installed rim strip caused little wear holes all over the inside of the the tube. Front and rear. Terrible.
  • 1 2
 Tuboliito…useless waste of cash. I spent more time trying to patch holes with their special over priced patches as well. When flatted once with tire insert. Tubolito only got me about 1 mile down XC trail before flat again. Valves super chincy as well and don’t mate well with most rims. Not worth the coin or hassle in my opinion and really not practical for the every day trail rider. If you are a leg shaver, hit mostly pavement and count the grams, maybe worth it I suppose?
  • 2 0
 Meh. Thicker rubber, last longer.
  • 4 3
 Tubolito are great if you want to say you have a tube, but you don't really want to "have" a tube.
  • 3 5
 I get why that lightweight of a tube would be good for endurance races or something, but with everyone shifting to tubeless you have the standard tubes for pennies on the dollar if you know where to look.

Many shops charge more, but online and places like bike co-ops I'll easily find brand new tubes for $1-3 USD. The cost to weight trade off ain't worth it for me.
  • 12 2
 I’d say it’s more about how much less room they take up - the lightest version isn’t that much bigger than a pack of gum.
  • 3 2
 @mikekazimer: who cares if you just slap it on the frame? My frame bag weights more then that tube Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Damn, a micro multi tool for ONLY $37!
  • 7 6
 $38 USD for a tube?! Haha, I love the bike industry.
  • 6 0
 whelp your 9000 USD downcountry bike doesn't accept anything else so good to have this Big Grin
  • 2 1
 Tubolito...my bike doesn't complain about the weight I strap on it...
  • 1 0
 Remember the Greenlite tubes from Panaracer. Pepperidge farms remembers...
  • 4 7
 60 dollar roll offs that Smith will make obsolete and unavailable in two years just like the lenses for my three separate pairs of now worthless Smith sunglasses. Anything with their name on it is a hard pass for me.
  • 5 1
 I mean, which glasses are you complaining about? I've had my Smith snowboard goggles for five years and they are still making replacement lenses. Same w/ my sunglasses.
  • 2 0
 Did you try Fuse? They're good quality and make something for almost everything.

www.fuselenses.com/collections/smith-optics
  • 1 2
 @HB208: Bazooka, Approach and one other with the pivloc mechanism (?) as far as I can tell they quit carrying those lenses.
Also bought multiple pairs of the pivloc ones, both broke exactly the same way because the mechanism was shit and they would only warranty one pair.
Not impressive.
  • 1 0
 @Lemmyschild: Lol dude, eventually they will stop selling lenses. The smith bazooka look like they are a 20 year old model at least. They've always been good to me and have warrantied everything I have submitted.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: yeah i realize that... they quit selling the lenses about two years after I bought them. In 1999 or something.
Do people really downvote someone's personal experience with a vendor?
I must be doing it wrong.
  • 1 0
 @Lemmyschild: Dude, you're complaining that you cannot find replacement lenses for a product that is over 20 years old. That is a bit of an absurd requirement.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: not complaining. Just stating a fact. the lenses for the glasses i got from them were obsolete within a couple years of the purchase. It was mostly just a comment that seemed relevant considering a person will be needing new rolls of film for the life of the helmet, which seems dubious in my experience.
  • 2 0
 @Sweatypants: Thanks for the tip! I got new lenses for my ancient Oakley Monster Dogs that were scratched to hell.
  • 1 0
 @theLowrizza: No problem man. I've been using them for years now where I'd find a few pairs of Oakleys for a deal and I liked the frame color, but not the lenses. No complaints at all. Fit is good, look is good. Enjoy.
  • 1 2
 Anyone else see Seth's latest video where he disassembles several tools and makes the ultimate frankentool? Gold.
  • 3 4
 guy is Lord of the schlubby gross fat mtb'ers...no wonder he's so popular
  • 2 1
 @SixxerBikes: Jeez bro.
  • 6 7
 It can't beat my 5€ regular tube. Really? 37$ for a tube?
  • 4 1
 That's almost tire money.
  • 9 0
 You can carry five of them for the same weight as a regular tube and it will only cost you $185
  • 1 0
 @Lemmyschild: Tires are a bit heavier, but yeah. Pricey for sure.
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