Bicycle Mechanics - How many times do you repair your tubes?

So how many times do you all patch your tubes before it's time to replace with a new one? Can you ride just as long on a patched tube as a new one?

I've only patched a tube once and it failed in three days, though it was in a different spot. Just looking for opinions, thinking back at my mechanical engineering classes I would surmise that a patched tube would be significantly less structurally sound.

Thanks for the posts in advance

Never!



......a new tube per perforation.


Exactamundo!:D

I keep going until I have patches on patches. The tire provides most of the structure keeping the tube from exploding, the tube merely provides the membrame that air can't penetrate, so I'm not sure that a patched tube is significantly less sound than an unpatched one. However I think age can have a big effect on the effectiveness of the tube.

Depends on the bike. If it's one of my good racing bikes, never. But for my older bikes that I just cruise around on, I'll patch them. But I don't think I've ever used a tube with more than 2 patches. (However, I once repaired a bike that had about 6 patches on a tube!)

But I do run tubeless tires...

You mean they sell patches??????:p

Never. I've tried many times and it rarely works, and even then, for only a short time. I flat maybe 2X per year, and I put on quite a few miles. Not worth the hassle of going out on a ride and having to fix a flat 3 days after I patched a tube.

Till the tube is old enough that it doesn't hold air for a reasonable amount of time anymore. Note that this has nothing to do with how many times it's been patched. Rema Tip-Top, baby! :D

On my road bike (high pressure): Zero, not worth the trouble.
On my mountain or kids bikes (low pressure): A couple of times depending on the situation.

Nada. On a road bike tire, properly inflated, assuming you don't ride over a bunch of road junk regularly, really shouldn't be flatting all that much

I'v run tubes with 10 patches on them with out a prob. I currently have 2 on front & five on the rear.

Till the tube is old enough that it doesn't hold air for a reasonable amount of time anymore. Note that this has nothing to do with how many times it's been patched. Rema Tip-Top, baby! :D
+1

Usually three to four times before chucking it. On a long tour I usually carry only one spare so must fix. I am surprised that so many people throw a punctured tube. It's no trouble to repair a tube - you guys must be really short of time eh? Would you repair a tub?

Tubes are so cheap, it's not worth patching. Performance has a sale now for 3/$7.95. There's always a slight chance the patch doesn't hold up and you never know for sure until you ride and find out. Fixing a flat due to a faulty patch isn't worth it.

Flats at the cost of $2.65 each ,no thanks.
Those tubes from performance are wildly un-uniform, I ran a few of those tubes(performance) before & had nothing but trouble with them. of course, maybe it was just me.

Patches are for getting home. Replace the tube once you get home.

Depends on where the leak is.

I use the old fashioned patches that come with a separate tube of glue. Follow the directions (it takes 5 whole minutes) and I've never had a patch fail. As a general rule, I'd continue to patch and reuse a tube until I had a cut at the base of the valve stem or immediately adjacent to another patch or something similar that can't be patched.

Most tubes I patch 7 to 9 times before they separate at the valve stem and are tossed. The two Bontrager tubes I have used failed at the stem the first and second times they leaked. One MTB tube had over 30 patches on it.

I use the old fashioned patches that come with a separate tube of glue. Follow the directions (it takes 5 whole minutes) and I've never had a patch fail. As a general rule, I'd continue to patch and reuse a tube until I had a cut at the base of the valve stem or immediately adjacent to another patch or something similar that can't be patched.
+1 It's a Zen thing! I've never had a patch fail either - lots do because they use the instant patch or don't let the glue dry completely.

I think my record is 7 patches on one tube. I use patches and glue, usually rema brand. My currretn tube has 4 patches on it.

Once on a schrader tube, I got a slice on the valve stem, and patched it. The stem was now too big to fit through the hole in the rim, so I drilled out the rim to fit the englarged stem.

It worked well, until I had a blowout.

Patches are for getting home. Replace the tube once you get home.

I do exactly the opposite. Carry a functional tube (or two if you're touring) with you as a spare so that you can swap it out real quick. Good idea to bring a patch kit with you too just in case you have the rare unfortunate occurrence of two (or more) punctures on one ride. Most glueless patches are worthless, especially for high-pressure road bike tires. Patch your punctured tubes at home with a good quality glued patch while you're not getting drenched and/or buzzed by semis.

I do exactly the opposite. Carry a functional tube (or two if you're touring) with you as a spare so that you can swap it out real quick. Good idea to bring a patch kit with you too just in case you have the rare unfortunate occurrence of two (or more) punctures on one ride. Most glueless patches are worthless, especially for high-pressure road bike tires. Patch your punctured tubes at home with a good quality glued patch while you're not getting drenched and/or buzzed by semis.

I run the same system, and this is totally the way to go. Patches done at home pretty much don't fail if you do it right.

Every time I go to buy those performance tubes, they only have long stem prestas. Those things are a real pain, the stem is so long it sticks out like 1.5" on an arrowhead rim. What the @#$% for? If you are fast enough to want super-deep V's that would need those tubes, you probably aren't paying for tubes. My LBS sells tubes for 3/$10 plus 10% off for local bike federation membership, I'm happy with that and a big stack of patches.

I usually somehow loose my tubes, long before thay have too many patches. So I usually end up buying new tubes when I can't find a spare.

I lost count.....

Would anyone retiring tubes after a single puncture please forward them to the folloing address: ;)


(I'll pay postage)

Cheers,

Ed

I think some of you don't know how to patch a tube...If done correctly, a patched tube is just as sound as a tube that has never been punctured.

I usually just replace a tube once it is punctured, but it is a good skill to know how to patch a tire on the road. I am always amazed how many riders can't replace a tube, let alone patch one. I flatted both tires once (glass in the road hiding in some deep shade). With only one spare tube and no cell phone coverage, you want to know how to use a patch kit.

Take the flats home and practice. It is bound to happen eventually...

About 3 and sometime 4.

Flats at the cost of $2.65 each ,no thanks.
Those tubes from performance are wildly un-uniform, I ran a few of those tubes(performance) before & had nothing but trouble with them. of course, maybe it was just me.

Geez, you must get a lot of flats by the sound of it. Maybe it's time to switch to thorn resistant tubes!

I think some of you don't know how to patch a tube...If done correctly, a patched tube is just as sound as a tube that has never been punctured.

Exactly. I think a patched tube is even more durable, the area with the patch becomes the strongest part of the tube.

I think some of you don't know how to patch a tube...If done correctly, a patched tube is just as sound as a tube that has never been punctured.

+1

If after 3 days and air leaks out from the patched area, I'd say "that's a lousy patch job".
If I'm using the ultralights that are not that cheap, I'd patch and keep it until I feel rich that I have to throw a "good patched" tube away :)

one only.......then it is iffy

one only.......then it is iffy

What makes it iffy?

I do exactly the opposite. Carry a functional tube (or two if you're touring) with you as a spare so that you can swap it out real quick. Good idea to bring a patch kit with you too just in case you have the rare unfortunate occurrence of two (or more) punctures on one ride. Most glueless patches are worthless, especially for high-pressure road bike tires. Patch your punctured tubes at home with a good quality glued patch while you're not getting drenched and/or buzzed by semis.

Exactly. I wait until I have 6-8 (or more) punctured tubes and on a cold or rainy day spend 30 minutes or so and have a patch fest. Look at it this way; If you consider that the tubes cost about $3-4 each, that's about $25. Since I pay state and local income tax, workman's comp, social security, medicare, etc., I have to earn about $50 to keep $25. I'd rather spend the money on a new tool or accessory for my bike(s).

I will admit that after 2 or 3 patches, however, it's adios to the tube. It doesn't owe me anything by then.

I patch them until a patch would overlap another or the tube itself is so old it loses its elasticity. I then put it aside so I can recycle it with the tires.

It isn’t a money issue with me, it is about waste.

Patch them properly, at home and let sit o/n, with a little weight on the patch. It will fail if you try on the side of the road, in the rain, in the dark, when you're in a hurry...I know, I know:o .

That rubber tube that you throw away, will be around a long time, unless you're recycling them! Someone will build another to replace the one you buy. Blah, blah, blah...you all know the rest of the rant.

I am a patcher, til the hole is too big to patch or the stem leaks or the rare tube full of pinholes.
AEbikes (and others) sell boxes of 100 Rima patches in either 20 or 25mm round sizes for $15-20/100.
In the early years I just tossed the punctured tubes on a rack in the basement and after a few years
found there were 17 tubes. Since then I started patching, usually works fine. I kept a dented rim and use it for test inflations of patched tubes in a tire, if the tube holds pressure for a day or so it is moved to a 'good tube' hanger and the next repairee mounted up on the dented rim. That way I know the repair is good.
Performance sold off some repair kits a few yrs ago for $0.50 each and I got 20 then. These have larger rectangular patches for the occasional multi punctures or snake bites too far apart for good coverage by the round patches.
The dented rim is also useful to stretch new tires and forming tires prior to mounting on the bike. Performance may sell tubes for $2.50 apiece but shipping will add at least $1 to the price unless you live where they have a store. I like to ride with you guys that throw tubes away, I havent had to buy any new tubes for several years just collecting castoffs.
Steve

I also patch tires with Rema Tip-Top patches. They're the way to go as far as I can tell. No reason to waste perfectly good tubes. The feeling of taking something that is broken and fixing it so you can use it again is great. Make sure that you sand down the rubber well and spread out enough glue so all of the patch will adhere. Also, a tip for people who carry a spare tube with them, check it before you put it in your pack. Make sure you blow it up once and check it for leaks. I speak from experience, pulling out your replacement tube only to find a sizable puncture in it is no good.

I think some of you don't know how to patch a tube...If done correctly, a patched tube is just as sound as a tube that has never been punctured.
:beer:

Patches are for getting home. Replace the tube once you get home.
Exactly. I carry a spare tube. If I flat i go there first. If I patch it is only becaue i flat again and that has happened. To me a patch is just a measure to get home or complete a ride.

I have seen too many rides turn out bad because of a 43 tube being patched to death.

Good example and I will shut up. Doing a brevet (200k) one Saturday. This lady has a flat 30 miles into the event. She pulls out her spare tube that has 3 patches on it. Can't get it to hold air. finally ends up patching the original that already has been patched once. She never made it to the end of the ride. Called someone to come pick her up because of flat problems. Great ride opportunity ruined. Just not worth it.

Geez, you must get a lot of flats by the sound of it. Maybe it's time to switch to thorn resistant tubes!
Well yes i ride everyday (sun,rain,wind) sometimes i'd get 2 to 3 flats a day on these glass lined streets around here.
After switching tires to the Spec. Nimbus EX up front & Nimbus Armadillo on the rear i have maybe 1 every 2 or 3 days on the road,usually nails & screws . None on packed trails yet.I really don't believe in those thorn resistant tubes.When i run knobbed tires i use a Tuffy tire liner on the rear,which i believe has more resistancy than the thorn resistant tubes.

Well yes i ride everyday (sun,rain,wind) sometimes i'd get 2 to 3 flats a day on these glass lined streets around here.
After switching tires to the Spec. Nimbus EX up front & Nimbus Armadillo on the rear i have maybe 1 every 2 or 3 days on the road,usually nails & screws . None on packed trails yet.I really don't believe in those thorn resistant tubes.When i run knobbed tires i use a Tuffy tire liner on the rear,which i believe has more resistancy than the thorn resistant tubes.
You need a tank not a bike.

I used a self-adhesive Park patch on a tube last week, and it started leaking the very next day. I applied to patch without first putting air in the tube, so when I installed the tube in the tire and inflated it, the patch came loose because the rubber was stretching under the patch. Duh!

I used a self-adhesive Park patch on a tube last week, and it started leaking the very next day. I applied to patch without first putting air in the tube, so when I installed the tube in the tire and inflated it, the patch came loose because the rubber was stretching under the patch. Duh!
Yeah you have to make sure surface on tube is really clean with those stick-on patches. I never had much long term luck with those. They seem to come undone at the edges after while.
YOu don't want to have air in tube while patching.
I personally don't believe there is anything as good or better than the old tube of glue & patch system.

It isn’t a money issue with me, it is about waste.
+1

Good example and I will shut up. Doing a brevet (200k) one Saturday. This lady has a flat 30 miles into the event. She pulls out her spare tube that has 3 patches on it. Can't get it to hold air. finally ends up patching the original that already has been patched once. She never made it to the end of the ride. Called someone to come pick her up because of flat problems. Great ride opportunity ruined. Just not worth it.
Proper application of a good quality glued patch solves that problem entirely.
I also like sch's and jonsam's suggestions of checking your spare before you leave for the ride.

My observations:
You rarely get a flat at home!
You can carry a spare tube or a patch kit. A patch kit is easier to carry.
You can usually apply a patch without removing the wheel (unless it's really close to the stem).
If patches are going to fail, they fail the same day.
When patches have failed on me, I think it was because I forgot to roll the patched tube between my fingers to ensure complete contact.

and i used to flat all the time on my road bike. i think i got two flats on my last double century, or was it three?

i use park patches but i also carry a spare tube. ideally i patch the tube on my work bench. i use sandpaper, rubbing alcohol and then i sandwich the patch between two pieces of metal in my bench vise.

now i am riding an all-rounder with 1 1/4" tires and i have flatted only twice in 1300 miles...and i was not aware of either flat until i got home.

if this trend continues i may quit patching my tubes.

ed rader

Patches are for getting home. Replace the tube once you get home.

Not really. See below.


Depends on where the leak is.

Depends on where the flat is. If I'm doing an evening ride with a group, and anyone flats, I'm whacking a new tube in so we can continue our pace. But if I'm out for a leisurely afternoon ride, and flat while I'm near a park or similar place, I'm more likely to stop and patch a tube. That said, I'm more likely to patch a tube on our singles, than on our tandem. I don't think I've ever had a patch fail, since I take the time to do it right. Tubes are cheap enough that I have no problem replacing them when I flat, but I also think it's lazy to add more landfill waste for the sake of convenience.

I patch until the valve fails. Can't do much about that. Usually it's on a really old tube. I have had several valve failures, one of which forced me to run 6 miles in bike shoes, rolling the bike beside me, to get to class on time. The worst part? The class turned out to be cancelled.

My observations:
You can usually apply a patch without removing the wheel (unless it's really close to the stem).
.
I gotta call you on this one. Where in the world is the logic in that statement. My friend it is a round wheel and the sliver of glass has no idea where the stem is.

I patch until the valve fails. Can't do much about that. Usually it's on a really old tube. I have had several valve failures, one of which forced me to run 6 miles in bike shoes, rolling the bike beside me, to get to class on time. The worst part? The class turned out to be cancelled.
So lesson learned - "forget the patches" (no pun intended).