spingineer
10-11-07, 01:45 PM
Dumb question ... but when you get a flat, and bring your tube home, do you spend the time to patch it up? Or do you just dispose of it, and just buy a new one at the LBS?
View Full Version : Patch Kit or New Tube?
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Hobartlemagne
10-11-07, 01:47 PM
Most everyone agrees that a properly patched tube will hold air just fine.
Its really your call on how you prefer to spend your time and money on the fix.
Its really your call on how you prefer to spend your time and money on the fix.
Speedee
10-11-07, 01:58 PM
New tube - I sleep better.
tinrobot
10-11-07, 02:02 PM
New bike.
Luwin1026
10-11-07, 02:14 PM
I patch it and just leave it hanging around the garage but that is if I ran out of new tubes at home. I usually keep 3 or 4 new ones around, and restock when I go to the LBS for something else.
Rick@OCRR
10-11-07, 02:22 PM
Well Ron,
It's not quite that easy. It's a matter of how the tube died.
1. Bad valve __ Throw it out
2. Blow out __ Throw it out
3. Slow leak (I'll never find the hole!) __ Throw it out
4. Small, findable hole . . . fix it!
Rick / OCRR
It's not quite that easy. It's a matter of how the tube died.
1. Bad valve __ Throw it out
2. Blow out __ Throw it out
3. Slow leak (I'll never find the hole!) __ Throw it out
4. Small, findable hole . . . fix it!
Rick / OCRR
DaveSANYYZ
10-11-07, 02:34 PM
So far I have patched 3 tubes.
One of them isn't mind, and the guy lost air in the tube after 10 mins of riding. My own patched tubes are still "fresh" at home. I find it a waste to throw them out since they still usable; but I don't have the confidence to use them yet. :p
One of them isn't mind, and the guy lost air in the tube after 10 mins of riding. My own patched tubes are still "fresh" at home. I find it a waste to throw them out since they still usable; but I don't have the confidence to use them yet. :p
Psydotek
10-11-07, 02:36 PM
Patch! Unless, as previously stated, it's unpatchable due to the type of flat. :)
I've got a tube with 4 patchs on it i think... Unfortunately i can't use it anymore since it has a short valvestem (and about 3 or 4 other tubes) and i've switched to 30mm deep wheels on all my bikes.
I've got a tube with 4 patchs on it i think... Unfortunately i can't use it anymore since it has a short valvestem (and about 3 or 4 other tubes) and i've switched to 30mm deep wheels on all my bikes.
TRaffic Jammer
10-11-07, 02:38 PM
Well... depending on how much of a hassle patching on the side of the road will be I might do either.
Other times I'll toss on a new tube , take home the bad tube, patch it and then it becomes home spare.
Or I'll patch it on the road sometimes without removing the whole thing from the wheel.
Other times I'll toss on a new tube , take home the bad tube, patch it and then it becomes home spare.
Or I'll patch it on the road sometimes without removing the whole thing from the wheel.
blarnie
10-11-07, 02:55 PM
On the road I replace with a fresh tube. When I get home I patch fixable tubes and store them for future use if necessary. Tubes that can't be fixed I keep seperate for recycling at a later date.
Please, do not throw used tubes in the trash! This is simply bad practice. They are a recyclable item.
I also keep all worn tires for future recycling. What I can't use someone else can.
Please, do not throw used tubes in the trash! This is simply bad practice. They are a recyclable item.
I also keep all worn tires for future recycling. What I can't use someone else can.
PlanetU
10-11-07, 03:08 PM
Hi All -
If you ride Planet Ultra events and you don't want to patch them, please bring us your punctured tubes. We DO patch them and recycle them to riders who come to events with less than they need! Our SAG drivers pass out patched tubes all the time to grateful riders!
:-)
If you ride Planet Ultra events and you don't want to patch them, please bring us your punctured tubes. We DO patch them and recycle them to riders who come to events with less than they need! Our SAG drivers pass out patched tubes all the time to grateful riders!
:-)
Indolent58
10-11-07, 03:31 PM
I carry one tube. If I get more than one flat, I have to patch but as for patching tubes at home and reusing them I would never do that. The punctured tube has failed me, is imperfect and must be scorned as unworthy.
urbanknight
10-11-07, 03:50 PM
I patch tubes until either (a) I can psychologically feel the extra weight of the patches or (b) the tube can't be patched.
mateo44
10-11-07, 04:02 PM
Most everyone agrees that a properly patched tube will hold air just fine.
Its really your call on how you prefer to spend your time and money on the fix.
Yes, by definition....
I tend to just go with new tube. Probably wasteful. I'll start considering patching and recycling....
Its really your call on how you prefer to spend your time and money on the fix.
Yes, by definition....
I tend to just go with new tube. Probably wasteful. I'll start considering patching and recycling....
MarkAJ
10-11-07, 04:14 PM
I patch tubes until either (a) I can psychologically feel the extra weight of the patches or (b) the tube can't be patched.
+1
But I carry two tubes, three CO2 and a patch kit. Tubes may be patched too. All tubes not in use are wrapped in saran wrap to prolong life, but this will not hold them indefinitely.
+1
But I carry two tubes, three CO2 and a patch kit. Tubes may be patched too. All tubes not in use are wrapped in saran wrap to prolong life, but this will not hold them indefinitely.
Grumpy Pig
10-11-07, 04:24 PM
What kind of patch kit do you use? I switched to Park glueless a couple of years ago. Used one for the first time recently and it worked.
herbm
10-11-07, 04:29 PM
What kind of patch kit do you use? I switched to Park glueless a couple of years ago. Used one for the first time recently and it worked.
Frank,
Glueless is great for a quickfix....but I have found glueless patches dry out and can peel enough to lose air....If I use one, I will replace it with a standard glued patch....it is vulcanized
Live Long and Prosper!
Frank,
Glueless is great for a quickfix....but I have found glueless patches dry out and can peel enough to lose air....If I use one, I will replace it with a standard glued patch....it is vulcanized
Live Long and Prosper!
MarkAJ
10-11-07, 04:29 PM
NO glueless. Glue type only! You sand the spot, you apply the glue and you patch. I find this type of patch last until the tube has a blow out. I have read to many horror stories with the glueless.
Grumpy Pig
10-11-07, 04:34 PM
I got 30 miles out of my glueless patch - back to my house from the northern end of Rice Canyon. I've heard the horror stories too so I stopped in Fallbrook and bought a tube. Once I got home I changed the tube.
MarkAJ
10-11-07, 04:39 PM
I got 30 miles out of my glueless patch - back to my house from the northern end of Rice Canyon. I've heard the horror stories too so I stopped in Fallbrook and bought a tube. Once I got home I changed the tube.
Good move. I always change my tube out and patch at home unless I have no other option.
Good move. I always change my tube out and patch at home unless I have no other option.
herbm
10-11-07, 04:51 PM
I got 30 miles out of my glueless patch - back to my house from the northern end of Rice Canyon. I've heard the horror stories too so I stopped in Fallbrook and bought a tube. Once I got home I changed the tube.
30 miles should be no prob with a glueless...but more than a few days and I would get nervous....
BTW..I loved riding Rice and Couser over Labor Day weekend....
30 miles should be no prob with a glueless...but more than a few days and I would get nervous....
BTW..I loved riding Rice and Couser over Labor Day weekend....
jsigone
10-11-07, 05:25 PM
never liked patches, not reliable enough I guess. Tubes are only 2 bucks so I use them if needed or hand them out when I see friends digging for patches cuz they popped their last tube.
Placid Casual
10-11-07, 05:31 PM
I refer the honorable gentleman to the comments (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=5433336&postcount=22) I made in SSFG in response to the same question.
Dizzy
10-11-07, 05:38 PM
so your saying that most of you actually start with a tube. Huh. All I have left is patches.:o
Placid Casual
10-11-07, 05:50 PM
(*votes in poll, checks results*)
Jeeeeeeesus. Is the time of a true roadie that valuable? It's two minutes out of your life, people!
Jeeeeeeesus. Is the time of a true roadie that valuable? It's two minutes out of your life, people!
Jeff262
10-11-07, 05:53 PM
On the road a "good" tube is put in and the puncture is put in the jersey pocket. The good tube is a previous patch. A good habit is of course to always check the source of the puncture. If I get another flat I make a quick decision about which bad tube to patch. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. I pack a adhesive patch for a quick repair if needed but also carry a regular patch kit.
At home I have a nice collection of Tip Top patches and glue that I use to make the old tube new again. Tip Top are truly above any other patch. The sizes are better and the way they taper at the edges are better. The rest are junk.
On the bike I carry: Spare Tube, CO2 cartridge, Innovations Carbon Mini pump with CO2 valve, Small Patch Kit, a few adhesive patches, an old piece of tire about 2" long to use as a boot. The piece of tire came in handy after I had a large sidewall cut happen 15 miles into an unsupported 147 mile ride a couple of months ago!
At home I have a nice collection of Tip Top patches and glue that I use to make the old tube new again. Tip Top are truly above any other patch. The sizes are better and the way they taper at the edges are better. The rest are junk.
On the bike I carry: Spare Tube, CO2 cartridge, Innovations Carbon Mini pump with CO2 valve, Small Patch Kit, a few adhesive patches, an old piece of tire about 2" long to use as a boot. The piece of tire came in handy after I had a large sidewall cut happen 15 miles into an unsupported 147 mile ride a couple of months ago!
genedoc
10-11-07, 06:03 PM
Tube? Pleeeeaaze...tubes are passe. Tubless Shimano is the only way to go.
Indolent58
10-11-07, 06:15 PM
Tube? Pleeeeaaze...tubes are passe. Tubless Shimano is the only way to go.
Tubless? Does that mean you can find the leaks without immersing them in water. That would be convenient.
Tubless? Does that mean you can find the leaks without immersing them in water. That would be convenient.
thomson
10-11-07, 06:26 PM
Tubless? Does that mean you can find the leaks without immersing them in water. That would be convenient.
I agree, I have not needed a tub for my Mavic wheels so I don't see the attraction of tubless Shimano.
I agree, I have not needed a tub for my Mavic wheels so I don't see the attraction of tubless Shimano.
MTBMaven
10-11-07, 10:55 PM
I must have good karma or something because I have close to 2,000 miles logged this year and only 2 flats. I toss them both (edit: in recycle) and got new ones.
urbanknight
10-11-07, 11:06 PM
+1
But I carry two tubes, three CO2 and a patch kit. Tubes may be patched too. All tubes not in use are wrapped in saran wrap to prolong life, but this will not hold them indefinitely.
Yep, I carry at least one spare tube because not all flats can be patched. I carry a pump, though, because I have had bad luck with CO2. I had a couple of bad inflators so they pierced the bottom of the cartridge instead of the top, making me walk home. Besides, my wife says I need more upper body workouts.
Oh, and I haven't had any problem with glueless patches so far.
But I carry two tubes, three CO2 and a patch kit. Tubes may be patched too. All tubes not in use are wrapped in saran wrap to prolong life, but this will not hold them indefinitely.
Yep, I carry at least one spare tube because not all flats can be patched. I carry a pump, though, because I have had bad luck with CO2. I had a couple of bad inflators so they pierced the bottom of the cartridge instead of the top, making me walk home. Besides, my wife says I need more upper body workouts.
Oh, and I haven't had any problem with glueless patches so far.
dddave
10-12-07, 03:46 AM
i used to just put in a new tube and toss the old one out, but i seem to be getting a lot of flats now that i commute to work. i got one yesterday, one monday, and another one last week sometime. i saved all of them and bought a patch kit today.
Drew12
10-12-07, 07:31 AM
(*votes in poll, checks results*)
Jeeeeeeesus. Is the time of a true roadie that valuable? It's two minutes out of your life, people!
Patch on the first flat, trash on the second.
If the tube is more than 6 months old, no patch just trash.
And my time is worth more than a tube.
On the Mtb, no flats in 3 years. I LOVE tubeless..
( well, I did have a small leak once, Stans seeled it right up!
Jeeeeeeesus. Is the time of a true roadie that valuable? It's two minutes out of your life, people!
Patch on the first flat, trash on the second.
If the tube is more than 6 months old, no patch just trash.
And my time is worth more than a tube.
On the Mtb, no flats in 3 years. I LOVE tubeless..
( well, I did have a small leak once, Stans seeled it right up!
thomson
10-12-07, 08:04 AM
I patch until I can't patch anymore and it is from an environmental point of view. I have nearly 30 new tubes but am still rotating my half dozen or so patched ones. When done, I recycle.
urbanknight
10-12-07, 09:06 AM
If the tube is more than 6 months old, no patch just trash.
And my time is worth more than a tube.
But is it worth more than the planet?
I patch until I can't patch anymore and it is from an environmental point of view. I have nearly 30 new tubes but am still rotating my half dozen or so patched ones. When done, I recycle.
That's what I'm talkin' about!
And my time is worth more than a tube.
But is it worth more than the planet?
I patch until I can't patch anymore and it is from an environmental point of view. I have nearly 30 new tubes but am still rotating my half dozen or so patched ones. When done, I recycle.
That's what I'm talkin' about!
Entropy906
10-12-07, 10:31 AM
+1
But I carry two tubes, three CO2 and a patch kit. Tubes may be patched too. All tubes not in use are wrapped in saran wrap to prolong life, but this will not hold them indefinitely.
I do the exact same thing except I use Press and Seal instead of Saran wrap.
But I carry two tubes, three CO2 and a patch kit. Tubes may be patched too. All tubes not in use are wrapped in saran wrap to prolong life, but this will not hold them indefinitely.
I do the exact same thing except I use Press and Seal instead of Saran wrap.
roadfix
10-12-07, 10:43 AM
I spend some time just one or two days out of the year on a rainy day over some hot chocolate to patch all the saved punctured tubes.
vc_rider
10-12-07, 11:03 AM
This discussion just reminded me I need to go out and buy a new patch kit. I usually patch one or two times before 'recycling'. Also, carrying a previously patched tube makes me a little more generous when I come across someone who doesn't have a spare tube ;)
1955
10-12-07, 11:12 AM
But is it worth more than the planet?:rolleyes:
You've GOT to be kidding, right???
I refuse to recycle, it's just another political scam.
You've GOT to be kidding, right???
I refuse to recycle, it's just another political scam.
jleslie
10-12-07, 11:22 AM
Well Ron,
It's not quite that easy. It's a matter of how the tube died.
1. Bad valve __ Throw it out
2. Blow out __ Throw it out
3. Slow leak (I'll never find the hole!) __ Throw it out
4. Small, findable hole . . . fix it!
Rick / OCRR
and carry three bad ones on GMR... LOL!! You must have grabbed from the wrong pile ;)
It's not quite that easy. It's a matter of how the tube died.
1. Bad valve __ Throw it out
2. Blow out __ Throw it out
3. Slow leak (I'll never find the hole!) __ Throw it out
4. Small, findable hole . . . fix it!
Rick / OCRR
and carry three bad ones on GMR... LOL!! You must have grabbed from the wrong pile ;)
roadfix
10-12-07, 11:39 AM
You must have grabbed from the wrong pile ;)
I've done that before. All my bad tubes are now red-tagged and thrown in my 'fix it' drawer. :D
I've done that before. All my bad tubes are now red-tagged and thrown in my 'fix it' drawer. :D
urbanknight
10-12-07, 12:33 PM
:rolleyes:
You've GOT to be kidding, right???
I refuse to recycle, it's just another political scam.
My work is 1 block away from a recycling center and 2 blocks from a city landfill. All I can tell you is that the recycling center stays the same size but the landfill keeps getting bigger.
You've GOT to be kidding, right???
I refuse to recycle, it's just another political scam.
My work is 1 block away from a recycling center and 2 blocks from a city landfill. All I can tell you is that the recycling center stays the same size but the landfill keeps getting bigger.
Drew12
10-12-07, 12:51 PM
:rolleyes:
You've GOT to be kidding, right???
I refuse to recycle, it's just another political scam.
Exactly, Recycle plastic water bottles.
$1.20 deposit, and 30 cents when returned.
It's just not woth the time and clutter to do it.
( if they would refund the ENTIRE amount, it MIGHT be worth it)
If my tube was worth more than the planet, I'd guarantee I would
not be working all day.
You've GOT to be kidding, right???
I refuse to recycle, it's just another political scam.
Exactly, Recycle plastic water bottles.
$1.20 deposit, and 30 cents when returned.
It's just not woth the time and clutter to do it.
( if they would refund the ENTIRE amount, it MIGHT be worth it)
If my tube was worth more than the planet, I'd guarantee I would
not be working all day.
1955
10-12-07, 12:55 PM
My work is 1 block away from a recycling center and 2 blocks from a city landfill. All I can tell you is that the recycling center stays the same size but the landfill keeps getting bigger.
If recycling worked, wouldn't it be the other way around?
If recycling worked, wouldn't it be the other way around?
thomson
10-12-07, 01:37 PM
If recycling worked, wouldn't it be the other way around?
Ralph, the stuff doesn't stay in the recycling center. It is used to make new product.
Ralph, the stuff doesn't stay in the recycling center. It is used to make new product.
Grumpy Pig
10-12-07, 01:56 PM
Ralph, the stuff doesn't stay in the recycling center. It is used to make new product.Ralph, a good example in your industry is the ADA compliant surfacing underneath playground equipment.
Happytime
10-12-07, 02:33 PM
My city is replacing old playground equipment in city parks with ones made of recycled plastics.
They've also installed a 1/2 mile running track made of recycled tires in the park closest to me. It's an awesome surface: no water spots, so slippage in the rain and the cushiness prevents impact-related injuries.
They've also installed a 1/2 mile running track made of recycled tires in the park closest to me. It's an awesome surface: no water spots, so slippage in the rain and the cushiness prevents impact-related injuries.
spingineer
10-12-07, 02:38 PM
I must have good karma or something because I have close to 2,000 miles logged this year and only 2 flats. I toss them both (edit: in recycle) and got new ones.
Don't you realize you just jinxed yourself?
Don't you realize you just jinxed yourself?
1955
10-12-07, 02:53 PM
My city is replacing old playground equipment in city parks with ones made of recycled plastics.
They've also installed a 1/2 mile running track made of recycled tires in the park closest to me. It's an awesome surface: no water spots, so slippage in the rain and the cushiness prevents impact-related injuries.
That's what our company sells and installs, (among other playground stuff) it's great stuff, BUT it's not cheap and over time it's very dirty (the lose rubber surfacing). That black rubber rubs off on your shoes. The recycled things we sell are limited in scope and mostly just a selling point for the very liberal government entities we sell to.
They've also installed a 1/2 mile running track made of recycled tires in the park closest to me. It's an awesome surface: no water spots, so slippage in the rain and the cushiness prevents impact-related injuries.
That's what our company sells and installs, (among other playground stuff) it's great stuff, BUT it's not cheap and over time it's very dirty (the lose rubber surfacing). That black rubber rubs off on your shoes. The recycled things we sell are limited in scope and mostly just a selling point for the very liberal government entities we sell to.
1955
10-12-07, 02:55 PM
Ralph, the stuff doesn't stay in the recycling center. It is used to make new product.
Only a very small percentage. Most of it is in huge piles in desert storage faculties waiting for a use.
Only a very small percentage. Most of it is in huge piles in desert storage faculties waiting for a use.
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