Bicycle Mechanics - Puncture Repair Foam

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daven1986
11-20-09, 03:55 AM
I was in a shop the other day and I saw some foam for cars that is basically in a pressurised container and when you get a puncture you just fill the tyre with it and it allows you to drive home on the tyre.
I was wondering if there is anything similar for bicycles? I don't mind throwing the tube after using it, but I hate changing flats!
BTW I am not really interested in "slime" or any of its variants, I run too high a pressure for them.
Thanks
Daven
roughrider504
11-20-09, 08:00 AM
Bicycle tires have such low air volume under high pressure, I doubt that any liquid sealant would work. There is a chance that some products could seal very small punctures, but anything more and all you'll have is a mess.
LesterOfPuppets
11-20-09, 08:03 AM
Vittoria Pit Stop will usually get you home.
(http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/Vittoria-Pit-Stop.shtml)
daven1986
11-20-09, 08:26 AM
Hmm after a bit more research it seems that the car puncture repair stuff is only called "foam" it doesn't actually fill up the entire tyre, it just does what slime does. Oh well, here's back to relying on my armadillos again!
Thanks
LesterOfPuppets
11-20-09, 08:50 AM
Fix-A-Flat inflates and seals the tire, as does Vittoria Pit Stop mentioned above.
(http://www.rtecshop.com/index.php?p=product_view&product_id=283)
daven1986
11-20-09, 09:35 AM
Yeah but I doubt it'd work for big punctures, and small punctures rarely, if ever, occur with my armadillo tyres. I was looking for something that would in an emergency just fill up the tyre with some expanding foam so you could ride home slowly.
Thanks though
sweatforfun
11-20-09, 09:54 AM
i have heard that once you get home and are ready to change that tire you have a hard to clean mess inside your tire and rim. anyone know if this is true?
daven1986
11-20-09, 10:03 AM
i have heard that once you get home and are ready to change that tire you have a hard to clean mess inside your tire and rim. anyone know if this is true?
That would probably be true with the slime stuff and also with the foam I suggested (if it even exists!)
I've successfully fixed flats with Pitstop, and failed to fix flats with Pitstop. Depends on the size of the puncture. I will say that at 20F, it sure is easier to use Pitstop than to take off your gloves and get frostbite.
daven1986
11-21-09, 05:33 AM
I'd agree with that sentiment! I may pick up a can just in case I ever need it, however I really want to find something that means I won't have to change a tube! Yes I am lazy!
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