Mountain Biking - easiest way to patch a tire?

i've been told not to use the bike tire patch kits because they don't hold up... this person told me that i should go to autozone or something and pick up some kind of glue from there... even if i were to do this, how do you patch a tire? i've never done it but i would like to learn.

Patching a tire is easy. I believe the come with instructions actually. But still I carry spares. I pop tires so infrequently and they are so cheap it isn't worth the effort imo.

..I pop tires so infrequently and they are so cheap it isn't worth the effort imo.

You can get 10 tubes for $17.00, relatively cheap. Half of my ride buds do this.

I still patch my tubes. I use the patches and glue made for cycling and never had a problem with the patches. I believe the key is proper preparation of the tube. Here's a quick list:

1. Find hole and rough up the area with the sandpaper (usually provided in the kit). Make sure the prepared area is bigger than the patch. I usually go about 1.5 times the diameter of the patch, or maybe 1/2 an inch bigger than the patch all the way around.

2. Place a thin layer of cement onto the prepared area.

3. Let the glue dry (a few minutes - it'll turn a different sheen and don't touch it)

4. Peel the backing from the patch and place patch over hole - ensure patch lies completely with the prepared and cemented areas.

5. Press patch firmly and "massage" with your fingers.

6. You're done (also check the inside of the tire to make sure the offending thorn/nail is not still there).

I believe the vulcanizing fluid is the same for bicycle and automotive type. However, the patches that you typically get at an automotive store are thicker and don't have feathered ends. Bicycle patches are typically thinner and the edges feather so it provides a smooth transition from patch to tube.

You can get 10 tubes for $17.00, relatively cheap. Half of my ride buds do this.


Yep..thats how I do it...although 7 26" and 3 24"

I just hate those little tubes of glue. You use them once and when you need to use them again they're all dried up. Instead I go to "X-Mart" and buy a bottle of the stuff. I find this in the automotive dept. It's like $3.00 or so.

It has a screw top lid and a brush applicator. Much easier to get a lot of glue on the tube.

L8R

Over a glass of wine on a cold, wet winter day I spend a couple of hours once every year patching all the punctured tubes that I've accumilated during the year. Although I carry a patch kit on my rides, I rarely rarely do a patch job on the road unless I get a second flat.

George

Run tubeless.

I carry spares and patch the popped ones when I get home. Its easier than struggling in dirty puddles holding the tubes underneath to source the leak, just for it to re-appear because the patch was full of grit. :D

i just buy extra tubes and carry them with me. the time it takes to patch a tube and all the crap to go with it. i could have a new tube in the tire and have it pumped and be on my way a heck of a lot faster...but learning how to patch a tube is crucial cuz you never know when your gonna need it...

AN6's .02