First flat
07-10-08, 10:44 AM
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First flat
I have ridden 3000 mile trouble free, but now suddenly my rear tire is losing 15 psi per day. Is such a slow leak fixable by patching? How much and where can I get a tube for a 20" wheel?
07-10-08, 02:45 PM
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Anyone know if I can get a 20" tube and patch kit at Walmart? Or do I have to go to my LBS and pay double? Or do I wait a week and get online?
07-10-08, 02:54 PM
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07-10-08, 06:21 PM
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If your rim takes Schrader valves, you'll be able to get a 20" tube almost anywhere. 20" tubes with Presta valves are not so ubiquitous. Any bike shop that handles recumbents will have them.
As to whether your tube is patchable, given that it's a slow leak, probably so.
As to whether your tube is patchable, given that it's a slow leak, probably so.
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I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
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— or not . . .
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I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
07-11-08, 09:24 AM
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Thanks, I did find them at walmart. I noticed the size said it fits bike 20X 1.75-2.9, whereas my tire is 20 X 1.5 . It seemed to fit ok, but should I try and get my right size next time? I also bought a packet of 20 glueless patches which stick on. Do you think those will work?
07-11-08, 04:58 PM
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You don't want to vary too much from the proper size of inner tube. If the tube is too small, the wall of the inner tube will be stretched more thinly, increasing susceptibility to puncture. I've heard that if the tube is too big, it might not inflate properly in the tire, i.e. it might inflate with a wrinkle or fold in it, thereby being more susceptible to a blow out.
I've always felt more comfortable with glued patches, but I've used the self-adhesive varieties with success as well.
I've always felt more comfortable with glued patches, but I've used the self-adhesive varieties with success as well.
__________________
I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
07-11-08, 06:26 PM
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I prefer the glued patches too, seem more dependable somehow when I have had some part in their success! I'm sure it's all in the mind. 
Regarding your slow leak...last time I had one it turned out to be a valve issue - I only discovered this after taking the wheel off and sitting with the tube and a bucket of water for 10 minutes! A quarter twist on the valve with a valve core tool sorted me in the blink of an eye.
Today I poured some gloop into my tubes - Dr Sludge, a rival to Slime. Time will tell if it works but it's supposed to block flats from the inside negating any need to patch.
Good luck!
Regarding your slow leak...last time I had one it turned out to be a valve issue - I only discovered this after taking the wheel off and sitting with the tube and a bucket of water for 10 minutes! A quarter twist on the valve with a valve core tool sorted me in the blink of an eye.
Today I poured some gloop into my tubes - Dr Sludge, a rival to Slime. Time will tell if it works but it's supposed to block flats from the inside negating any need to patch.
Good luck!
