Great work on being frugal, everybody!

For the record, I would estimate it takes about 10 minutes extra to patch a tube compared to installing a brand new one, provided you have a brand new one on hand.

I would guess you can patch at least 5 punctures with a single $4 patch kit - that works out to $0.80 per puncture. But, in spending the extra 10 minutes, you have avoided spending $5 on a new tube, for a new savings of $4.20 per puncture. Considering it only took an extra 10 minutes, you are actually earning $4.20 / 1/6 hour = $25.20 / hour... so patching instead of buying new is like having a part time job making $25/ hour!

And for you patching aficionados who shuddered when I suggested you only get 5 repairs from a patch kit, if you manage to get 10 repairs from a patch kit, you make $50.50/hour, and if you can squeeze 15 repairs out of a kit, $75.60/hour!

I don't know about you guys, but I am going to go for a ride right now and try to get a flat tire!