Originally Posted by
grumpus
Who is this "us"? My bikes are more like $200-500. I do tend to build them from good used parts, and they are all probably over 30 years old ... I do use tubes with multiple patches, fixing stuff is part of the hobby AFAIC. OTOH I wouldn't patch tubes for a customer because it's not economically viable if he's paying for my time at workshop rates, but I have patched tubes at the co-op I used to work at.
There are always exceptions or outliers. But the majority of us here are enthusiasts with disposable income to purchase bikes within the price range I mention. It's more the norm than not.
Patching tubes falls into "The stepping over dollars to save pennies" category to me.