Originally Posted by DMF
I've always patched, but with these 700x21C tires there's not a lot of area to hold a patch so I bought some cheapo tubes. Haven't had to use them, fortunately. A couple questions:
1) These tubes claim to fit widths from 19 to 27. Isn't that a pretty big range?
2) I've always put newly-patched tubes in the tire and reinflated, reasoning that the air pressure would compress the patch and mould it to the proper shape as it cured. Those of you that patch a tube without putting it back in a tire - do you find that your patches last as long?
3) What's a good (and light) on-road patch kit? I have a heavy one for my off-road bike but I'm trying to keep the road bike light as possible.
2) We patch tons of tubes, all sizes at Back Alley Bikes in Detroit. Patched tires hang on the rack until needed as they teach us to use the patched tubes first and save on giving out new tubes. I don't know of any problems with them patched and hung up for future use.
3) Any brand seems good (grin). Send some to the afore mentioned establishment! We always run out!