Why patch kit AND spare tube?
02-06-12 | 11:58 AM
#77
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 1
From: PNW - Victoria, BC
Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Vortex - 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 - 2004 Redline Conquest Pro - Specialized S-Works Festina Team Model - 93 Cannondale M 800 Beast of the East
02-07-12 | 12:58 PM
#78
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
Spare Tube:
- Some flats are not patchable - since I switched to flat-resistant tires the far fewer flats I get usually aren't patchable. For example if you get a flat right where the tube and the tube valve stem come together, and you simply cannot patch that.
- So if you want to be self sufficient, you *have* to carry a spare tube.
Patch Kit:
- Sometimes you change the tube and find out that you thought you got the thing that caused the puncture out, but you didn't, and you end up with another flat.
- Sometimes you legitimately get a 2nd flat on the ride (it's weird how they come in groups even if they're unrelated).
- Sometimes that other guy you're biking with has a flat, and you don't want to give him your tube and not have a tube, but you also don't want to insist he call for a ride or something.
- And the bottom line is that the quick apply patch kits are the size of the postage stamp, like 1mm tall or so, and cost $5 - once you're carrying a tube a patch kit is inconsequential in size.
Personally, I can't imagine not carrying both - I mean I'd be more likely to have a reason to carry neither than to have a reason not to carry both. :-)
- Some flats are not patchable - since I switched to flat-resistant tires the far fewer flats I get usually aren't patchable. For example if you get a flat right where the tube and the tube valve stem come together, and you simply cannot patch that.
- So if you want to be self sufficient, you *have* to carry a spare tube.
Patch Kit:
- Sometimes you change the tube and find out that you thought you got the thing that caused the puncture out, but you didn't, and you end up with another flat.
- Sometimes you legitimately get a 2nd flat on the ride (it's weird how they come in groups even if they're unrelated).
- Sometimes that other guy you're biking with has a flat, and you don't want to give him your tube and not have a tube, but you also don't want to insist he call for a ride or something.
- And the bottom line is that the quick apply patch kits are the size of the postage stamp, like 1mm tall or so, and cost $5 - once you're carrying a tube a patch kit is inconsequential in size.
Personally, I can't imagine not carrying both - I mean I'd be more likely to have a reason to carry neither than to have a reason not to carry both. :-)
Last edited by PaulRivers; 02-07-12 at 01:07 PM.
02-07-12 | 01:25 PM
#79
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
(Can we get four pages out of this thread? People must be bored this winter.
)- Scott
Last edited by ThermionicScott; 02-07-12 at 01:28 PM.
02-07-12 | 01:53 PM
#80
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 220
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From: north providence, r.i.
Bikes: Nashbar trekking bike
it's called peace of mind
i ride on bike paths, long distances. not to many have a lbs near by.
i carry a new tube. tube patches,tire patches,tire irons and a mini pump.
you'll never know what you're going need to repair a flat. rather than wishing you have brought them with you. it's better than walking back to my car or phoning for help.
so i try to "cover my butt."
remember the boy scouts moto while riding far from home "BE PREPARED"
i carry a new tube. tube patches,tire patches,tire irons and a mini pump.
you'll never know what you're going need to repair a flat. rather than wishing you have brought them with you. it's better than walking back to my car or phoning for help.
so i try to "cover my butt."
remember the boy scouts moto while riding far from home "BE PREPARED"
02-07-12 | 03:14 PM
#81
commuter and barbarian
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,494
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From: Potomac, MT, USA
02-07-12 | 04:29 PM
#82
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 1
From: PNW - Victoria, BC
Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Vortex - 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 - 2004 Redline Conquest Pro - Specialized S-Works Festina Team Model - 93 Cannondale M 800 Beast of the East
