Patching tubes ROCKS
 

I sadly admit that it's taken me over 3.5 years to finally get the patience to actually patch my flatted tubes. I've probably gone through at least 15 tubes, if not more, in that time period.

I collected 5 of my flatted tubes, and at home, applied the glue-on patches from Performance bike (I think the kit was $2.50).

I know I'm preaching to the choir, but it was SO FRIGGIN' EASY and fast. Seriously, actually applying the patch probably took <1 minute, and the longest part by far was me checking to see whether it held, which every single one I applied did.

I can't believe I've been spending money on tube after tube for the past few years after seeing how easy it is to patch these things.

Just one last question though - do I need to worry about the integrity of these patches at all at pressure? Or is it pretty much good to go if it can expand to 2x original tube size without leaking?

If you put too much air in after patching, you're more likely to cause a failure than when it's inside a tire and has the tire taking the stress.
If the patch looks well sealed around the edges, it should be fine.

You've inspired me. I've got about 15 of the things hanging in my garage. I'm going to get a patch kit or two on the way home and put an end to this madness once and for all.

Remember that at pressure they are being pressed against the tire. However, I have had patches fail, even though I've had a lot of experience using them.

No data, but I think that the patches are best when applied and immediately put in the tire and inflated. That way they are immediately held onto the tube with 100 pounds of pressure. When you patch them in the kitchen, they may sit around for months on an uninflated tire. This may be the source of my failures.

For example, my wife's bike had a garage flat, and I couldn't find the leak. It wasn't until I submerged the tire in the sink that I discovered slow bubbles coming out of the side of the patch.

In the past I've kept tubes until they had up to 5 patches on them! But because of some recent patch failures I'm reevaluating. With a recent sale at Nashbar I bought 8 tubes for $2.49 each, so replacing is becoming a little more cost effective.

A big percentage of the BikeForums population does not patch.

How do you know that?

I got a flat the other day. It was on the inside of the tube and the patch didn't hold. I'd rather just replace the whole tube. It's a lost faster on a ride.

The idea is to patch when you get home not on the road. You should be carrying spare tube(s) in any case.

Well I can only carry two tubes. On this ride I was only carrying one. What to do in the event that I get two flats on an all-day ride?

He made it up.

Bring this.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1297873826

I usually carry one tube, a couple patches and glue.

I have a few of those as well. I think it's wise to try to patch flats that you can so you have a tube in the event you get a flat you can't patch.

Actually, I don't think there is any science to patch kits and spare tubes.

Carry two? You can always carry a patch for backup but you shouldn't normally have to use it.

+1
I carry a tube and a GP-2 pack.
Minor punctures can be fixed just by pulling out the tube, patching it, then pushing it back in. No wheel removal needed.

I do permanent patches at home.
In my experience, the GP-2 should be considered a temporary patch just to get back.

Use cell phone to call for a ride, (friend, or taxi)
Use 10 dollar bill to buy a tube from fellow rider
Walk!

Can't think of many other options.

Thinner package and works better :D
http://i54.tinypic.com/2z4n1ub.jpg

However, I only used pre-glued patches for emergencies on a ride; I like to stick to traditional patching methods.

Haha, I think you missed my point. :)

+1 on them being temporary. They deteriorate and fall off if not in a pumped up tire.

I carry a tube and a real patch kit. The tube is first choice if I'm riding with others but I'll patch if I'm riding solo (making sure to take my time to do it right). Snake bitten tubes get thrown out.

ANyone care to comment on longevity or failure rate of tubes patched at home if you have NOT used a preglued patch?

Because every so often when there's a thread on the topic a number of people chime in to say that they don't bother with patching tubes.

A permanent patch will last as long as the tube.
I've never had one fail.

...and some that are vehemently anti-patching.

Some:

Members: 195,624

Active Members12,107

Well if we're talking about repairing tubes for long-term use, I would say I'm not interested at all. I can get 5 quality tubes for $15.