datlas 

OK I just got a bulk lot of 100 patches so I was thinking about this...but am wondering if anyone else has tried it...

The idea is that a lot of folks don't know or appreciate the art of repairing a tube. A properly patched tube is as good as a new one.

Anyway since I now have a bunch of Rema patches and also a bottle of Rema vulcanizing fluid, my idea is to ask my club-mates to either "donate" tubes with small punctures to the general club. I will "batch-patch" them, maybe a dozen at a time, and always keep several around to give away and/or exchange for punctured ones at the start/end of club rides.

I think this is a very good idea, the only problem I can foresee is if some folks abuse the service and just take take take, and the stock will be depleted.

Any ideas? I am most interested in hearing from folks who have tried this in the past.

darb85

Take take take stock gone

phlydude

It is a good idea but your fears are valid. If you can't fully control the deposit effect at all times, it will just be a matter of time before the stock depletes.

datlas 

That's my concern. I have about a dozen to get things started...but I am wondering is this a prediction or actual experience??

I am pretty sure that most of the guys in my club just toss their old tubes instead of repairing them.

JaceK

So let me verify,

you paid for the patch, the glue, and it is your labor, in return you only want punctured tubes.

Just by chance, I have a bunch of old chains, cassettes, and other junk, you wanna trade me rebuilt stuff for that as well?

datlas 

It's goodwill. Plus patching a dozen tubes at once is not much more of a time commitment than patching one.

prathmann

You could try it out for awhile but keep track of your stock level. If it starts to drop then institute a '1 for 2' or '2 for 3' plan where people have to contribute punctured tubes to get patched ones (some will not be patchable, so '1 for 1' might not work).

Lots of cyclists never patch tubes and just toss them, so you'll probably get plenty of material for this project. I've become known as someone who patches tubes, so I'm given quite a few when flats happen on group rides. Use some myself and also give out some when I'm driving sag for the supported century put on by the club.

pdxtex

bike shops are usually happy to give you their discarded tubes...i use them for various projects all the time.

hsh101

I'd say ask around in the club, and see what kind of response you get. I've probably got a few to donate to the cause -- haven't gotten around to patching; lack experience and time to do it, so I just toss a new one in the bag whenever I blow out, and toss the blown ones in the garage.

wkg

Lots of bike shops keep big boxes of tube with holes. These tubes either get recycled or thrown away when the box gets too full.

DXchulo

I think 1 for 1 is the best idea. You give them a patched tube and they give you their punctured tube. I don't think the unpatchable ones should be all that common. It doesn't happen very often for me, at least. I'd imagine you could find enough to make up for those from guys who throw away punctured tubes and won't ride a patched one.