datlas 

It's very rare that I need one, but a recent bad experience has led me to this.

I carry one spare tube and self stick patches as a backup. I had never needed the patches until recently, when I had the unfortunate experience of suddenly hitting a nasty pothole and got pinch flats in both front and rear.

The self stick patches just did not work. I roughed up the tube properly.

I am looking for something better than what I have. The ones I used were from a large outfit who I will not name, but as a hint, has 3 syllables and starts with P.

I know these are not permanent and I have all the tools at home for permanent patches...but on the road I want something quick to get me home.

Suggestions?

Pirkaus

I have used Park brand with moderate success, only good to about 95 psi on a 23 mm tube
Additionally found that 2 year old some don't work as well, but will still get you by.
YMMV

rpenmanparker 

I find the Park brand work pretty well. Not perfectly, but I am not often disappointed.

bengreen79

Would patches work on pinch flats? Don't they usually tear the tube along a seam, leaving a longer and unpatchable "cut"?

rpenmanparker 

Pinch flats are often "snake bites" with two small holes spaced like the marks from a snake's fangs. If they are not spread apart two widely, the patch should cover them both. At least to get home. Or unlike vulcanized patches, the instant ones can be overlapped to cover a wider area.

t.braxt

If I run in to a situation where I have a flat and no tube, I tie the tube around the punctured area. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dnAv5_r-qNQ

02Giant 

X2...I did this recently when I pinch flatted both tubes at the same time and only had one replacement tube with me.

f4rrest

Thanks for this!

datlas 

I appreciate the tip on tying off the tire. Any patches other than Park to suggest?

Anyone ever try scabs??

Lazyass

Done that. It blows actually riding with the tube knotted, you can feel it with every wheel revolution. MTB isn't so bad. Patches are a much better fix. I gave up on stick on patches long ago. One spare tube and 4-5 regular patches with a small tube of glue in the saddlebag is more than enough for any regular ride, for me at least. Doesn't take but a minute to put on a glued patch.

02Giant 

I didn't notice the one time I had to do it.

Nachoman

Personally, I've never had luck with ANY peel and stick patches.
For me, it's just easier to carry two spare tubes.

Motolegs

Tried Scabs. Worked well on 60 psi MTB tube, lost air overnight on a high pressure road tube.

on the path

I had a Park Tool peel & stick stay fixed for the better part of a year.

rpenmanparker 

Who said you shouldn't carry two tubes AND the patches?

Nachoman

yup. just not the peel and stick patches.

bleui

this one is good... real good

datlas 

Ok ok. I will try the Park one. I agree the vulcanized ones are permanent and better, but for on the road repairs I want something quick, and the "glue" (really vulcanizing fluid) in the small tubes invariably is dried out.

Thanks for the replies.

BTW for permanent patches, I like the Rema for patches and vulcanizing fluid.

Clipped_in

Agreed on the REMA patches for a permanent fix, but I really like the Lezyne patches and boot for everyday backup on my bike. Very, very good. Better than the Park IMO.

a1penguin

I buy Rema patch kits, the ones with vulcanizing glue. I replace the glue tube every year.

digibud

I usually carry a tube and some vulcanizing patches but it's very rare that patching isn't enough. I resort to a new tube if it's raining or mosquitos are swarming but normally I just patch the tube. I never use peel on patches. They only save about 5min and in the long run are not reliable.