Do you patch tubes?
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 4,083
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2333 Post(s)
Liked 2,097 Times
in
1,314 Posts
Park's label and their website does not state the patch is temporary. They do state the patches are incompatible with latex but no mention that the patch is just some sort of emergency temporary fix. On narrow, high pressure clinchers with latex tubes, the patch tends to develop a "wrinkle" and a slow leak. On my wider clinchers and wide latex tubes run at low pressure, this is less of a concern. On stiff butyl tubes, it is no concern to me. YMMV but you are wrong.
Likes For GhostRider62:
#52
Senior Member
I have generally patched and continued to use the tube. I might retire the tube if it had a lot of patches, bit usually not unless it was unpatchable or otherwise unreliable for some reason. I do tend to swap tubes a patch later sometimes, but not always.
Likes For 10 Wheels:
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,383
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2490 Post(s)
Liked 2,960 Times
in
1,682 Posts
Not true. I am talking about Park Tool GP-2 Super Patch Kit and not their boot, which is perhaps what you are thinking about.
Park's label and their website does not state the patch is temporary. They do state the patches are incompatible with latex but no mention that the patch is just some sort of emergency temporary fix. On narrow, high pressure clinchers with latex tubes, the patch tends to develop a "wrinkle" and a slow leak. On my wider clinchers and wide latex tubes run at low pressure, this is less of a concern. On stiff butyl tubes, it is no concern to me.
Park's label and their website does not state the patch is temporary. They do state the patches are incompatible with latex but no mention that the patch is just some sort of emergency temporary fix. On narrow, high pressure clinchers with latex tubes, the patch tends to develop a "wrinkle" and a slow leak. On my wider clinchers and wide latex tubes run at low pressure, this is less of a concern. On stiff butyl tubes, it is no concern to me.
The instructions on that page included this:
- Tube is ready to install. DO NOT test patch by inflating tube while outside of mounted tire. This may stretch tube body and weaken patch bond.
Do not peel up the edge of the patch to check its adherence to the tube. This can cause the repair to fail and serves no useful purpose.
#56
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,100
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1401 Post(s)
Liked 1,886 Times
in
1,085 Posts
have tube repair kits - including Rema - always carry on rides
but can’t recall the last time I patched a bike tube
maybe the last time I patched a bike tube was around the time when we would fix broken wood bats with glue and screws ... and often the entire street / most of the neighborhood) had just one decent baseball ... when the baseball was hit deep into heavy brush we searched for it endlessly - or had to raise a manhole cover if the ball went down into a storm drain
but can’t recall the last time I patched a bike tube
maybe the last time I patched a bike tube was around the time when we would fix broken wood bats with glue and screws ... and often the entire street / most of the neighborhood) had just one decent baseball ... when the baseball was hit deep into heavy brush we searched for it endlessly - or had to raise a manhole cover if the ball went down into a storm drain
#57
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,230
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2589 Post(s)
Liked 5,652 Times
in
2,924 Posts
Just checked Park's website, and, at least on the page I looked at, there's indeed no mention of the preglued patches being temporary. Although there's also no mention of why they sell both preglued patches and conventional patch kits. Different strokes, I guess.
The instructions on that page included this:
Do not peel up the edge of the patch to check its adherence to the tube. This can cause the repair to fail and serves no useful purpose.
The instructions on that page included this:
- Tube is ready to install. DO NOT test patch by inflating tube while outside of mounted tire. This may stretch tube body and weaken patch bond.
Do not peel up the edge of the patch to check its adherence to the tube. This can cause the repair to fail and serves no useful purpose.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Likes For rsbob:
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,798
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3515 Post(s)
Liked 2,928 Times
in
1,777 Posts
No.
#59
Senior Member
Yes.
I Patch at home and carry a new or patched + verified tube in rotation.- Verified by slightly inflating and hang for a few days.
Vulcanized patches are very reliable once you get the hang if it, so no patch limit other than the tube looking too ratty or failing in some other way. I've used all sorts of patch kits and have no issues to report and have tubes with many patches that work as well as day I got it.
I Patch at home and carry a new or patched + verified tube in rotation.- Verified by slightly inflating and hang for a few days.
Vulcanized patches are very reliable once you get the hang if it, so no patch limit other than the tube looking too ratty or failing in some other way. I've used all sorts of patch kits and have no issues to report and have tubes with many patches that work as well as day I got it.
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,767
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1110 Post(s)
Liked 1,204 Times
in
761 Posts
Before I went tubeless, I would carry two good tubes with me and swap them out if I got a flat for a fast fix, then patch the punctured tubes when I got home and test them before putting them back in the rotation. I only patched on the road if I got a third flat (rare, but it did happen). Tubes would get retired and replaced with a new one when they sprung a leak where a patch was, leaked too close to the valve, or I just decided they had too many patches.
Likes For Camilo:
#61
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,489
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 969 Post(s)
Liked 1,632 Times
in
1,048 Posts
Do I patch tubes? YES!
Do I patch tubes successfully? YES!
Except the Tubulars. I never could get them sewn back up just right.
Also note that I have found any Vulcanizing Cement that does not have Toluene in it is probably not worth a dam...
Do I patch tubes successfully? YES!
Except the Tubulars. I never could get them sewn back up just right.
Also note that I have found any Vulcanizing Cement that does not have Toluene in it is probably not worth a dam...
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
Last edited by zandoval; 06-17-23 at 11:55 AM.
#62
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,224
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,246 Times
in
624 Posts
Yes.
I Patch at home and carry a new or patched + verified tube in rotation.- Verified by slightly inflating and hang for a few days.
Vulcanized patches are very reliable once you get the hang if it, so no patch limit other than the tube looking too ratty or failing in some other way. I've used all sorts of patch kits and have no issues to report and have tubes with many patches that work as well as day I got it.
I Patch at home and carry a new or patched + verified tube in rotation.- Verified by slightly inflating and hang for a few days.
Vulcanized patches are very reliable once you get the hang if it, so no patch limit other than the tube looking too ratty or failing in some other way. I've used all sorts of patch kits and have no issues to report and have tubes with many patches that work as well as day I got it.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
Last edited by 10 Wheels; 06-17-23 at 12:00 PM. Reason: addd pic
#63
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,230
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2589 Post(s)
Liked 5,652 Times
in
2,924 Posts
Only 5? Hardly seems like enough. You were obviously not a Boy Scout.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Likes For rsbob:
#64
Cantilever believer
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,572
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 538 Post(s)
Liked 1,846 Times
in
835 Posts
I usually did OK with the restitching, using monofilament line and a sewing machine needle epoxied into an old plastic stick pen body.
But then there were those days when I'd be nearly finished with stitching and ready to close the tire completely - and then see the puff of talc where I'd accidentally jabbed the tube.
But then there were those days when I'd be nearly finished with stitching and ready to close the tire completely - and then see the puff of talc where I'd accidentally jabbed the tube.
__________________
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Likes For RCMoeur:
#65
Over the hill
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 24,376
Bikes: Giant Defy, Giant Revolt
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 998 Post(s)
Liked 1,206 Times
in
692 Posts
This is nearly exactly the way I do things, except I only carry one tube and a regular mini-patch kit on rides. I only give up tubes if the patch leaks or if it's not practical to patch it. It's a tiny thing and not necessarily "green" on my part (I'm not a very green person really), but I just hate wasting (throwing away) things that can be easily and cheaply repaired. It goes to many things other than tubes.
__________________
It's like riding a bicycle
It's like riding a bicycle
Likes For 10 Wheels:
#67
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
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)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
I'll often carry two tubes on group rides -- a 650B tube for me, along with a 700C tube in case anyone else ends up needing one. Once in a blue moon, they do. I'd like to think it's good karma.
Likes For ThermionicScott:
#69
Cantilever believer
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,572
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 538 Post(s)
Liked 1,846 Times
in
835 Posts
Wen I do bike patrol for PBAA rides like El Tour de Tucson, I'll bring 6-8 700C tubes plus a 26" narrow + fat, a 650B, and a fat 29". And there have been events where I've used almost all of them by the end of the day. On big events like this, I also carry an expanded tool kit with a Knipex wrench for headsets & other stuff, a 4-way cone wrench, small derailleur adjustment screwdrivers, a Kevlar emergency spoke, and my light battery-powered Dremel with sanding drum in case I have to quickly patch a tube, such as the rider with a 29 x 3 tube who picked up 3 suspicious thumb tacks in his tire in the final miles a couple years ago. And a very light floor pump to inflate these needy riders' tires in a jiffy.
__________________
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Likes For RCMoeur:
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Oahu, HI
Posts: 1,396
Bikes: 89 Paramount OS 84 Fuji Touring Series III New! 2013 Focus Izalco Ergoride
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 285 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 74 Times
in
54 Posts
If there's a place to sit, I don't mind taking a break and patching mid-ride. I have had instances where I couldn't find the exact leak spot for the life of me (that including licking the tube where I thought the leak was, and tubes don't taste that good). So I did eventually get in the habit of bringing a tube with me. But I still patch, though doing it at home when it's not urgent tend to get lazy and a few pile up. I don't have a patch limit, but if I get close to a patch overlap situation I will give up on it. As others wrote, valve stem failure is my main reason to toss a tube. I did switch to tubs and sealant for most of my riding which means not having to think about tubes on a ride. I have only ever used Rema for over 40 years, but have never had a use for the long patches, just the round ones and I have old Rema green boxes stuffed with the long ones. I got in the habit of rolling up a fiver and stuffing it in the Rema box, but have never had to use it on a tire.
scott s.
.
scott s.
.
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,261
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18426 Post(s)
Liked 15,582 Times
in
7,337 Posts
#72
Senior Member
Yes but it takes a lot of time and oftentimes it is just a $5 tube. But I don’t like wasting things. It’s something to do while podcast listening.
I never patch in the field because that just never seems to work. I patch at home. I use a rotational Dremel tool to smooth out the area around the hole. Oftentimes that is like a molding artifact there like a ridge and I smooth it out.
the sticker patches don’t work. The only ones that work are the vulcanized rubber, the orange with glue. I patch it, let it sit for a day, then carry it as a spare.
I never patch in the field because that just never seems to work. I patch at home. I use a rotational Dremel tool to smooth out the area around the hole. Oftentimes that is like a molding artifact there like a ridge and I smooth it out.
the sticker patches don’t work. The only ones that work are the vulcanized rubber, the orange with glue. I patch it, let it sit for a day, then carry it as a spare.
Likes For adlai:
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Fargo ND
Posts: 904
Bikes: Time Scylon, Lynskey R350, Ritchey Breakaway, Ritchey Double Switchback, Lynskey Ridgeline, ICAN Fatbike
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 467 Post(s)
Liked 548 Times
in
308 Posts
I used to have a hot patch setup for motorcycle tubes. Never failed. Looked up what they cost today, and you could probably buy a lifetime supply of butyl rubber tubes for what they cost today. Mostly aimed at the vintage car and motorcycle folks from what I can tell.
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Posts: 14,278
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4260 Post(s)
Liked 1,364 Times
in
945 Posts
Not true. I am talking about Park Tool GP-2 Super Patch Kit and not their boot, which is perhaps what you are thinking about.
Park's label and their website does not state the patch is temporary. They do state the patches are incompatible with latex but no mention that the patch is just some sort of emergency temporary fix. On narrow, high pressure clinchers with latex tubes, the patch tends to develop a "wrinkle" and a slow leak. On my wider clinchers and wide latex tubes run at low pressure, this is less of a concern. On stiff butyl tubes, it is no concern to me. YMMV but you are wrong.
Park's label and their website does not state the patch is temporary. They do state the patches are incompatible with latex but no mention that the patch is just some sort of emergency temporary fix. On narrow, high pressure clinchers with latex tubes, the patch tends to develop a "wrinkle" and a slow leak. On my wider clinchers and wide latex tubes run at low pressure, this is less of a concern. On stiff butyl tubes, it is no concern to me. YMMV but you are wrong.
Your experience shows they are temporary.
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/produ...patch-kit-gp-2
Park says they will "...you can continue on to your destination with confidence". That's a very limited claim! They wouldn't say this if they were permanent (contrast that with what they say about their glued patches). They also sell the standard vulcanizing patches (which they wouldn't need to if the others were permanent).
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/produ...patch-kit-vp-1
Parks says the glued patches "result in a durable permanent repair for any puncture."
Last edited by njkayaker; 06-19-23 at 08:46 AM.