datlas 

I noticed that too. Even when I take my time and batch-patch my success rate is about 75%. Under pressure it's probably less. I don't know if something has changed with the tube material or the patches or the vulcanizing fluid. It's still worth doing but by no means guaranteed to work.

Maybe we are getting old??

BillyD

We've booked our first since Dec 2020, going to hit the Finger Lakes for a few days. Just a couple of hundred miles away but it's just the start, other stuff is planned. Can't wait to see the grandson for his birthday at the end of April.

Who knew freedom would come to be spelled "vaccine"?

Mojo31

It's weird. Still haven't been on a plane in over a year. Used to fly quite a bit. Next big foray is an overnighter to College Station in May for kid two's graduation.

abshipp 

Have you ever had to use a tube to fix a flat on a tubeless tire?

And then pulled the tube back out to fix the tire permanently later at home?

Sealant everywhere. Ewwww.

MoAlpha

I think they changed the solvent. My mood just isn't as euphoric as it used to be after a doing a patch.

#bioassay

phrantic09

We did a really fun bike and brewery tour in East Austin last year when we were there. We got a trip in right before the world blew up.

BillyD

Went out to walk the dog early this morning to discover winter is still here . . . 26° with a brutal wind feels like 10°.

Probably the same thing these guys are wondering -- ". . . da hell"?

WhyFi

Ugh - you're just a reckless one, aren't ya?

WhyFi

I've done that on three occasions - two were because I'd neglected my maintenance and there was no (liquid) sealant in the tire, so there wasn't a mess. The third time, I'd tried my best to let the sealant work, rotating the cut to the bottom of the tire, but to no avail. It did have the nice side effect of blowing the majority of the sealant out, though, so it wasn't that bad, either.

WhyFi

That's just 'cause you're not as broke as you were back then, so saving money isn't as thrilling. Prolly.

abshipp 

LAJ

Excellent pic. That one appears to not be amused at your presence there.

abshipp 

That fits the quote better, but this is what actually popped into my head:

LAJ

Life is far too short to patch tubes.

MoAlpha

Makes me sick to throw them out.

They are the greatest lashing material on earth because of their high friction and stretch, but one only travels with a ladder or an xmas tree on the roof rack so many times a year. I keep a few on the boat for damage control, but, fortunately, I haven't had to use them.

Mojo31

We are picking up a couple of gravel bikes at MJ's, and jumping on the MUP, ride along the river, and hit the greenbelt at Zilker. Or something like that. Likely a slow ride with stops to focus on our relationship.

Mojo31

Cool pic!

phrantic09

Where in the lakes? I want to get away for a couple of days with the Mrs. once we're vaccinated. It's either going to be Burlington VT, Lake Placid or somewhere in the Finger Lakes.

datlas 

quality

WhyFi

Speaking of trips, we've got our first VA trip in over a year quickly approaching. We'd waited until my mother in law was vaccinated, at the very least, and then we wrestled with the question of whether or not we were being foolish and significantly increasing our risk of contracting and spreading.

As far as we can think of, we figure that we'll have roughly the same risk, there and back, as we will staying at home. We'll be driving, as usual, so no airports, airplanes, public transit or taxis. My mother-in-law will be vaccinated and she and my brother-in-law are socially isolated - they don't go out, they don't physically interact with anyone (which is sad, but good in terms of transmission), they wear masks when they go out for walks. As usual, the majority of meals will either be prepared at the house (I'll do the grocery shopping [and cooking ] as usual) or we'll do take-out. We're hearing that many establishments have gotten outdoor seating set up, so we'll check that out and maybe indulge in a dinner out (and I personally plan on some mid-ride pizza outdoors at a Richmond taproom during a century). We're not planning on any indoor activities this time around, so none of the museums that the kids usually visit. With the kids, we know that there will be a handful of necessary public bathroom breaks, but other than that, we think that our activity profile will be pretty close to what it is right now.

Oh, and we'll all get tested before and after the trip, too.

Fingers crossed.

big john

I rarely carry 2 tubes but the times I have had 2 with me I haven't needed them. I usually have the patch kit and mini pump along with co2. I have tubes with lots of patches in my mtb tires, I went through a bunch of goat heads before I figured out where to avoid. Stupid 27.5 x 2.8 tubes aren't real common in the bike stores.

Still haven't wanted to try tubeless and as long as I avoid the goat head farms I rarely get flats on the mtb. Road bikes are a different story, no flats for months,, then 3 or 4 in rapid succession.

LAJ

I agree. They're a handy thing, and are worth carrying if you have room, which my Taco certainly does. I have a couple in my truck. I just don't trust a patched tube, especially when I'm 30 miles away from anywhere.

BillyD

Lake Cayuga, probably in the vicinity of Montezuma NWR. I haven't looked at a precise address yet.

Jack Tone 

Agree. I use this and a box of cheap patches. Never had a problem.

seedsbelize 

I once opened my bag on the side of the road to find a Schrader valve on a skinny tube. Alas, I had left my drill at home.