CenturionIM

After a year and half of on and off commuting, I finally got my first flat. I was about one third of the way to work, and all of sudden the wheels feels weird. Stopped to inspect and sure enough, there is a metal stable stuck in my rearwheel, nice and tight. After I pulled it out and the wheel just immediately lost pressure. Bus to work with bike.

Bus was sooo slow. I should just have rode to work without pulling that stable out. Yes, I will be carrying a patch kit from now on...

And source of cheap 700c tubes? looked online, it's about 5-6$ for one! with bad review too. what brand do you use?

Bjforrestal

Whatever the lbs hands me. Usually 7 bucks but if you get a good patch kit, Rema is what I use, should only need one spare as long as it doesn't rip at the stem

fietsbob

Rode a tour of Western Ireland And Scotland on thorn resistant tubes , zero punctures .. its only failure
was the dreaded stem leak, once back stateside .. little under Pressure and tire creep, or just Fate, IDK

CenturionIM

Just wondering, is patching of tire also needed? or can I just ride it as is?

jrbee7

Depends on whether the tire is damaged. I usually (carefully) run my finger around the inside of the tire to make sure there is nothing there to repuncture a patched or new tube. Once it's clear I just go on about my business. If the tire is damaged, you can use a tire boot to get where you're going but then I would replace the tire.

I have failed to catch a little piece of something on the inside of a tire and just kept flatting.

ThermionicScott 

$5 isn't horrible, especially if you get a good deal on shipping -- how much was the bus fare?

kmv2

Ever been to a store? Tubes are usually under $5.
Also, online reviews are usually pretty idiotic.

Carry an extra tube in a saddle bag. The patch kit is to get you home, don't intend for it to last as long as an actual tube. I use the Park tool no glue patches, they're easy and no mess. Never ride on a flat, your wheel will get ruined pretty quick.

ThermionicScott 

This needs clarification. The no-glue patches are just to get you home (if they do), but a properly-glued patch will last indefinitely.

kmv2

If you do it right.

ThermionicScott 

I said that.

kmv2

$5 new tube gives me peace of mind and saves the time and hassle of doing a "proper" patch (picture a really heavy rain storm on the side of the highway or something).

If you keep the tires inflated to a proper psi and watch out for piles of debris, flats should be pretty rare (at least they are for me).. I think 5 bucks is worthwhile investment for something that happens maybe a couple times a year.

Different strokes for different folks. If you want to save a couple bucks, by all means patch that **** til its covered in them.

spivonious

You can get a Park vulcanizing patch kit with 6 patches in it for $2. If done properly, these patches are just as good as the original tube.

Still, I carry a spare tube for quicker roadside changes. My punctures are usually quite invisible until the tube is placed underwater, which I obviously can't do on the side of the road. I got my spare tubes at my LBS for about $5. I patch the punctured tube when I get home and then it becomes my spare.

ThermionicScott 

Oh believe me -- I always carry a spare tube, and would never suggest carrying a patch kit without having a spare tube as the first-line defense.

Cyril 

Without trying to put too fine a point on this, how much does it cost to repair a flat car tire?
How far can you get on $7 worth of gas?
In the scheme of things, even when the most expensive tubes are cheap.
Live a little, buy two.