Patch or Replace

FindYourGozo

I am about three months into cycling and enjoying myself. I have recently though had several flat tires. When I went into my LBS to get everything I needed to fix my first flat I was sold new tubes rather than a patch kit. I have held onto all my wholy tubes and am thinking about patching them all back up. Is it common practice to patch or just replace the tubes. Is it just a matter of preference? Are there any good reasons to not patch them? Thanks for any and all advice.

desweller

Carry a spare tube on the bike so you can quickly swap, then patch the holed tube at home later on. I always patch, unless the damage is unrepairable.

Bobbinogs

^^ Wot he said.

rolf_f

FindYourGozo wrote:

When I went into my LBS to get everything I needed to fix my first flat I was sold new tubes rather than a patch kit.

How much does your lbs charge for tubes? How much does it charge for repair patches?

Ultimately, in the long run all you need is glue, sandpaper and an innertube that has failed terminally (eg blow out or valve failure) as a source of patch material. Sadly this approach is much less lucrative for the LBS than fixing your inner tube habit

loveaduck

Upgrade your tyres, i got tierd of patching and got Conti Super sport Plus £23 a pair from my LBS, totally loving them.

lucasf09

Patch the old ones.
I usually take a spare or two, but always patch.
Some people say you can patch until you have more patch than original tire, but I tend to replace after 4 or 5 punctures.
Also if you are are getting loads of punctures find out what the issue is, if cheap tire replace them (conti are very good). Also check rim tape as might be moved or worn.

BelgianBeerGeek

Replace at roadside then repair at home for more spares. I've been saving mine up and plan to have a repair session with a bowl of water, some patches and glue. Then they get bundled up with an elastic band and put into a snap bag according to tube size. All done with a pot of coffee and Radio 4...bliss.
Yes I know I need to get out more, but that's how I got the punctures in the first place. :oops:

FindYourGozo

Thanks for all the advice. I think the tires are contributing to the problem, will have to upgrade soon (still have the tires that came with the bike and there is about 650 miles on them and they are looking more and more flat instead of round).

Tubes at two shops have both cost me $6.99US. When I went to one shop to ask for a patch kit I was taken to a $34 kit that included the CO2 cartridges, a screw on CO2 pump, and a little patch kit. I asked if they sold just the patch kit and was taken back to the counter and handed a kit (that is stored behind the counter) that cost me $3. I took it home and patched one tube and put it on the bike. I did 92 miles on it today with no problems.

I am going do as many of you have said and replace with new tubes on the road and patch at home. It took me less than 15 minutes and cost me very little.

Thanks for all your advice.

on the road

I never throw a tube away unless the valve fails.

Rich Hcp

Change the tyres, I use Vittoria Rubino Pros.

AS for tubes, see above