Flat tyre - changed tube. Repair old one and keep it?

dubcat

I got a flat tyre on todays ride. I changed tubes and carried on. Should I repair the 2 pin holes in the old tube and keep it or should I just ditch the tube altogether?

I looked for whatever put the hole in the tyre and tube but i focussed on the inside middle of the tyre and found nothing. When I got home I looked at the old tube and realised whatever did it came in from the side wall. Should I take the tyre off and look for anything sticking in the side wall now in case it punctures the new tube or do you think I am ok? I rode for about 5 miles on the new tube and all seemed fine.

As you can probably tell from the stupid questions - this is the first time I have had a puncture I was quite proud of myself for changing my tube without asking any passers by for help. I am not gifted with the ability to do practical stuff

supersonic

Always check the full tyre.

And keep it! I have tubes with 10 patches on!

cooldad

This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A patched tube is just as good as a new one. And looks more manly.

YeehaaMcgee

Unless there's some catastrophic damage, there's never really a reason to bin a tube.

dubcat

Sweet - so should I remove the new tube and look inside the sidewall of the tyre to find what caused this then?

steelie600

Dubcat wrote:

Sweet - so should I remove the new tube and look inside the sidewall of the tyre to find what caused this then?

supersonic wrote:

Always check the full tyre.

^^^^^^^^^ + potato

dubcat

Feel thick here but what do you mean check the full tyre? Pump up tube, remount tyre and then check from outside?

supersonic

Tyre off, feel round the inside with your fingers.

dubcat

Got it Thanks - hope I have not messed up the new tube *blush*

compo

Personally, I wouldn't use my fingers, I always think I could cut them on something sharp. I always use a bit of old credit/loyalty card I keep in my bag, it can also be used to patch up a ripped tyre.

I'm sure you're fine with your fingers though.

dmorton

Are the two holes on either edge of the tube? If so that's a classic pinch flat. Nothing will be in the tyre to cause it, it's where when going over a bump the inner tube has been pinched by the rim. This could be because there is a very small puncture elsewhere which let the tyre down slowly. Then as pinches are more likely at low pressure, going over the bump did it in. Check the tube after you've repaired it in a bucket of water (submerse a bit at a time and look for bubbles) There may be more than the visible punctures.

I've noticed some people like to throw their old tubes up in to trees near the trail. I think this is warn people that there are spikey puncture causing objects in the area........

The Rookie

If I replace a tube with a new one, once I've repaired the punctured tube I put that back in the tyre and use the 'new' one as spare, feel happier that way.

If you had 2 holes close together you probably had a 'pinch flat' and not a puncture due to something penetrating the tyre.

dubcat

Beginner - that is exactly what I was going to do i.e. repair the old tyre and reuse it keeping the newer one has a spare I might also start carrying two inner tubes in my saddle bag rather than one.

.blitz

yup would always repair a tube if it's repairable. Have re-used tubes with Lezyne and Park patches and they've lasted until it was time to swap tyres. Most excellent.