How many patches on an inner tube before you bin it?

[Colin_P]

This evening I'm quite disappointed.

I had to bin an inner tube. It already had seven patches on it but alas the latest hawthorn puncture was too close to an existing patch to allow another. I probably could have had a go but decided to bin it.

I know there are those that won't even consider patching a tube, not even once but for those that do, what is the most you've ever got on a tube before you gave up and binned it?

I say, make do and mend and live that dream to the full

 

[screenman]

49. Only kidding, I live life to the full and do not mess around sticking patches on old tube, from experience of thousands of club rides the guys who puncture the most are the guys with loads of patches on.

 

[cosmicbike]

Only when I cannot get one to seal nicely, normally over one of the raised seams. Most of my bikes have at least 1 repaired tube.

 

[Mark_J]

I haven't been trainspotter-ish enough to count but I'd say about 4 or 5 max. That's plenty.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Patch it until the valve fails. Patches on seams are not a problem, that's what sandpaper is for.

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

Same as @Yellow Saddle. I think the most I have got on my hybrid which I used to commute is 5. and Still going strong at 90psi.

 

[Drago]

3.

 

[tyred]

If there's room for one more, it's fine imo. If it's a decent quality patch put on properly there won't be a problem.

The tubes on one of my vintage roadsters appeared to be entirely made of patches when I removed the tyres. But they held air so are still in use.

 

[robgul]

Depends where they are and how big a hole they are fixing .... I've been up to about 7. [I repair the tubes at home - not on the road - and clamp the tube/patch between 2 bits of wood in the jaws of a vice to get a good fix]

... one of our long-standing club members (from Yorkshire, of course) normally has "spare patches with a bit of tube in between" ! - he did shock us last week with a new tube.

Rob

 

[I like Skol]

Actual repair count is irrelevant in my opinion. The condition of the tube and previous repairs are the deciding factor and the severity of the damage that has caused the latest inspection. If the tube is badly split or cut then in the bin. If any of the old repairs look perished then in the bin. If the material of the tube looks perished (especially around the valve) or the leak is a patch of leaks where the rubber appears to have become porous, in the bin. If the valve is leaking, in the bin. I think you might get the idea by now. I have plenty of tubes with multiple repairs but not since my childhood have I suffered a deflation due to a previous repair failing. Routinely throwing away a tube after a single puncture, regardless of severity is criminal IMO and perpetrators should be taken outside and shot for crimes against reason, the environment and their finances!

 

[I like Skol]

and clamp the tube/patch between 2 bits of wood in the jaws of a vice to get a good fix

Not necessary, but does show an attention to detail that will help achieve a good repair anyway

 

[shouldbeinbed]

My current commuter roadside spare has 5.

Most of the ones hung up at home have 2 or 3, mainly skab glueless types now. Rubber solution is SO 20th century dahlings, mwah.

 

[sbeqs]

I look upon my patches as badges of challenges fought and won. So I'm not going to buy any new ones until my 2 +1 spare have more patch than rubber.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

My current commuter roadside spare has 5.

Rubber solution is SO 20th century dahlings, mwah.

Yea, but sniffing a glueless patch doesn't give me a kick. Sniffff. Aaaah.

 

[cd365]

1 puncture and I throw the tube away