Inner Tubes - questions

[G3CWI]

How many punctures can be safely repaired before a new inner tube is needed?

Should spare wheels be kept with the tubes inflated or not?

Cheers

 

[Brommyboy]

In hot weather the old patches can lift and leak but I don't think you can determine what a maximum number of patches can be. It really depends on your funds, but tubes are not expensive! Some discard them immediately, others keep repairing them, especially if travelling around the world!
Spare tyres are best kept off the ground and covered in black sacks to keep the light off.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

My spare wheels I have the tyres inflated and just check them when I switch them

Tube wise, if I puncture I switch to a new tube and fix the puncture later and sling it in a draw intending to use it the next time, normally end up using another new tube as I can't remember where I put the repaired one!

 

[youngoldbloke]

Until you can't see the original tube for patches ! Actually I usually stop after 2 or 3, but can't think of any reason why you shouldn't carry on. I would always keep spare wheels with tubes inflated, but if they were not to be used for a long time would probably take the tyres and tubes off.

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

I tend to use brand new tubes for punctures when out on the road as I use CO2 and have found the high pressure to blow the patch off. (Ooo Er Mrs)

When repairing a puncture at home I'll happily put a repaired tube in as I'll be using the track pump to inflate the tube.

 

[Dave 123]

From the thread title I thought you had bowel concerns......
I too stop on 2-3, but it depends on hole size. I had a pea sized hole in a tube with one patch the other week, I chucked it.

 

[biggs682]

i dont repair anymore and i try and keep spare wheels inflated ready for action

 

[Boon 51]

For the price of a new tube no more than two puncture before I put a new tube in or if I put new tyres on I will fit new tubes as well straight away..

 

[on the road]

No limit as far as I'm concerned, I even put patches over patches. I only throw the tube away when the valve fails.

 

[Richard Ball]

It's quicker to pop in a new tube isn't it?!

 

[Cubist]

I hate waste, so my tubes used to be patched a few times before being recycled as rubber bands, spacers, helmet light mounts. I carry a spare in my pack, but run both MTBs tubeless anyway.

 

[Rob3rt]

I would patch up to 3 times then bin the tube. This is an arbitrary limit with no logical basis!

 

[RWright]

I patch one if it is really new when I get the puncture. Most of them I cut up and make rim strips or protective gasket type things for attaching things to my bike, or a big slingshot to see how far my cat can fly.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I patch until the value of the patches nears 50% of the cost of a new tube. I can get Schrader valve tubes nearly anywhere, but have to get presta valve tubes at a bike shop. With Prestas, I don't take so many chances. I often ride on Sundays, and finding a bike shop open is iffy on a Sunday.

 

[RWright]

I patch until the value of the patches nears 50% of the cost of a new tube. I can get Schrader valve tubes nearly anywhere, but have to get presta valve tubes at a bike shop. With Prestas, I don't take so many chances. I often ride on Sundays, and finding a bike shop open is iffy on a Sunday.

I load up on prestas at Nashbar or Performance bike when they have a sale.