When to replace inner tube

[headcoat]

I got yet another puncture on my commute today, and fixed it back in the office, turned out there were 3 seperate punctures, I fixed them all, but got to thinking when is it time to get replace the tube?

 

[ianrauk]

I usually replace after a puncture, but have been known to patch a tube now and again.

 

[accountantpete]

Too lazy to repair mine especially at the roadside so just stick a new one on.

 

[headcoat]

Too lazy to repair mine especially at the roadside so just stick a new one on.

I agree the roadside bit, just replace it and repair later in the comfort of the home

 

[tyred]

If there's still room for just one more patch, it's fine in my book.

 

[xroads]

Just counted 7 patches on my last repair. I only chuck if its unrepairable (eg wide cut). Only takes 5-10 minutes at my desk, so seems a waste not to.

 

[andy_wrx]

When there's a big hole, or snakebite, which can't be patched.

If that means the tube has 0 or 10 other patches is immaterial - the decision is whether this hole can be patched !

 

[nickb]

I'll always repair when I can. Usually have to chuck them when the valve is knackered.

What patches are people using? I've been using Tip Top feather-edged patches which seldom fail to stick like limpets. However, it's a bit of a choker to only be able to buy in packs of six plus the long useless one that I have a large collection of now. Even the 25mm patches are too big for my road tubes, and I have to wrap them around, which sometimes fails to take.

 

[e-rider]

I replace road (700x23) tubes every time I get a puncture


BUT


I'm happy to patch MTB tubes - it's not so much about how many patches they have but how long they've been on there. I'd say that up to 7 or 8 patches is fine and for about 2-3 years; after that it's time for a new tube.

Hence why I always seem to be buying road tubes (buy conti's in bulk for about £2 a pop), whereas a 5 pack of MTB tubes lasts me about 7 years!

I use Park Tools super patches (aka Specialized flat boys) - surely the only ones worth using?

 

[HLaB]

Just unrolled the current (700x23) spare tube its got 4 patches (two of them were one visit, or a snakebite) I think the current tubes have only got one or two patches touchwood. IIRC the wide tyred hybrid (700x37) only has one patch as touch wood its only had 1 p'ture in 7563 miles. I tend not to bother counting though whe a tube can't be repaired its time to be replaced.

 

[byegad]

I've had patches fail any time from 30 seconds after re inflating the tyre to 30 months after the repair. So I replace the tube every time I get a puncture. I only carry a repair kit for the time I run out of new tubes and have to get home. That'll be when my last tube goes down and Seal n 'flate fails to get the tyre up.


I know people who boast about the number of patches their tubes have. One of the biggest boasters also recounts, seemingly without a mental connection, how after a fast descent three patches let go, due to the heating of the rim. Not for me!

 

[zacklaws]

I keep repairing them until I get a hole too big to repair. As for patches, I get the repair kits from Wilko's, about 79p and find that they are good quality.

 

[jimboalee]

I keep repairing them until I get a hole too big to repair. As for patches, I get the repair kits from Wilko's, about 79p and find that they are good quality.

Wilko's PRKs aren't bad.

Every time I find a £1 coin, it goes in the 'Repair patch' fund.

In the last 18 years, I've not had to buy a PRK with my own money.

When there is a puncture right next to an existing patch, the patch comes off and I use the long rectangular patch to cover the old and new holes.

The valve stem comes adrift before I chuck a tube for being over-patched.

 

[- Baz -]

...When there is a puncture right next to an existing patch, the patch comes off and I use the long rectangular patch to cover the old and new holes

So, how do you get the patch off without ripping the tube, Jimbo?