Punctures: repair or replace?
Discussion
fadeaway said:
Genuine question - with that many punctures have you tried any of the no-puncture systems? (tubeless, foam etc...). Wondering if you're tried but not been impressed?
I normally carry 2 spare tubes and a repair kit - just in case. Our record is 6 punctures between 4 bikes on one ride (thorn bushes had just been trimmed!), but you've topped that easily!
I've never tried them to be honest. I've only started cycling again this year after a 10+ year gap so am completely out of touch with what's available now. I've just about worn out my first set of tyres now (Conti Mountain King IIs) and have a set of Fire XC Pros waiting to fit which I'm hoping might improve things. If not I might try one of the Kevlar bands.I normally carry 2 spare tubes and a repair kit - just in case. Our record is 6 punctures between 4 bikes on one ride (thorn bushes had just been trimmed!), but you've topped that easily!
Edited by fadeaway on Sunday 12th June 11:38
I think I'm just unlucky with the sort of terrain I normally ride. There seem to be a lot of thorn bushes around! The only positive is that more often than not the thorns break off and stay in the tyre so I get slow punctures which get fixed at home rather than instant deflation.
I think I might start carrying some slime when on the road bike. I've always carried 2 tubes, 2 CO2 bottles and the CO2 pump and been fine.
However, I was out for a 125 mile training ride on Saturday and it was pissing down all day and freezing cold. I was about 20 miles from home when I got a rear flat. Problem was that I was so cold and in such bad way that I had barely any use of my hands at all. They were just fixed in a loose claw shape and I could only just bend my fingers enough to touch my thumbs. There was no way at all I would have been able to swap a tube. There was a bakers nearby and it took me 10 minutes to fish a pound coin from my jersey pocket (not in a wallet or anything, just sitting in the bottom of the big pocket!). I was almost in tears with frustration. It was bad enough that I knew hanging around the bakers wouldn't be enough to warm me up enough to fix the puncture, so I had to (with great difficultly) call a taxi to get home.
Anyone got any recommendations for small, light, convenient, easy to use slime solutions that would be good in such situations?
However, I was out for a 125 mile training ride on Saturday and it was pissing down all day and freezing cold. I was about 20 miles from home when I got a rear flat. Problem was that I was so cold and in such bad way that I had barely any use of my hands at all. They were just fixed in a loose claw shape and I could only just bend my fingers enough to touch my thumbs. There was no way at all I would have been able to swap a tube. There was a bakers nearby and it took me 10 minutes to fish a pound coin from my jersey pocket (not in a wallet or anything, just sitting in the bottom of the big pocket!). I was almost in tears with frustration. It was bad enough that I knew hanging around the bakers wouldn't be enough to warm me up enough to fix the puncture, so I had to (with great difficultly) call a taxi to get home.
Anyone got any recommendations for small, light, convenient, easy to use slime solutions that would be good in such situations?
I did order a Mavic Hyrdo jacket and the Rapha baselayer bundle upon my return 
But, I have problems with my hands anyway...Reynaulds, though I don't think that was what was at play here. I was wearing base, mid and outer layers, but in my experience in rain that heavy, for hour after hour, nothing is going to keep you dry/warm that's still going to be practical for proper riding. Having only a miniscule amount of body fat doesn't help with the cold either...
But, I have problems with my hands anyway...Reynaulds, though I don't think that was what was at play here. I was wearing base, mid and outer layers, but in my experience in rain that heavy, for hour after hour, nothing is going to keep you dry/warm that's still going to be practical for proper riding. Having only a miniscule amount of body fat doesn't help with the cold either...
Park Tools patches: Once you've got a box of these in your pocket you'll wonder why anyone bothers carrying tubes (until you rip your valve-core out with your pump 
).
Seriously, seriously good value for money, and a perfect repair every time. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-puncture-repair...
).Seriously, seriously good value for money, and a perfect repair every time. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-puncture-repair...
Mr Gear said:
Park Tools patches: Once you've got a box of these in your pocket you'll wonder why anyone bothers carrying tubes (until you rip your valve-core out with your pump ).
Seriously, seriously good value for money, and a perfect repair every time. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-puncture-repair...
Oddly, that's the brand I've been having problems with!).Seriously, seriously good value for money, and a perfect repair every time. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-puncture-repair...
Mr Gear said:
Park Tools patches: Once you've got a box of these in your pocket you'll wonder why anyone bothers carrying tubes (until you rip your valve-core out with your pump ).
Seriously, seriously good value for money, and a perfect repair every time. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-puncture-repair...
They fail fairly regularly due to the creases in tubes. ).Seriously, seriously good value for money, and a perfect repair every time. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-puncture-repair...
Kermit power said:
Oddly, that's the brand I've been having problems with!
Whaaat?! I've never heard a bad word said about them, and I know loads of people that use them! As long as your tube is clean when you apply them, they are the best. Mind you, they don't work if you use tyre slime apparently.
Who are these peasants who just change the tubes? I tend just to buy a new set of wheels 
Joking aside, I found some cheap tubes on CRC, set of 10 for £20 or thereabouts. On a ride I carry 1 spare and a set of Park Tools sticky patches to the first puncture will just get a new tube, the second would get a patch were it to happen. If I'm at home with some time to spare, I tend to patch it.
Joking aside, I found some cheap tubes on CRC, set of 10 for £20 or thereabouts. On a ride I carry 1 spare and a set of Park Tools sticky patches to the first puncture will just get a new tube, the second would get a patch were it to happen. If I'm at home with some time to spare, I tend to patch it.
I carry spare tubes and swap whilst out riding. I always repair them once I get home though, unless they're beyond saving. I like old fashioned Rema Tip-Top patches the best. I quite enjoy fixing a tube, it's strangely satisfying. I've never had a repair fail so I see no issues with patching many, many times.
Mr Gear said:
Whaaat?! I've never heard a bad word said about them, and I know loads of people that use them! As long as your tube is clean when you apply them, they are the best. Mind you, they don't work if you use tyre slime apparently.
Kermit power said:
They seem OK on the road, but on larger tubes they just don't seem to be stretchy enough to flex with the tube. Or something. I'm guessing, as I can't see what's going on inside the tyre, but I've had a couple which have wrinkled up and bled air again, which isn't something I've experienced with other brands.
I'll have to take your word for it. It's a shame they don't give good results for you - like I say, I find them immensely handy.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff