Tube of vulcanizing solution empty when I needed it

[sparky33]

Originally Posted by MattTuck

I've recently thought that the patching might be a better first method, as it maintains the pristine tube for when you really need it. If it can be patched, then no sense using a new tube.



So I did have a tube as back up, but I may revert to my old thinking in the future.

All's well that ends well.

My vulcanizing glue was not dependable either. I use those Park preglued patches now, or at least those are in the kit instead of glue now. I pull out the fresh inner tube first. I've got a pile of maybe-someday-to-be-patched tubes if anyone wants a go at them....

[likebikes]

i've never had a problem.

[pdmtong]

In the field I will

a) replace punctured tube with new tube,
b) use glueless patches for puncture,
c) use REMA patch kit or equivalent,
d) beg passing riders for tube,
e) call for SAG.

inflation via mini-pump and two CO2 cylinders.

I have found some of my small tubes of glue dried out.

why does no one just sell the tubes of glue? why do I need to buy a full patch kit just to get the tube of glue? who can use an entire can of glue?

I never carry an open tube of glue in my seat bag. maybe I should carry two new just to be sure.

[etu]

Originally Posted by pdmtong

In the field I will
why does no one just sell the tubes of glue? why do I need to buy a full patch kit just to get the tube of glue? who can use an entire can of glue?

I never carry an open tube of glue in my seat bag. maybe I should carry two new just to be sure.

https://www.amazon.com/Rema-Patch-Ce...vulcaning+glue

1+ "never carry an open tube of glue"

[cinco]

Originally Posted by Vientomas

http://www.parktool.com/product/super-patch-kit-gp-2

My experience with these is that they do not work so well if repairing a bunch of tubes for later use, but are fine if the tube is used right away, like on the road/field. Don't know quite why that is but its a pretty consistent effect. Enough to make a rule for me.

Andy in Houston.

[staggerwing]

Not worth $5 for a little tube of glue. A whole patch kit is less than that.

Most auto parts stores will sell you an 8 ounce can of cold vulcanizing compound for about $8. It is the same stuff found in the Rema kits. Even the large size will thicken within a year or so of opening.

Sure bet is to carry a known good tube, replace on road, and repair bum tube back at home. Abrade surface with some 100 grit paper and clean with a bit of isopropyl alcohol for guaranteed results. I usually delay until I half a few, and knock 'em all out in a short setting.

[Lewis Moon]

I carry one or two tubes and use the "glueless" patches" if I have multiple flats. I also carry about two feet of duct tape that will work in a pinch.

[OldCrank]

I always wondered where the glue went-

It's pretty volatile, so I'm gonna guess it evaporates out thru the crimp.
The tube seams and seals look tight, and I doubt there are pinholes or anything in the metal.

I've been using my tubular glue (Vittoria One I think) because it's right there on the bench. No failures so far - maybe half a dozen repairs?

Oh yeah- well-worn Michelin Pro4s fold up pretty flat, I jam one under the seat or jersey pocket for longer rides. Ancient juju, like bringing umbrellas and raincoats to a picnic.

[Hindmost]

It occurs to me that this is the bicycling equivalent of Schroedinger's cat. The tube of glue is both full and empty. When you open the tube you affect the state of the contents.

[unterhausen]

I've never had a bad unopened tube of Rema glue. Off brand glue was pretty pathetic, but still usable. Now you guys are making me paranoid.

My lbs has started carrying Rema glue. Complete patch kits sitting right next to the glue for the same price. Seems like Rema could come up with a little more reasonable price structure. The LBS didn't used to carry the glue for this very reason, but people kept asking for it.

[bikinchris]

Originally Posted by pdmtong

In the field I will

a) replace punctured tube with new tube,
b) use glueless patches for puncture,
c) use REMA patch kit or equivalent,
d) beg passing riders for tube,
e) call for SAG.

inflation via mini-pump and two CO2 cylinders.

I have found some of my small tubes of glue dried out.

why does no one just sell the tubes of glue? why do I need to buy a full patch kit just to get the tube of glue? who can use an entire can of glue?

I never carry an open tube of glue in my seat bag. maybe I should carry two new just to be sure.

Yes, you can buy individual tubes of Rema fluid and patches. But I haven't found a source for the tiny swatches of sandpaper. Of course, it's cheaper to but a whole sheet of sandpaper and cut out small pieces.

[p nut]

I usually try to patch my tube on-site. Years ago (probably 2 or 3?), I bought a whole pack of glue on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Bike-B...3D261493914346

Mine was 20 pack, I think. After one's been used, even once, it's tossed in the trash can. But as long as they haven't been used, none have dried out. Yours must have had a small hole somewhere.

I also bought patches from the same ebay seller as well. Pack of 100 for something like $4. I carry 3 patches and a tube of vulcanizing fluid.

[91Bear]

Originally Posted by pdmtong

why does no one just sell the tubes of glue? why do I need to buy a full patch kit just to get the tube of glue? who can use an entire can of glue?

http://www.cambriabike.com/Rema-Tip-...ising-Solution

[Jaybee]

So how big is everyone's "I'll patch that tube when I have time" pile? I've got to have 25-30 tubes in mine which goes back at least 5 years.

[bshell]

No science to back this up but I *suspect* the volatile organic compounds escape the cap if a void is left at the top. Seriously, a guy showed me this 30 years ago and I've never had a dry tube. Obviously it is important to protect the little glue tube in the little plastic box so as not to puncture or fatigue the metal with other tools, etc.

1. puncture/check glue tube if you doubt contents (old/evap/off brand/?).
1.5 buy rema glue tubes. They're slightly longer than those found in a kit.
2. file/sand the plastic cap length a few mm to fit green box.
3. squeeze glue from bottom of tube and pinch metal *flat*.
4. after spreading glue, hold tube upright and squeeze glue to rim of opening.
5. bubbles slowly move to opening. break them w/cap. Repeat as nec.
6. replace cap right on top of glue at opening.
7. never worry again.

I patch at roadside since I'm already taking things apart and an unfixable puncture could be around the next corner...plus, I have no SAG until I learn how to use Uber (some day).

I'm going to deeper rims on 3 bikes so I've just had to buy tubes w/longer valve stems. Basic mountain tubes were $8/each and nice, butyl road tubes were $11 each. Chucking tubes seems wasteful to me.