#1
|
||||
|
||||
Anyone still have patch kits that work?
After patching tubes for 30 years, I've lost my touch! I've tried three different brands of patch kits (Park, Rema and an old Performance) and none of them seem to work anymore. The patches leak air and don't even want to stay on the tube at all. I'm using Conti tubes. Could the tubes be the problem?
__________________
Serotta CSI Calfee Tetra Pro Masi GC |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
I have also had problems with the patches lately. I thought maybe because I was getting old!
|
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Something's changed either in the tube material, the glue or the patches.
__________________
Serotta CSI Calfee Tetra Pro Masi GC |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
I don't bother with the glue-ons.
I just carry a spare tube and use that. In the highly unlikely situation of getting a second flat on the same ride (hasn't happened yet) the plan is to use an insta-patch, and replace the tube with a good one when I get home. (lately they don't seem to last more than a few rides, so I replace the tube as soon as I can) |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
I continue to have good luck with Rema. On the road I’ll pull out a new tube. Once I’m home is when I start the patch repair.
I’m meticulous about scuffing the tube, wiping it clean, putting the contact cement on a letting it dry 5 minutes then placing the patch. I got in the habit years ago of using a wood clamp on the patch and the pumping up the tire just a bit. I let it dry for several hours at a minimum. Still, I’ll only put on two or three patches per tube. After that, new tube. I’ve found the self-adhering patches haven’t worked well for me.
__________________
Life is short-enjoy every day. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
you referring to the vulcanized glue ones? switch to sticky tape patches. the park tools tape patch (comes in a lil square plastic container) is excellent I have run multiple patches in one tube for years and have never had one fail. press real hard for 30 sec making sure it's fully adhered. I've also used other tape in a pinch... but the park is super sticky and super low profile. I've probably used close to 50 of them on tubes and on the inside of actual tires with decent sized cuts.
no more looking like a foo on the side of the road pinching tube+patch+glue together for 5 min and blowing on it hoping its cured. Last edited by cinema; 10-26-2019 at 02:36 AM. |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Interesting, I've had no luck with the park stick ons, they last until I get home and that's about it, then I replace the tube. I bought a different version of the vulcanized one "Rustines" from Velo Orange on a whim (I liked the cap that matched it) and it works well. But in all honesty, I get flats very rarely anymore, could it be that we're "outliving" the shelf life?! good problem..
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
The Park stick-on patches I’ve used have been good for roadside repairs, but they don’t seem to last as long as the glue-on patches. The air pressure in the tube has often caused them to come unstuck enough to slowly leak. I carry an extra tube and patch the flat tube with a vulcanizing patch when I get home. Easier and more lasting that way. I also carry a patch kit in the unlikely event I get two or more flats on a ride, which is possible with the amount of glass shards on the roads of Long Island.
|
#10
|
|||
|
|||
I was having the same problem and found the solution somewhere that i can't remember.
1 Spread the glue in a larger area than you need. 2 Let it dry. 3 Leave the clear tape on it. It will lift the patch if you try to take it off. And finally, probably the hardest part. Do NOT test it just reinstall. Testing causes the patch to lift. |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Pressure from the tire *should* force the patch to adhere to the tube. I’ve had excellent luck with the park stick-on patches, been using them for years. As with any patch, proper surface prep is key for the patch to adhere, along with being very careful to ensure the patch is fully bonded around all of the edges. I use them on tubes, and also to cover punctures in the casing of tubeless tires (from the inside) when they won’t seal on their own. First line of defense for a flat on the road is always a spare tube, but keep the patches for backup.
A few weeks ago I was riding with a buddy who suffered a puncture. Turns out he was on a disc brake bike (thru axle) and didn’t have any tools to remove his wheel. I patched his puncture on the bike and to my knowledge it’s still holding. YMMV |
#12
|
||||
|
||||
OP- If you’re going to patch I find that the best brand of patches is Rema TipTop. They work great but make sure the vulcanizing glue is on long enough before applying the patch.
If you have a lighter, momentarily light it on the vulcanizing glue on the tube. Blow it out quick and apply the patch. It works even better. Other thought. We all know it’s easier to buy new ones and replace. But I try to limit the amount of waste going in landfills. It’s one of the reasons I keep collecting tubes and patch them all when it’s a sizable collection to make a worthwhile chore. Also teaching my children how to be frugal self relying and green one tube at a time. |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Agree with the comment above that the stick on patches are good enough to get home, but not much more, so I change to a new tube. The few dollars for a new tube a is worth the peace of mind as a leave the house in my next ride.
|
#14
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________
Chisholm's Custom Wheels Qui Si Parla Campagnolo |
#15
|
||||
|
||||
Those Conti tubes are a bit waxy. Have not needed to try patching one lately though.
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|