Am I patching my bike tires wrong?
January 4, 2022 9:52 AM Subscribe
Twice now I’ve patched punctures in my road/gravel bike tires that failed super fast once I got them back on the bike. I’m 100% following the instructions on the patch kit, letting dry overnight and not over inflating the tire after. I’m sure it’s the patch, not a new puncture from getting the tube back on the rim. What gives? I’m using a cheap patch kit from Target, do I need something fancier from the bike store?
> using a cheap patch kit from Target, do I need something fancier
I think you’ve answered your own question
posted by rd45 at 9:57 AM on January 4, 2022 [8 favorites]
I think you’ve answered your own question
posted by rd45 at 9:57 AM on January 4, 2022 [8 favorites]
Also, consider tubeless, especially for your gravel bike, if your tires and rims are compatible.
posted by pullayup at 10:00 AM on January 4, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by pullayup at 10:00 AM on January 4, 2022 [2 favorites]
+1 for Rema Tip Top, I've been using them for 30+ years without issue.
posted by Thug at 10:28 AM on January 4, 2022
posted by Thug at 10:28 AM on January 4, 2022
I had this problem a couple of years ago. If your patch kit is what's failing, then yes, basic troubleshooting is to get a different patch kit.
BUT! Repetitive tube failures can also be caused by a piece of grit or metal or glass in the rim or the tire itself, so it is worth doing a couple of other things: run a damp cloth over the rim and the interior of the tire. That might pick up / dislodge a piece of sharp debris that is repeatedly poking your tube. Failing that, it is possible, rare, and frustrating, but sometimes a piece of wire can penetrate the tire casing but NOT protrude until the casing is flexed under load. You can find these by painstakingly flexing your tire while feeling the inside with your fingertips until it pokes you.
Failing these things, replacing the tube with a tube that has sealant in it, replacing the tire, and/or going tubeless can get you back on the road.
posted by gauche at 10:29 AM on January 4, 2022 [8 favorites]
BUT! Repetitive tube failures can also be caused by a piece of grit or metal or glass in the rim or the tire itself, so it is worth doing a couple of other things: run a damp cloth over the rim and the interior of the tire. That might pick up / dislodge a piece of sharp debris that is repeatedly poking your tube. Failing that, it is possible, rare, and frustrating, but sometimes a piece of wire can penetrate the tire casing but NOT protrude until the casing is flexed under load. You can find these by painstakingly flexing your tire while feeling the inside with your fingertips until it pokes you.
Failing these things, replacing the tube with a tube that has sealant in it, replacing the tire, and/or going tubeless can get you back on the road.
posted by gauche at 10:29 AM on January 4, 2022 [8 favorites]
As a daily bicycle commuter I’ve decided that patching tubes really isn’t worth it when a decent patch kit costs as much as a couple tubes and cheap ones are unreliable. I just carry a spare tube and use the dead ones for crafts.
posted by aspersioncast at 10:59 AM on January 4, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by aspersioncast at 10:59 AM on January 4, 2022 [5 favorites]
Any time you glue something, clamping really helps.
I have noticed that often, patches fail if I don't immediately re-install the tube into a tire. Re-installation really helps the adhesion. Just inflating the tube stretches and stresses the tube, the patch, and the adhesive; but inflating it in a tire provides a comprehensive, stable pressure that lets the patch seal nicely.
Follow the other instructions to a T, though: scuff the area around the puncture, apply a thin but complete layer of cement, let it dry, and press the patch on.
I often keep a fresh/new tube in my on-the-road repair kit, so that I'm not patching on the road, but I happily patch at home when I have the luxury of waiting to ensure that the patch will take. And most of the time it does by my method.
posted by entropone at 11:02 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]
I have noticed that often, patches fail if I don't immediately re-install the tube into a tire. Re-installation really helps the adhesion. Just inflating the tube stretches and stresses the tube, the patch, and the adhesive; but inflating it in a tire provides a comprehensive, stable pressure that lets the patch seal nicely.
Follow the other instructions to a T, though: scuff the area around the puncture, apply a thin but complete layer of cement, let it dry, and press the patch on.
I often keep a fresh/new tube in my on-the-road repair kit, so that I'm not patching on the road, but I happily patch at home when I have the luxury of waiting to ensure that the patch will take. And most of the time it does by my method.
posted by entropone at 11:02 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]
The Rema patches are pretty much instant. Locate the hole, buff an area around the hole slightly larger than the patch, apply a thin layer of the liquid to buffed area, wait for it to turn dull, massage the patch on, pull the cellophane off and you are good to go. Make sure whatever caused the leak still isn't in the tire. I try to massage the patch from the center out so the cellophane splits so you can remove it without pulling up the edges.
posted by jackmakrl at 11:23 AM on January 4, 2022
posted by jackmakrl at 11:23 AM on January 4, 2022
I'm also a regular cycle commuter and I generally agree with aspersioncast- just put a new tube in the tire.
You wrote that 'its not a new puncture from putting the tube back on the rim'. IMHO the 'remount' process rarely causes a new puncture. Most common causes for repeat flats are a) there is still a small bit of glass/grit in the tire that re-punctures the tube, b) the rim tape has shifted and the sharp end of the spokes cause the flat when the tube is re-inflated, c) the tube is actually pinched when remounting, or the tube is then underinflated and 'pinches' against the rim when you start to ride.
You could troubleshoot the problem by paying close attention to the orientation of the flat tube when you remove it, to trace/track what part of the tire caused the hole. Is the hole on the 'rim' side of the tube or the 'road' side?
posted by TDIpod at 11:24 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]
You wrote that 'its not a new puncture from putting the tube back on the rim'. IMHO the 'remount' process rarely causes a new puncture. Most common causes for repeat flats are a) there is still a small bit of glass/grit in the tire that re-punctures the tube, b) the rim tape has shifted and the sharp end of the spokes cause the flat when the tube is re-inflated, c) the tube is actually pinched when remounting, or the tube is then underinflated and 'pinches' against the rim when you start to ride.
You could troubleshoot the problem by paying close attention to the orientation of the flat tube when you remove it, to trace/track what part of the tire caused the hole. Is the hole on the 'rim' side of the tube or the 'road' side?
posted by TDIpod at 11:24 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]
- Use Rema patches.
- It's important to clean the site where you'll be applying vulcanizing agent (technically not glue): there's mold-release compound on the tube that prevents good adhesion. You can wash it with soap and water or scuff it with the included sandpaper.
- People often use less vulcanizing agent than they should. Be generous with it.
- In cases like this, you often have a bit of glass or wire embedded in the tire casing. The smart thing to do is always have the tire label aligned with the valve, so that once you find the puncture on the tube, you can work backwards to the puncture site in the tire. Finding the offending pointy bit can be a real PITA, but is worth the trouble.
- I buy spare tubes five at a time, and save up flats to fix in a batch; the tube of vulcanizing agent tends to dry out, and this way, it doesn't have time to.
- If you've got a gravel bike, you might be able to set it up tubeless. I've got one bike set up tubeless and wouldn't go back—eventually I'll do the same with my other bikes. But this is a complex subject.
posted by adamrice at 11:26 AM on January 4, 2022 [2 favorites]
- It's important to clean the site where you'll be applying vulcanizing agent (technically not glue): there's mold-release compound on the tube that prevents good adhesion. You can wash it with soap and water or scuff it with the included sandpaper.
- People often use less vulcanizing agent than they should. Be generous with it.
- In cases like this, you often have a bit of glass or wire embedded in the tire casing. The smart thing to do is always have the tire label aligned with the valve, so that once you find the puncture on the tube, you can work backwards to the puncture site in the tire. Finding the offending pointy bit can be a real PITA, but is worth the trouble.
- I buy spare tubes five at a time, and save up flats to fix in a batch; the tube of vulcanizing agent tends to dry out, and this way, it doesn't have time to.
- If you've got a gravel bike, you might be able to set it up tubeless. I've got one bike set up tubeless and wouldn't go back—eventually I'll do the same with my other bikes. But this is a complex subject.
posted by adamrice at 11:26 AM on January 4, 2022 [2 favorites]
Another bike commuter 3rding patching is a waste of money and time. Also check your tires - anytime I start getting flats that means my tires are ready to be replaced.
posted by The_Vegetables at 11:37 AM on January 4, 2022
posted by The_Vegetables at 11:37 AM on January 4, 2022
As others have said, it's hard to go wrong with Rema. Also, as others have said, make sure you're feeling the inside of your tire to find the thing that caused the puncture, and pull that out of your tire (sometimes the thing just falls out, and sometimes you gotta work the tire like you're popping a pimple).
Are you sanding thoroughly? One thing to consider is that the mold seams on your tube can create a little channel for air to escape, so use the included sand paper and thoroughly rough up and sand down the entire area that will be touching the patch.
Don't add too much glue, and don't put the patch on while the glue is wet. You want to apply the glue, smear it around, and wait for it to start to dry. It'll turn from clear to milky white.
Peel the clear film off the patch and apply. PRESS FIRMLY for a while. This is the point where I personally put the patched tube back in the tire. The pressure of the tube against the tire will cause the patch to seal, and I'll know pretty quickly whether or not the patch is working. Also, I now have a pristine tube back in my spare kit, so when this happens on the side of the road I know I've got a good tube to use.
Patching is a great way to keep tubes out of landfills. As long as it's a puncture and not a long cut, and as long as it's not too close to the valve stem, you're golden. I've ridden tubes with 6+ patches with no problems at all. Also, tubes retail for about $8, whereas the same $8 can put about 20 patches on.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 11:51 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]
Are you sanding thoroughly? One thing to consider is that the mold seams on your tube can create a little channel for air to escape, so use the included sand paper and thoroughly rough up and sand down the entire area that will be touching the patch.
Don't add too much glue, and don't put the patch on while the glue is wet. You want to apply the glue, smear it around, and wait for it to start to dry. It'll turn from clear to milky white.
Peel the clear film off the patch and apply. PRESS FIRMLY for a while. This is the point where I personally put the patched tube back in the tire. The pressure of the tube against the tire will cause the patch to seal, and I'll know pretty quickly whether or not the patch is working. Also, I now have a pristine tube back in my spare kit, so when this happens on the side of the road I know I've got a good tube to use.
Patching is a great way to keep tubes out of landfills. As long as it's a puncture and not a long cut, and as long as it's not too close to the valve stem, you're golden. I've ridden tubes with 6+ patches with no problems at all. Also, tubes retail for about $8, whereas the same $8 can put about 20 patches on.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 11:51 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]
Whenever I've patched a tire I've reinflated it and put the tire back on pretty much immediately. Also are these self-adhesive patches or the ones you have to glue on? I find the self-adhesive ones work a lot better. I'm also on team spare tube because it is easier to replace the tube than patch it and then you don't need to worry about doing a bad patching job.
But if you can switch to a tubeless set-up that's even better. I don't even worry about flats now because if something happens that reinflating doesn't help then I'm not going to be able to easily fix it road-side and will just take a bus or call for a ride to get me where I'm going.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:05 PM on January 4, 2022
But if you can switch to a tubeless set-up that's even better. I don't even worry about flats now because if something happens that reinflating doesn't help then I'm not going to be able to easily fix it road-side and will just take a bus or call for a ride to get me where I'm going.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:05 PM on January 4, 2022
You don't know how long that patch kit sat on a shelf before you bought it. I get bitten by digging up really old patches that don't adhere very well.
posted by nickggully at 12:08 PM on January 4, 2022
posted by nickggully at 12:08 PM on January 4, 2022
This could very easily be a small burr on the rim, close to the tire. A few years ago, I lost two tires in two days to exactly that. Burrs are easy to find and file down, though.
posted by Dr. Wu at 12:14 PM on January 4, 2022
posted by Dr. Wu at 12:14 PM on January 4, 2022
I had a crazy week of repeatedly puncturing tires in my previous road biking life until someone suggested putting a folded dollar bill on the inside of the tire to prevent any glass stuck in the tire from reaching the tube. Worked like a charm and I always knew I had an emergency $20 in my tire ;)
posted by icaicaer at 12:17 PM on January 4, 2022
posted by icaicaer at 12:17 PM on January 4, 2022
As a couple other commenters mentioned, you might want to check the inside of your tire for sharp objects (be very careful with your fingers while doing this, but try to do it thoroughly). Also check the inside of your rim for jagged or pointy surfaces.
I don't agree with the comments here saying you need to throw away the whole tube after a single puncture - that's pretty wasteful. But if you do so, and you get another puncture right away, that will confirm that the problem is in your tire or rim rather than your patch. (Since you already mentioned that you don't think it's pinching during remount.)
posted by splitpeasoup at 12:44 PM on January 4, 2022
I don't agree with the comments here saying you need to throw away the whole tube after a single puncture - that's pretty wasteful. But if you do so, and you get another puncture right away, that will confirm that the problem is in your tire or rim rather than your patch. (Since you already mentioned that you don't think it's pinching during remount.)
posted by splitpeasoup at 12:44 PM on January 4, 2022
Also are these self-adhesive patches or the ones you have to glue on? I find the self-adhesive ones work a lot better.
Now this is interesting-- I've had precisely the opposite experience. I wonder why.
Like others, I've had tubes with 6+ patches, and I find that if the patch doesn't fail immediately, and it's not a problem with the tire/debris (which would damage a new tube as well), they will hold indefinitely.
It might help if you include some photos of the patch kit and its contents. I find that the thinner ones tend to work better-- I think they're more flexible.
posted by alexei at 7:06 PM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]
Now this is interesting-- I've had precisely the opposite experience. I wonder why.
Like others, I've had tubes with 6+ patches, and I find that if the patch doesn't fail immediately, and it's not a problem with the tire/debris (which would damage a new tube as well), they will hold indefinitely.
It might help if you include some photos of the patch kit and its contents. I find that the thinner ones tend to work better-- I think they're more flexible.
posted by alexei at 7:06 PM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]
After getting really fed up of doing repairs and tube replacements, I used some of the plastic liners that go between outer and tube, and never got another puncture after that. (Apparently they've lasted me 8 years, though I don't cycle as much as I used to - the brand I got was Mr. Tuffy from Amazon.) I'm sure they're not infallible, but I was getting a puncture a week beforehand, largely caused by using a path through a greened area that was well supplied with goathead seeds. Afterward, I would occasionally remove seeds from the tyre when I noticed them, but they weren't bursting the tube.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 7:36 PM on January 4, 2022
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 7:36 PM on January 4, 2022
Can you ascertain the cause of failure? If you inflate the tube and hold it under water you can see (from the source of air bubbles) if a new hole has appeared or if the patch glue has failed.
Park Tools pre-glued patches are good and quick to apply.
posted by Kiwi at 4:04 AM on January 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Park Tools pre-glued patches are good and quick to apply.
posted by Kiwi at 4:04 AM on January 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
>- It's important to clean the site where you'll be applying vulcanizing agent (technically not glue): there's mold-release compound on the tube that prevents good adhesion. You can wash it with soap and water or scuff it with the included sandpaper.
Came in to say this. Not cleaning this stuff off will make the patch fall off in a while - sometimes a short while, sometimes a long while.
Also, I have started using Stan's Tire Sealant and my days of patching tubes seem to be over. I don't have tubeless setup so I just put the sealant in the tubes. You have to top it up every 6 months or so because it dries out.
I was doing a lot of riding out on the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake last year and every couple of weeks or so I would pull maybe 2 dozen goathead thorns out of each tire. The most I ever had to do was add some air to the tire every week or so and then top up the Stan's after 6 or 8 months.
Previously, each and every one of those goatheads would have been a flat tire followed by a patch job. I was riding on trails where previously I had literally just discarded my tubes and tires, and then vowed to never ever go there again, because a 40 minute ride led to so many goatheads it looked impossible to repair. Now it's just add Stan's and keep on riding.
I'm still riding those same tubes and I know they have had at least 70 punctures each, maybe more.
posted by flug at 7:56 PM on January 5, 2022
Came in to say this. Not cleaning this stuff off will make the patch fall off in a while - sometimes a short while, sometimes a long while.
Also, I have started using Stan's Tire Sealant and my days of patching tubes seem to be over. I don't have tubeless setup so I just put the sealant in the tubes. You have to top it up every 6 months or so because it dries out.
I was doing a lot of riding out on the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake last year and every couple of weeks or so I would pull maybe 2 dozen goathead thorns out of each tire. The most I ever had to do was add some air to the tire every week or so and then top up the Stan's after 6 or 8 months.
Previously, each and every one of those goatheads would have been a flat tire followed by a patch job. I was riding on trails where previously I had literally just discarded my tubes and tires, and then vowed to never ever go there again, because a 40 minute ride led to so many goatheads it looked impossible to repair. Now it's just add Stan's and keep on riding.
I'm still riding those same tubes and I know they have had at least 70 punctures each, maybe more.
posted by flug at 7:56 PM on January 5, 2022
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posted by pullayup at 9:55 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]