I'm fixing a flat...quick question...

[Brandy]

I'm repairing the slow leak from this morning's ride and I found the hole in my tube. It was caused by a tiny piece of metal, which I removed from the tire. Now my question is whether I should try to repair the tube or just replace it. What do you normally do?

[kiwi girl]

For on the road repairs I always replace the tube with a new one, but then repair the tube when I get home.

If I am fixing it at home it depends on my mood.

I usually use tubes for up to three punctures (ie I'll patch it twice but throw it out when it gets the third puncture) but yesterday when I got a flat on my commuter bike I discovered my spare already had four patches on it - some people might go even longer but for me thats time for a new one.

[Brandy]

Thanks! Since I was home and I had my brand spankin' new repair kit sitting here, I patched it. DH looked on the whole time as I tried to fix my very first flat. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and now I feel much more prepared!

[margo49]

Just had a run of punctures myself.
I call for help if I puncture on a ride these days. Didn't used to but decided at 46 that I could permit myself such luxury after youthful years of touring and messengering.
I mend till I have to patch a patch . Which happened on Shabbat as the big patch I had put on a 1/8 inch cut the day before (and ridden 3 hours cross-country on in the meantime) was not enough .
There is something special about a much patched tube (or woman!)

[Nanci]

I've never had a problem with patches holding. And it's _so_ much easier than dragging the tube out and putting in a new one.

[Brandy]

I've never had a problem with patches holding. And it's _so_ much easier than dragging the tube out and putting in a new one.

You mean that I didn't have to take the whole tube out to patch it??? I'll get the hang of all of this sooner or later!