Newbie question and patching

[OakLeaf]

Carry a patch kit and know how to use it. The number of flats you will have on any given ride is the number of spare tubes you have, plus one.

Stick-on patches are quickest, simplest and most compact for the road. I'm told they're not as reliable as the old-school patches though - I've never had a glued patch fail [touch wood].

If you have enough spare tubes to get you home, then use the glue type to patch them. It's a whole lot easier to find small holes and patch them when you have access to a pail of water and clean towels! Let the glue cure overnight before you fold them back up for your seat pack. When you pack it up, use extra powder, since any excess glue will be even stickier than the tube itself.

[TsPoet]

Carry a patch kit and know how to use it. The number of flats you will have on any given ride is the number of spare tubes you have, plus one.

I agree!
I disagree with the stick-on patches being quicker, they really aren't, they are just sold that way. I highly recommend simple - IMHO the best patch kit is this one
http://www.rivbike.com/products/show...tch-kit/10-048
I now just buy the smallest patches I can find and glue - don't even need a kit. Read the instructions and let the glue dry until tacky, put the patch on, and you are good to go. the only patches I've had fail were the ones that I put on next to the puncture instead of on it - I hate to admit it, but I've done that more than once. If you aren't sure exactly where the tiny hole is, put water (or spit) on the area, a little air in the tire, and watch it fizzle. soapy water works the best, if you are home.

[MomOnBike]

Agreed. Learn to patch a tube. It's not hard, and you look so competent.

I find patching tubes relaxing and enjoyable - I tend to grab DH's flat tubes from him and start patching before he even knows quite what is happening.

That said, sometimes old tubes can sure make good shims and rubber bands. All you need then are some scissors.