Patching inner tubes

[Lord Stig]

I fitted a new rear Continental Escape at the weekend and managed to pinch the tube no less than three times! This is something of a record for me; I've only occasionally managed to catch the tube in the past.

Anyway, with (only) two tubes I had to patch both (one of which got pinched again to bring the score to 3-0), meaning I'm now running on a patched tube. I've done this before on other occasions, but I was wondering, what is the consensus of thought here about the wisdom of running around on a patched tube?

[Lumiya]

If the patch is done right then there's no reason as to why it won't hold (as long as it's the right sized tube for the tyre and it's done using the correct proceedure & cleanliness)

In fact the repaired section can be stronger than any other part of the tube...

But the concensus tends to be that once repaired you should look in the near future of replacing it but that's upto the individual

[digitalcaptive]

I have only patched a tube on my sons KLR a total of 3 times now and they're still going strong (he has an uncanny knack of getting punctures).

Personally If I patched one of my own tubes I'd have no problem riding around with that.....as Kymmy says cleanliness of the repair is key!
The fact that I run ride on sealant in my tubes means that if I did get a puncture that that couldn't handle there would be so much mess where the sealant had come out a patch repaid probably wouldn't be and option

[Treadtrader]

No way would i run on a patched tube that's been pinched. A pinch is a slit or tear not like a nail hole. Even a well repaired tube can split under the patch and give way alarmingly quickly. Bin it and put a new one in, and if you can't fit it without pinching, take it to a pro, they'll fit it for a "drink". Or invest in some good levers that don't pinch. Todays tip, lots of soapy water.

[digitalcaptive]

No way would i run on a patched tube that's been pinched. A pinch is a slit or tear not like a nail hole. Even a well repaired tube can split under the patch and give way alarmingly quickly. Bin it and put a new one in, and if you can't fit it without pinching, take it to a pro, they'll fit it for a "drink". Or invest in some good levers that don't pinch. Todays tip, lots of soapy water.

And thats from a man in the know......all of which makes perfect sense.
admitedly the repairs i've done have all been small holes rather than slits

[Lord Stig]

Thanks for the replies! Pretty much what I thought - the repair is well made, so I don't have too much of a concern about its overall strength, more about whether it will degrade over time, and weather heat from sustained use might affect it (in the way you don't get on other, lighter bikes).

However, as Treadtrader says, as it's a pinch I think I'll swap it for a new tube before long. I've changed lots of tyres over the years and normally don't have a problem....yesterday I seem to have been cursed, though it might have been to do with rushing to get it done between the storms we've had up here...

[fw750x]

Hi Lord Stig I would only use a patched tube to get me home,Unless i had a new tube with me i would use that.The cost of a new tube is less than a tenner why take the chance.Francis