Puncture question?

[Orange]

A second puncture today on the way to work, a week after my last one. It went very suddenlt with a loud pop. I thought it may have been my patch from last week going but on inspection it seems fine - and I can't find any other obvious damage. On the other hand, I can't get any air into the tube to check for where the puncture is. Could it be the valve therefore? Would that suddenly let go with a loud pop?

On the bright side, it was my first roadside repair (tube swap) and I managed it much quicker than I expected, so I'm pleased with that.

 

[Gary E]

Aghhhhhh, he said the P word!

It could possibly be the valve. Depending on the make some have an insert that screws in that can sometimes back off just enough to let the air out. Had it happen to a mate I was riding with once. The pop was the plastic valve cap getting blown off.

To be honest I tend to just throw them away and get a new one. I'm not being flash and I certainly don't throw my money about but for around £4 it's worth it just for the peace of mind.

 

[Hawk]

It's possible that a small part of the innertube ended up clamped between the tire and rim? You can check this isn't the case when inflating a new tube by inflating the tube very very slightly and then pressing a section of tire "in", away from the edge of the rim and having a peek underneath, should be nothing but rim tape.

I know this is an obvious one but easy to forget when changing tires in a rush...

Did you check the inside of the tire wall for any foreign objects when you changed it last? Nothing sticking out in to your shiny new innertube?

 

[PatrickPending]

I guess one way to find the leak would be to pump the tube up whilst in a bucket of water, however given thaat the leak is so bad you cant get any air in the tube I'd be tempted to throw it away and get a new spare!

 

[Smokin Joe]

I guess one way to find the leak would be to pump the tube up whilst in a bucket of water, however given thaat the leak is so bad you cant get any air in the tube I'd be tempted to throw it away and get a new spare!

+1

Tubes that can't be repaired in ten minutes without hassle go in the bin. Lifes too short too eff about with something you can replace for a couple of quid.

 

[Moodyman]

Sounds like a faulty valve - time to bin.

I only repair tubes if the hole is central. I find the patches don't stick too well on the sides. For how much they cost (if you shop around), it's not worth repairing tubes unless you're absolutely sure that the patch is going to stick.