Re-using punctured road inner tubes

[toby123]

Hi, I've built up a collection of punctured tubes. What should I do with them? I could patch them and re-use them but I'm a bit concerned that they won't withstand being pumped up to 120psi. What do you do with yours?

 

[ianrauk]

I patch them and use them at 120psi no problems.

 

[oldfatfool]

Might be a stupid question,but does it depend how you ride??

For instance I would never have put a repaired tire on the car if I was planing a trip to Germany or a track day but for tootling around the UK it never bothered me.

 

[ianrauk]

There is a repaired tube in my road bike at the moment.
It's has done 1000's of miles since I repaired it.
Do the repair properly and you should have no problems re-using tubes.

 

[oldfatfool]

There is a repaired tube in my road bike at the moment.
It's has done 1000's of miles since I repaired it.
Do the repair properly and you should have no problems re-using tubes.

Yes I appreciate that, but I was meaning the faster/ harder you ride the hotter the tube is likely to get, is this likely to have an effect on the repair, especially on long descents for example?

 

[ianrauk]

Yes I appreciate that, but I was meaning the faster/ harder you ride the hotter the tube is likely to get, is this likely to have an effect on the repair, especially on long descents for example?

No

 

[oldfatfool]

Thats useful to know, thanks.

 

[HLaB]

I'd agree with Ian, I'd class my self as a faster harder rider doing quite a high mileage, sometimes at speed and in all conditions and I've patched dozen of tubes and never had a problem, touchwood.

 

[172traindriver]

I'd agree with Ian, I'd class my self as a faster harder rider doing quite a high mileage, sometimes at speed and in all conditions and I've patched dozen of tubes and never had a problem, touchwood.

Likewise I am with you 2 guys, I patch the repairable innertubes (sometimes a snakebite is unrepairable) and reuse them. I also would tend to class myself as a faster harder rider that does sportives and audaxes. Again......touchwood. To keep throwing them away everytime you pucture can become an expensive game........unless of course you can afford it!!!

 

[2Loose]

The usual 'glue' used for patches is vulcanising and is probably stronger than the tube or patch! As long as it seals the puncture you will never have a problem. The only potential issue are bumps from the patch under the tyre. Generally no issue once inflated. properly.

 

[biggs682]

i buy new ones in bulk and throw any punctured ones away , as quality of patches and glue varies to much

 

[bicyclos]

Ive always patched if I have had a puncture before throwing them away for a new one. New tyre new innertube though.

 

[slowmotion]

I wait until I have at least four punctured tubes lying in the corner of the room. Shortly thereafter a sense of guilt sets in and I patch them all. It happened on Saturday and I feel particularly saintly. Most tubes go to four patches.

BTW, I DIY fill my ink-jet cartridges too so I may be beyond redemption.

 

[cyberknight]

The only time i throw em is if they get to many patches or the cut is unable to be repaired , done thousands of miles on repaired tyres with fully loaded panniers.

 

[PatrickPending]

personally I lways patch tubes - work perfectly - no problems at all. The only exceptions are leaks too close to the valve or holes larger than 0.5mm ish - I change the tube then.
Carry two spare tubes on the road so when i get a flat I change the tube repair the old one at home which then becomes a spare. Bought approx 100 patches a while back too - always seemed to me that the glue in repair kits would outlast the number of patches in typical kit - turned out to be a good move!