Patch or replace tube?
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 692
Likes: 459
From: Southern Indiana
Patch or replace tube?
Finally had my first flat tire, at over 70 yrs. old, guess it had to happen sometime. I went to roll the bike out for a ride, on one of the few nice days left this season, and instantly realized something was wrong. A quick inspection revealed the rear tire was flat and tire gauge revealed 0 PSI air pressure. I rode a few days ago and topped off the air pressure before riding. Did not notice any low tire when I got home and parked in the garage. I consider myself a very fortunate person and once again that proved to be true. To find a flat tire at home, in the garage, is a way better scenario than any other I can imagine.
My question is; Do people still patch inner tubes? or should I just replace the tube? My first thought is to do it myself and patch the tube. I can remove and reinstall the rear tire. I would have to buy a patch kit or tube and a set of tire irons to remove the tire. I have not done that before but believe I could accomplish it.
My local dealer installed the tire and tube and balanced the wheel for $60.00 I expect they would want the same just to replace the tube. I'm beginning to think that it would be smarter to just take the wheel to the dealer or local Indy and let them do it vs. my buying the tire irons that I may never use again.
My question is; Do people still patch inner tubes? or should I just replace the tube? My first thought is to do it myself and patch the tube. I can remove and reinstall the rear tire. I would have to buy a patch kit or tube and a set of tire irons to remove the tire. I have not done that before but believe I could accomplish it.
My local dealer installed the tire and tube and balanced the wheel for $60.00 I expect they would want the same just to replace the tube. I'm beginning to think that it would be smarter to just take the wheel to the dealer or local Indy and let them do it vs. my buying the tire irons that I may never use again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,496
Likes: 30,783
From: Pennsylvania
If the tread is good and there are no tears/big holes on the tire, put a new tube in it and be done with it.
If you patch it, put it together and it leaks, you will be just doing the job again.
May want to check your valve stem and or see where it is leaking first.
If you patch it, put it together and it leaks, you will be just doing the job again.
May want to check your valve stem and or see where it is leaking first.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,429
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
As long as it's not a 3 piece patch.
Just kidding
Patch the tire if it's still got life in it.
And replace the tube, they're inexpensive and the tire's off anyway.
Just kidding
Patch the tire if it's still got life in it.
And replace the tube, they're inexpensive and the tire's off anyway.
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