Tire patch question for the bike gurus

jzmtl · **on:** April 22, 2015, 08:26:22 PM

How long does the glue in kit last if untouched, assuming left outside throughout the year (not particularly hot in summer but cold in winter)? I can't check the glue's condition without punching the top, but don't want to open up a tube of nothing if I need it.

Higgins617 · **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2015, 08:45:31 PM

it's usually just some type of super glue or rubber cement, I've had them go solid on me after a few years. Have you tried the slime patches??

Zed · **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2015, 09:58:08 PM

Mine seems ok after a year,but i have too admit i mainly just change the tube,especially if im on the trail,

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2015, 10:41:11 PM

I usually find they go like toothpaste and only the bit by the opening harden. Having said that it's a wee bit colder where you are

jzmtl · **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2015, 03:15:44 AM

Quote from: Higgins617 on April 22, 2015, 08:45:31 PM

it's usually just some type of super glue or rubber cement, I've had them go solid on me after a few years. Have you tried the slime patches??

Never heard of those. The kit is really for emergency since I ride recreationally and not too far from home. I've only patched once and it was with contact cement and a piece I snipped off another tube, didn't use the kit I have. The other time the inner tube completely blew up and I had to call for a ride home (no, it's not the same tube I patched

).

bounding star · **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2015, 03:39:54 AM

I cant say for certain, but the glue we have in our kit has been used on and off for at least a decade and still seems to work

hiraethus · **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2015, 10:54:45 AM

If the tube is sealed and still squishy it''ll probably be ok. New tubes of vulcanising solution are available, but normally they're bigger than you need and cost more than buying a new patch kit.

I've tried the self-adhesive patches and didn't get on with them, but for emergency use they might be ok. Carry a spare inner tube too, just in case.

16VGTIDave · **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2015, 03:37:59 PM

I used to buy larger tubes of rubber cement, or even tins of it. Now I buy tiny "single use" tubes because I find that once a container is opened it will dry out in less than 6 months. I'd rather use a portion of a tiny tube of cement and dispose of what isn't needed, than have a larger tube of solid rubber when I need to patch a tire.