Bicycle Inner Tube Patches Info

Not every tube can be saved. Replace the tube instead of patching it if: The hole is on a seam. The damage is at the base of the valve stem.

Before you start, you need to know which tool you’re using.

Here is everything you need to know about bicycle inner tube patches. The Two Types of Patches Bicycle Inner Tube Patches

Before putting the tube back in, run your fingers carefully along the inside of your tire. If the thorn, glass, or wire that caused the flat is still stuck in the tire, it will pop your newly patched tube instantly. When to Toss the Tube

The cut is a long "snake bite" (two parallel slits caused by hitting a curb). The tube is already covered in more than 3–4 patches. Not every tube can be saved

This is the most important step. Use the small square of sandpaper in your kit to roughen the area around the hole. This removes the slippery molding agents from the factory and gives the cement a textured surface to grip.

These are essentially heavy-duty stickers. They are incredibly convenient and fast, but they are generally considered temporary. Over time, the adhesive can dry out or peel, so they are best used to get you home. Before you start, you need to know which tool you’re using

These kits come with a small tube of "rubber cement." This isn't actually glue; it’s a chemical agent that melts the patch and the tube together into a single, seamless piece of rubber. Once cured, the patch is often stronger than the rest of the tube. How to Patch a Tube in 5 Steps