Spare tubes or a patch kit?

[Patrick]

I bought a couple of tubes for my Scram without really realizing how bulky they are. The two of them take up a LOT of space in my panniers!

So, a question for those of you with tubed tires: Do you carry spare tubes, or just a patch kit?

 

[RoadToad84]

I bought a couple of tubes for my Scram without really realizing how bulky they are. The two of them take up a LOT of space in my panniers!

So, a question for those of you with tubed tires: Do you carry spare tubes, or just a patch kit?

I don't carry anything on mine, but on my bicycle I use sealant filled tubes, and will likely pick up some slime or similar for the Himi

 

[johnny42]

I would definitely carry a patch kit in addition to the tube. That's what I do. If you puncture the tube during install, you'll be SOL. With a patch kit, you would get a second chance or a third, etc.

 

[Laserman]

I just carry a bottle of Slime. CBA to muck around with a tire on the side of the road, the tire levers I have are 14" long and weigh more than the tubes. Besides, I'm kinda spoiled what with having roadside assistance via both my moto insurance and my AAA. Also have a van with a motorcycle carrier on it and a tire change platform inside it.

A bottle of Slime usually can get one home as long as you remove that which punctured your tire and the tube hasn't failed. Add air and keep her rolling!

 

[RD52]

A lot depends on the trip, how long and how remote. But my basic setup is a patch kit and a front tube. Front can be used in the rear if need be.

 

[Eatmore Mudd]

To save space I vacume bag my spare tubes with a foodsaver.

 

[OldGuy]

To save space I vacume bag my spare tubes with a foodsaver.

Awesome idea...!

 

[Eatmore Mudd]

My patch & flat kit. Home made trail jack made from a crutch.
The cardboard envelope under the valve stem fishing tool has a selection of patches. RuGlyde tire lube is in the two ounce jar, talcum powder in bags are in with the tubes in food saver bags. El cheapo mini pump, small tube of tire cement in the pill bottle. Nitrile gloves in zip lock bag, Motion pro tire levers and Bead Buddy jr.

El Cheapo zippered pouches from the Walmart.

 

[Roy Gavin]

Last time I tried to use a mini pump it was dead, after 200,000 km of rattling around in a tank bag some of the wiring had fractured at soldered joints.
The replacement, a Coleman, had all the wires both bedded in silicone and tied tight, might be worth checking if yours has.
Luckily it was a super stiff Anekee 2, and was stiff enough to ride back to the dealer who had just fitted it!
A pressure pack has fixed last two nail punctures,in Mtas E07s and Mitch HD tubes, no punctures in almost 80,000 km on the 411.
And check to see if your talc is now corn starch which won't work,most brand name types are.

 

[Laserman]

My patch & flat kit <snipped>

That's pretty amazing how compact you got all that! Your pump looks even smaller than the mini model I have. I've been mucking about with the idea of installing an onboard compressor ala Goldwing-style, but I haven't done anything serious enough off-road that would require me to air down an d then back up to go home. Your setup looks ready for a real journey

 

[Eatmore Mudd]

That's pretty amazing how compact you got all that! Your pump looks even smaller than the mini model I have. I've been mucking about with the idea of installing an onboard compressor ala Goldwing-style, but I haven't done anything serious enough off-road that would require me to air down an d then back up to go home. Your setup looks ready for a real journey

Thank you.
Where I live Roadside assistance isn't readily available. In places where it is available they can take hours to get there. They also don't go on logging roads or green lanes.

 

[Paulysti]

I carry spare tubes if I’m on an overnight trip. I’ve had two flat rear tires over the years and in both cases, the tubes were beyond patching. Most bike shops don’t carry tubes in stock, so if you require a new tube you can find yourself waiting for days.

 

[RD52]

I carry spare tubes if I’m on an overnight trip. I’ve had two flat rear tires over the years and in both cases, the tubes were beyond patching. Most bike shops don’t carry tubes in stock, so if you require a new tube you can find yourself waiting for days.

Really? I've never known one that didn't.

 

[Bluestrom13]

Carried Tyre Weld until getting a sheeting bolt through a new (300 miles) tyre, and it being a total failure.
I now carry tubes, patches and MotionPro levers. (See Post #3). Those and a small 12V pump similar to Mr. Mudd's fit in my front frame bags.

I also carry a "sticky string" kit. Small enough to not matter, but saved the day on 4 occasions now when others had punctures with their tubeless tyres.