Cycling UK Forum

A great start to the working day. But don't agree about the music. Definitely not my taste in music, but it fits Danny's video and style. Like it.

Why?

I grabbed one from the Tour de France promotional caravan. My only claim to fame.

Although waterproof nylon may seem a good idea in our climate, it is very sweaty. Cotton is best if it isn't wet weather.

Yes please. Sorry I forgot to confirm that earlier.

G

Thanks Graham for unlocking me. I suppose it will teach me not to shout at computers in future.

I've used them almost exclusively over the last 10 years or so, (Park ones) and have never had a problem either with them failing or drying out and cracking. Can't fault them.

Never had any problems with them on my lightweight bike and I run the tyres at 100psi.

For what would appear to be a simple thread, what a wide range of comments. Please don't anyone take it as a criticism, but it is revealing to see the range of knowledge on this subject and what each bit in the repair kit is for. I've always treated it as "just something my Dad taught me" about 45 years ago. He did a good job I think.

I'd like to put a word in the self adhesive patches. Roughen the puncture, peel off the patch and stick it on. Despite some being roadside repairs, I don't think I've had any failures and much quicker than waiting for vulcanising solution to go tacky.

We must be talking about different patches. The ones I use have a black rubber surface on the top and the other side is covered by peel off plastic and this is the side which is glued down after removing the plastic. Don't think I've ever come across any with plastic film on top as well.

Ayesha wrote:Is it "glue"?

I thought 'Vulcanising solution' started a chemical reaction between the surface of the patch and the rubber innertube, resulting in a 'weld'.

When applied properly, the bond between patch and innertube cannot be seperated. The surrounding innertube rips first.

I knew someone would pick me up on that. I know it's not glue and is really vulcanising solution, but I was being lazy and couldn't be bothered to type vulcanising solution. But since I've now had to type it twice, it would have been easier if I'd used vulcanising solution in the first place.

But the best bit of the improved technology is to revisit the area you grew up in. I could never get up Portsdown hill in Portsmouth on a 3 speed hub, but now, 35+ years later, I just wonder what all the fuss was about. No problem. Rides which used to be an adventure and took all day are now just part of a longer adventure. It almost makes me glad to be old!

I'm puzzled. What transparent protective film? Apply the "glue", let it go tacky, peel patch off plastic film and apply with the newly exposed side to the glue. Are there new patches that I've not come across or have I been using the wrong technique for 40+ years? Albeit successfully.

I echo bike4two's comments above. Even down to the rope loops from the shed roof.

All the boxes in my Lidl had taped down tops as if they had been opened and then closed again. I wonder if they are unsold or demo stock or returned goods from elsewhere? Who knows, but for £30, I'm not complaining and if it doesn't last, then I've not lost much.

Just picked up a Lidl bike stand and impressed so far. But this is all before I've tried it with a bike. The instruction booklet says to clamp at the bikes centre of gravity, so if you want to clamp to the seat tube, just clamp with the front wheel lower than the back or clamp it and release the rotation clamp. It will find it's own balance point.

Definitely past it's sell by date. Drastic as it may sound, cut the old one out, just the flat floor if you like and stitch a replacement one it's place. Seal the stitching with McNetts seam seal and it'll be fine. Fabrics from Point North or Pennine Outdoor.