If running tubes why keep patching it instead of replacing it?

[Nomad]

I am new to patching, only tried once early on in my bike commuting days (1.5 years ago) and i think it's time to just learn to patch without taking the wheel off. Anyone have recommendation for a good patch kit or company to get the patches from? Does patch quality matter? I tried using some cheap ones from walmart and it didn't workout, but probably user error.

Keep in mind that you still need check the tube and tire for what punctured it incase it's still in there. If you have good Quick release or thru axle. Then it makes things a bit more efficient. Sometimes throwing in the spare tube in and patching the other one after work makes more sense. Patching depends on the puncture type and age of the tube and number of times it's already been patched. You can be throwing money away on either side of that equation.

 

[m@Robertson]

...Patching depends on the puncture type and age of the tube and number of times it's already been patched. You can be throwing money away on either side of that equation.

Academically you are correct, but lets take a reality check: almost always, patching is easy to do and is demonstrably the fastest, easiest alternative. That is true across skinny tubes, fat tubes and all of them in between for reasons I think we've covered repeatedly here already. The decision not to do so is generally more about personal inclination and ability than it is functional necessity.

 

[dariusf2]

Patch all the way, why be wasteful and throw out perfectly good tube and not keep patching it?

Better yet go tubeless and loose the pesky tube!