Reddit mentions: The best bike tire repair kits

I can't really find any good info about those rims so I don't have specific advice, but I think this should have you covered.

My bike came with "tubeless ready" stan's iron cross rims. To set them up I just needed a few things:

• Tubeless valve stem, something like this
  
  
• Not technically required if your rims and tires are both fully "tubeless ready", but you probably will want some sealant; required if your tires aren't tubeless ready.
  
  
• You still need some sort of rim tape (at least for mine - definitely still had spoke holes, although they are airtight I think); stan's said you needed yellow tape. I didn't want to buy this so I used gorilla tape; just take a roll of gorilla tape, following this guide. Might be overkill but it makes for a tighter fit on the bead anyway, and was cheap and easy.
  
  Good luck! going tubeless is awesome and well worth the hassle of learning how it works.

I prob. don't recommend either. Your friend's bike is probably very modern, and the tools like crank puller isn't needed. Your friend's bike isn't using square taper or Octalink. Also, the chain tool, pedal wrench and cone wrenches that comes with the kit are crappy and you'll have to replace them anyway, or close to useless.

So, the common maintenance - replacing chain, cassette, pedals, chainrings, brake pads and tires. If the bottom bracket (BB) is external bearings, you can easily change that too. The kit includes the square taper BB tool, and Shimano's external BB tool. I'd recommend the better adapters than ones in the tool. For example, if the BB is Hollowtech II, this tool works well. You need a tool for cranks' preloading nut and it's not standard.

If the BB is press fit, bring it to LBS. You'd need a removing and installing tool, and although you can do it, it's pretty specific to each style of BB. Again, it's better to buy the tool specific to it and the kit is no use for this.

Headset bearing - modern headset would be pretty simple to service. Wheel hub bearings - you'd want to use better quality cone wrenches than ones in the kit.

If you want a tool kit that can do most things for variety of bikes not just your friend's, I recommend this one. (see edit) Note that, this is probably overkill for your friend's bike but if you want to take care of older bikes, this one should cover 90% of things. (You'd need combination and adjustable wrenches, etc.)

Oh, one more thing. Buy a good torque wrench. There are a lot of alloy things on modern bikes, and to prevent stripping the screw, using torque wrench and tightening to spec is very important.

EDIT: Why I recommended the toolkit. The chain tool in the kit is excellent. The chain plate holding side is adjustable so the chain stays in place while pushing pin. Cone wrenches come in each size. The cassette removal tool (lock ring tool) has the pin in the middle to align. The headset wrenches (your friend prob. don't need) come in all the sizes needed. (I had to buy 36/40). It covers most external BBs.

I understand the "don't buy a kit" mentality that others in this thread are suggesting but sometimes it's nice just to buy everything in one go, rather than piecing things together one by one. I did some research a few years ago and ended up grabbing this Bike Hand kit ($129) We've had it since ~Dec 2015 and it has held up well so far. The tools seem to be pretty high quality and it's nice to have a box to keep everything in. The box itself is also great – heavy duty plastic exterior with a metal tray inside for organization. Hope that helps!

I've created a short list of everything I have, linked items are the ones that I recommend.

Things for the road

Frame/ Mini pump

Saddle Bag

Patch Kit

Tire Boot (You can make your own for cheap, but these are still good)

Tire levers (See Multi-Tool, Levers Included)

Multi Tool (Super-Recommend)

Bike Lights

Spare Tubes (Optional for the road)

Bottles of choice

Sunglasses of choice

Gloves of choice (Important! For preventing impossible-to-heal palm scrapes)

Cycling compter

U Lock (no cable locks! they're garbage) <<I Have 3 of these, but then again, I live in Oakland.

Things for home

Floor pump

Tools (Pretty much covered by Multi-Tool, but there's things you may need like cassette tool, chain whip, etc)

Wet and Dry chain lube

Clothing (Optional, I only have the shoes and windbreaker)

Hi-Vis Jacket

Clipless shoes, I recommend SPD for easier walking

Jersey

Padded Shorts, or Bib shorts

Windbreaker

Leg Warmers

Most importantly, you need knowledge of cycling. Look up videos on youtube about safe riding on the road, traffic laws, hand signals, how to repair your bike on the road and at home, how to take a fall, and as much theory that you can)

EDIT: Do not let me trick you into thinking that a multi-tool is a replacement for the big-boy tools that are available on the market. Some of those tools are actually worth the investment. However, be that as it may, do your research first, because there's some overpriced crap out there ^^^Park ^^^Tools.

1. I'd replace that plastic strip with actual tape. I'd recommend gorilla tape. Carefully apply it around the perimeter of the rim then poke a small hole for a valve stem to fit through. Leave room for the tire bead to fit around the inner wall of the rim.
   
   
2. Is your rim drilled for presta or schrader valves? If it's presta then buy a presta valve stem, or if it's drilled for schrader, then buy a schrader valve stem. Your alternative is to do "ghetto tubeless" by cutting the stem out of a tube and using that as a stem instead.
   
   
3. Get a pair of tubeless ready tires. If you are on a budget, I'd recommend these. They've never had a problem seating for me and are very good tires for the money on my 29er. If they have difficulty seating on your rim, try spraying the bead with soapy water. You must use compressed air to seat the bead.
   
   
4. Yes use sealant, I'd recommend Stan's. The bottle provides the amount recommended.

Piggybacking on this

The contents of your saddle bag should include:

• Mini-pump or C02 inflator with a couple extra cartridges (your preference).

• Spare tube (make sure the valve is long enough for your rims)

• Tire levers (The pedros ones are the best imo). You can make do with 1, but you should really carry 2.

• Patch kit (park tool makes nice self-adhesive ones)


• A multi-tool with hex keys, a phillips head, T25 Torx wrench, and a chain tool (the chain tool is sort of optional, but it's good to have just in case).

• A $20 bill. A 20 is useful in case you need to buy something, and in an emergency can also be placed between the tube and the inside of the tire to temporarily prevent your tube from bubbling out if you get a big gash in the tire.

• Valve extenders (Only if you have deep section rims, you'll need these if you ever have to borrow a tube from someone on the road)

• A ziploc bag for your cell phone in case it rains. Protip, put the $20 in the ziploc.

• If you have room, a package of peanut butter crackers or an extra gel/energy bar. If you bonk on a ride, you'll be happy to remember you have some extra food in your bag.

I never carried spare tubes for the longest time. I didn't think that the time it takes to find and patch the hole was worth the bulk of an extra tube, especially using the self adhesive patches. You'll want some tire levers too.

After finally giving CO2 a try I carried a spare tube around for a while. Pretty quick to throw a new tube on and worry about patching it later at home. Now I vary between carrying an extra tube or not, but I still carry a hand pump in addition to the CO2.

I carry a small multitool for adjustments as well. It's a small ratcheting set that has proved useful more often for things other than the bike!

Got your lights all set up? You may want to consider an extra battery as well, or a charger to keep at work if it's a charging light.

Definitely do a careful inspection of the entire tire looking for a foreign object. Different tires can make a huge difference in flat resilience.

Durability and flat resilience is super important to me on my commuter bike. I had a similar rash of flats a couple of years ago and then swapped to Continental Gatorskins and have not had a puncture flat on that bike in three years. They are quick, but can feel a little sketchy in wet conditions.

I run Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour on my touring bike and have put more than 10,000 km on them through Patagonia and South East Asia on a heavily loaded touring bike with only one flat. They are great all weather and terrain tires, but not particularly fast.

I have used these patches and they are easy to use and very reliable.

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Similar setup.. I don't have extra spokes, but I do bring a tube on 40+ mile rides.

Multitool is the Park I-Beam 2

CO2 is the Red Zepplin

Patch is Park Super Patch

Don't forget the Tire Lever (one if you're good, two if you ride stiff Conti's)

All easily fits in a Topeak bag

Because of our conversation and looking things up in my Zinn book, I almost just bought this:

http://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Complete-Bicycle-Repair-Tools/dp/B005KWRITO/ref=sr_1_7?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1414421632&sr=1-7&keywords=bike+tools

But, I'm talking myself down from that for now. Gotta save something for Christmas! lol

I'm just going to buy the spoke tool for now. If I can use the extra chain laying around and automotive tools, then I'll try disassembling the hub and inspecting the grease. Thank you for helping me.

I bought [this] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WRWEJU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.cuEzbK6NKEB8) kit on Amazon 3 years ago and although it is pretty cheap it has never failed me. Its a great starting place at least

> and use what is essentially fix-a-flat to retain air

Well the air is mostly retained by the air pressure itself -- if you mount a new tubeless tire and it's well sealed and the diameters match up it'll work just fine without sealant.

You should take a tube for sure, ideally a Tubolito which is smaller, stronger, lighter. http://www.tubolito.com/en/

Also should take some tubeless slugs. These: https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Innovations-Tubeless-Plug-Patch/dp/B00B139BA0 work really well for plugging up larger punctures should you get some

Some would also take a needle + thread to sew up very large sidewall cuts.

Cheap plug kit

Also, if you are unaware, the issue with running tubeless is that if you get a flat, it can be very hard/impossible to re-seat the tire bead with a hand pump, especially a travel pump. So you always need to have an innertube incase you get a flat. For your house pump, if you dont have a compressor, make sure you get a higher volume pump like the topeak joe blow mountain, or even better, something that has a charge cylinder.

You can buy the adhesive on its own, or use the self adhesive patches. I listed the Park Tool version, because I've had the most success with them, I've tried a couple of other brands with mixed success.

My bike repair tools are 2 wrenches, a screwdriver, bike pump, and some tire patching kits. Also potentially important would be letting you put a basket of some sort on the bike, so you could carry more supplies, like this. It's how I go grocery shopping sometimes, and I think it would fit well in this game.

Edit: also, with those tools I could tear my bike down to it's most basic pieces and put it back together.

1. Depends on the distance and the weather. You'll be sweating like a hog in the summer with a backpack. Opt for a pannier or a saddle bag if that's an option.
   
2. Depends on your current level of fitness and the amount of hills/wind on the ride. You should be able to finish if you're relatively fit. Worst case scenario is you're tired at the end of the ride.
   
3. Yes. I use this one and it works well.
   
4. I use Garmin connect to track my miles, speed, and heart rate.
   
5. Do a test ride on a weekend with all the gear you would need for the actual ride.
   

Tool kit like that are great but a smaller version is fine to start with.
I also recommend This Book. If you're stuck on a budget buy the book first and figure out what tools you'll need later.

The sealant you listed is not intended for tubeless bicycle tires. It's for leaks in car/motorcycle tires or MAYBE bicycles with tubes.

Slime does make a sealant for tubeless bike types, it's this one. Apparently you aren't alone in being confused by this.

As for if the Slime Tubeless stuff is any good, I don't know. I've done pretty well with Stans and Orange Seal though. Also, regardless of what sealing is giving you trouble, it's worth having a look at your rim tape when you've got it apart. I started just doing a fresh wrap with Gorilla Tape every time I put on a new tire and I've had zero problems since I began doing that.

I'm about 190 lbs and keep my clinchers at 40 in the rear and 35 in the front for whatever I'm doing unless I'm hauling something heavy on my back. When I first started out, though, I would keep them around 55/45 and would still manage to pinch flat because bike handling. Carry a couple extra tubes and a pump with you until you get used to doing off road things on a road like bike - you'll only learn by doing.

These things are a lifesaver, by the way.

I was about to tell you that you don't need expensive brand-stuff for your patches. But then I saw that they' re cheap.

You can also use the glue with just some cut up old tubes, but you'd have to clean it really well.

I bought a set of 100 patches, since I allways have glue leftover from those patchkits. You only need a thin layer on both sides. You don't use the glue to stick the patch to the tube, you use the "glue" to make the patch and tube to "melt together" or vulcanize. Less is more.

Let the glue dry on both the tube and the patch before pushing them toghether.

Hello all! I just got a new Trek 7.2 FX for my birthday and am looking for a portable emergency bike kit that I can carry with me.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a complete kit I can purchase? Would it be best to buy all the parts separately and make my own kit?

I have looked on Amazon for a kit and haven't been able to commit to a kit as one review will say its fine and the next says its junk.

Such as,
This one

or

This one

I commute to work 2 miles each way (& ride home for lunch). As well as longer rides in the morning or evening. Longest i've done since getting it is 10 miles but I would imagine I will take longer rides in the near future.

I didn't read the other response because it was too long. My advice: get a cheapo toolkit for beginners, and replace the tools you use up with nicer ones [1, 2]. These kits won't have everything, but they'll have most of what you need.

Regular maintenance, in decreasing order of frequency:

• Air up your tires ~ every week
  
  
• Clean the chain ~ every 100-200 miles, or as needed
  
  
• Replace the chain when it wears out [3]
  
  
• Replace brake pads when they wear out
  
  
• Replace the cables when they stick
  
  
• True wheels when they knock against your brakes
  
  
• Re grease bearings maybe once every 1-3 years
  
  
  Reasonable people disagree over the order and frequency, so take these as rules of thumb, not canon.
  
  
  1: http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Titan/Titan-Tool-Kit---21-Tools.axd
  
  2: http://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Bike-Bicycle-Repair-Tools/dp/B006WRWEJU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1427267389&sr=8-4&keywords=bike+toolkit
  
  3: http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

I had a very similar hole in my side wall and I figured hey it can't get any worse so I applied a "Park Tool Vulcanizing Patch" on it and it's been working great since.

The Park Tool glueless patches are the best I've ever used.

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-GP-2-Super-Patch/dp/B000WY730O/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=park+tool+patches&qid=1572288022&sr=8-8

This is the best thing I ever purchased for home (I worked in a shop in college): https://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Complete-Bicycle-Repair-Tools/dp/B005KWRITO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501081214&sr=8-3&keywords=bikehand

Add in this: https://www.amazon.com/Ritchey-5Nm-Multi-Torque-Key/dp/B009F93S9C/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1501081299&sr=8-26&keywords=bicycle+torque+wrench


All you will realistically ever need.

here's a list of stuff i have and use frequently that i feel others would probably appreciate: airzound air horn, one of these two mounts, multi-tool, CO2 tire inflator, there's no such thing as too many patch kits, bikeglow safety light, PDW danger zone tail light, lezyne micro floor pump, louis garneau super prestige cold weather gloves

This guy?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008UY1MXW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bjAvDbRS1CN88

I love it

http://www.amazon.com/Crank-Brothers-Speed-Bicycle-Lever/dp/B001BIZARI is the one I see cited as the best.

They've also come out with the Speedier Lever: http://www.amazon.com/Crank-Brothers-Speedier-Lever-Black/dp/B008UY1MXW

I highly recommend getting a couple of [patch kits like this] (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B075BLGL43/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and keep one with you whenever you go biking. Also get a mini-pump like this if you don't already have one.

No reason to go to all the way to the bike shop when you can patch it yourself in ~15 minutes, and you never know when you'll get stuck in a situation where you won't be able to get a ride.

Looks like it covers the basics, except for a torque wrench (which not needed for groupset change). Pricey, though. This bikehand one has everything except the missing link pliers for less than half of the cost. This one includes a torque wrench and bearing press for 2/3 of the cost.

Also, KMC recommends against using submersing chain cleaners like the one included.

Get one of these. It takes less than a minute to seal a puncture that’s too big for the sealant to take care of.

Make me smile, Rasta!

With this?

A pre-glued bike tube patch might work better.

I've got this saddlebag $30, this patch kit (this was really cheap I don't remember how much), a spare tube, this lezyne pump, some park tool tire levers, a 15mm wrench, and a multi tool. I've had cheap versions of everything listed here, the stuff on this list has been pricey but it's what I've upgraded to, and it's all shown it's worth multiple times.

Hi!

yea I was looking at park tool kinda pricy at $250 and judging from reviews the tools materials don't seem to be worth the cost. Was looking that this set http://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Complete-Bicycle-Repair-Tools/dp/B005KWRITO/ref=sr_1_9?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1383183286&sr=1-9

Thoughts?

Its not hard, most new bikes ship with tubless wheels that just need tape, or in the case of my mountain bike just a valve stem. Then you pick up a sealant injector kit like this one some sealant bust 2oz of sealant into the tires after they are on the rims them use an air compressor to pump up the tires until you hear the pop of beads seating.

I believe if you rim tape most wheels you can get even non tubeless rims to work but dont take my word on that, go talk to your LBS.

For the seams, maybe try an iron, like you see the MYOGers use to shorten inflatable sleeping pads? E.g.

These patch kits are marketed for bike inner tubes, but they’re the same material that Therm-a-Rest gives you as a patch when you buy a NeoAir, they’re just smaller.

Nope, it's already taped, and taped well they (REI) said. I bought this kit from REI and these stems.

You can try a set of Pedro's, they're cheap, but honestly the park 6.2 are the only ones I bother with.

https://smile.amazon.com/Park-Tool-TL-6-2-Steel-Levers/dp/B014LC7Z6Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=park+tire+lever&qid=1568405488&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I bought all my tools a piece at a time the first time. The second time I was able to buy them all at once and found it was cheaper to get a full toolkit than buying one at a time. I got the Bikehand kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KWRITO/ and it's worked pretty well so far. I haven't used every tool (and I'm a little fuzzy on what a couple of them are for), but generally, if I need a bike-specific tool, it's in that box. The exceptions being a torque wrench, which I've done without so far, and my wheel-building tools which, apart from the spoke wrenches, I had to buy separately.

However, if that's a lot to spend at once, most tools are not too expensive individually. I was able to buy them as needed without much trouble or (short term) expense. The only issues are that you pay more long term and the first time you have need for a tool, it's not already on hand. Not a big deal if you're patient. I'm not, and I use my bike for transportation, so having the tools before I need them keeps me mobile.

I also have a Bikehand kit. Same price, but different set. I have this one. I haven't used all the tools yet, but I want to replace the adjustable cup wrench, and crank puller with Park equivalents.

Hm. This patch kit costs $3.50, and has six patches. The round ones (4) are 25mm.

Rubber cement is $5, though there's also a gallon for $30. The cost of sandpaper for these purposes is negligible. A tube is maybe $5, and probably has enough rubber to make 29 2.5" square patches. Or ~63.5 mm. So plenty big enough to cut down into 146 square 25 mm patches. I'm measuring this based on a Specialized 700C x 28/38 tube, so you could probably increase that by buying the biggest tube you can find.

I can't really say anything about how the sticking power of these patches compare, but when you think about a tube's place in the tire, it likely wouldn't matter.

EDIT: changed some patch math

D'ac. Main d'œuvre ça va être moi hein. Ça fait longtemps que j'ai pas fait, il faut juste un kit de base à la con style ça? Voire même juste deux leviers et rien de plus, correct ?

you don't need to spend anywhere near $50 https://smile.amazon.com/Genuine-Innovations-Tubeless-Plug-Patch/dp/B00B139BA0

two

four

six

eight

. . .


DROWGIRL!

Plug them.

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Innovations-Tubeless-Tire-Repair/dp/B00B139BA0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=tubeless+tire+plug+bike&qid=1555527324&s=gateway&sr=8-3

It's THIS

You can use it in Tubless tires, tubular tires and I think also regular tubed tires if you can open up the valve.

I use it in my tubular tires as a preemptive measure. I've also used it in a bottle form for AFTER I've had a flat. You just pour it through the valve (if you have a removable valve head), re-inflate and then go on your way.

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Innovations-Tubeless-Tire-Repair/dp/B00B139BA0/ref=pd_bxgy_263_img_2/131-6388880-2269259?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00B139BA0&pd_rd_r=0ff99f61-c801-11e8-8e16-130f854170ed&pd_rd_w=QzzV3&pd_rd_wg=OOvBg&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3f9889ac-6c45-46e8-b515-3af650557207&pf_rd_r=D93G299G50P5H233XMWP&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=D93G299G50P5H233XMWP

What you ran into on the trail is why I have one of these guys in my kit when I go riding (just in case the sealant doesn't quite hold it) https://smile.amazon.com/Genuine-Innovations-Tubeless-Plug-Patch/dp/B00B139BA0

Long term, I'd still patch the tire, but I'm probably a more conservative rider.

Try [this]
(https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Innovations-Tubeless-Plug-Patch/dp/B00B139BA0).

Self adhesive patches (scabs). Wipe, peel, press, ride. Just pull out the damaged tube section. The 4 pack must weigh 2gms.

You're making things too complicated. No wonder you retire tubes after a puncture, you're struggling unnecessarily. Also sounds like you're using to much cement if it takes more than 20 seconds to flash.



Park Tool GP-2 Pre-Glued Super Patch Puncture Repair Kits (Pack of 2 Kits) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S4PSX02/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AsHgDbEK5FSGX

Rope type tar plugs. You push them into the hole from the outside with a needle and cut off what sticks out.

Any tool set that would have what I need to fix this reccomended? Preferably sometihng that's on amazon prime. Here is some I found. Let me know if any of them have both tools I'll need (the right type of coarse, all of there seems to have crank pullers and lockring tool but not sure if they are compatible)

Also if I am gonna re-lube it any recommendation on lube?

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Value-Professional-Bicycle-Tool/dp/B01C6ZQN02/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&qid=1465090558&sr=8-29&keywords=bike+repair+tool+kit

http://www.amazon.com/FANTASYCART-Universal-Mechanics-Bicycle-44pcs/dp/B0019J6ZLE/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1465090558&sr=8-30&keywords=bike+repair+tool+kit

http://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Bike-Bicycle-Repair-Tool/dp/B00CW911XW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1465090417&sr=8-5&keywords=bike+repair+tool+kit

http://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Bike-Bicycle-Repair-Tools/dp/B006WRWEJU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1465090417&sr=8-7&keywords=bike+repair+tool+kit

http://www.amazon.com/Venzo-Premium-Bike-Repair-Tools/dp/B011NJ5WP4/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1465090417&sr=8-14&keywords=bike+repair+tool+kit

This. Kool Stop Tire Bead Jack.

Or this. CrankBrothers Speedier tire lever.

Something similar to this? I have no shame in announcing that I'm pretty ignorant to brand quality in this arena.

If the rips are small enough, you might want to use a bike repair kit patch

If they're large enough you might just want to encase it again. Once Cimexa becomes involved, the adhesiveness of your tape will slowly degrade as small particles of it will suck off the adhesive.

The metal studs thing is rough, I happened to have to encase my boxspring a second time for that same reason.