PATCHING THINGS UP 🛟
Step By Step: How to patch an inner tube
Making it stick!
The main reason why we don’t teach how to patch a tube in our Intro to Maintenance classes is because only ONE type of puncture can actually be patched: the tiny sharp object puncture. All the other types create holes that are too big to be patched.
But I keep meaning to make a guide on how to patch a tube as it’s a great way to save money (tubes are inching towards £10 each now, more in some places 😳) and it’s also good for preventing the creation of more landfill. Yes, tubes can be recycled, but reusing is better for the environment and your wallet, so here’s your guide!
But first, a poll…
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- patch
- vulcanising fluid
- sand paper
- pump
Locate the hole by pumping up the tube. Keep pumping! Go around the entire tube and listen for that hiss with your ears, and feel for the air with your cheek, nose, and lips 💋 Putting it in a bucket of water is only necessary when the hole is v v tiny and cannot be found using the pumping it up method.
Rough up the area where the hole is with the sand paper. Rub up and down, side to side, round and round - about the size of a 50p coin. What you’re doing is twofold: creating more surface area for the patch to grip, and rubbing off the slippery film that manufacturers apply to ensure tubes don’t stick to themselves whilst packaged. (I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s a PTFE coating but that’s another newsletter for another day).
Apply vulcanising fluid in a circular blob that’s bigger than the circumference of the patch. For most patches this will be about the size of a 50p coin. (I hate to use money as a reference here but I’m not sure what other universal object could work - a mini Babybel? The size of the open door button on the Overground?)
LET THE FLUID DRY MATTE. It 👏 is 👏 not 👏 glue 👏 It’s a solution that will kick start a chemical reaction between the patch and the tube. (Fun Fact: this process is known as vulcanisation, and it’s what lorries use to stick new tyre on top of old tyres. It’s also why you see shards of truck tyres by the side of the highway.)
Once the fluid is not shiny anymore, peel the foil backing off of the patch and discard the foil. If the patch sticks to the foil, it’s a dud. The patch should be stuck to the plastic side only. Do not touch the patch or the matte fluid with your fingers! Your natural body oils will prevent the patch from sticking and render the patch useless.
Pump up the tube again to double check the hole is indeed in the middle of your matte blob - you’ll see a white dot appear. This is where the centre of your patch will lie. (Pumping up is also helpful with narrow tubes that are skinnier than the patch diameter - getting a little air in there will make it easier to squish the patch on *around* the tube, ensuring the sides of the patch stay on.)
Now line up the hole in the middle of the patch. Press down carefully and give the patch a nice massage 💆
So long as the circle of matte vulcanising fluid is larger than the patch, and the patch is centrally placed over the hole, you should be in business. However, you can check your work if you like, and carefully peel back the plastic film. You may need to use your nail to hold the patch down as you pull back the film - this is normal. But if the patch totally comes off when you do this, it’s no good! 🙅♀️
At this point you can also pump up the tube a lil bit to check if the patch is holding - but not too much! Just a few pumps to check that air isn’t escaping from the patch.
And there you have it, a newly patched tube that can be used for your NEXT puncture 😜
Intro to Maintenance Classes
Moar classes have been posted for October and even November, so save yourself a spot and book early!
I am very concerned about the terrifying detainment of journalists Sarah Wilkinson and Richard Medhurst. Sarah has had a full interview detailing what happened which you can watch here. It’s alarming to hear but is it surprising?
Listen to
’s reporting and analysis about the arrests of critics of the government here:
While it was heartening to hear of Alaa al-Dali’s journey from Palestine to the Paris Paralympics, it’s a bittersweet story as he was not able to compete (I don’t think he made the time cut and they didn’t award him one of the wildcard slots.) The Guardian has surprisingly made a short film about it (shared below), and it looks like there is an upcoming documentary.
You can donate to the Gaza Sunbirds here.
For the first time ever, Israel was allowed to participate in the European Road Championships this past week (are they in the Middle East or in Europe?) but maybe it’s not so surprising considering the Hasbara Hasbros are spinning their wheels in overdrive to hide their ongoing genocide. Russian and Belarus athletes must still register as an Individual Neutral Athlete in order to participate, and agree to not wear anything with their country’s flag or emblems. Israel’s PR campaigns must not be normalised.
If you were one of the lovely humans who donated to the LBK gofundme you will have received a sad message saying how we weren't successful in reopening the DIY workshop at the end of the summer, thanks to a series of unfortunate events. You can read the latest update here by scrolling down the page.
I still have vague plans and am now waiting for some other puzzle pieces to fall into place - this will still involve volunteers helping move bike parts from LBK2 to LBK1 (I will probably be giving up the lease entirely so everything needs to move somewhere.) If you’re keen to help out you can sign up to this list here.
Ride on,
Jenni x