Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (2024)

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (1)08-25-24, 03:53 PM

#1

robow

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ?

Is there a fool proof manner in which to patch a TPU tube? I have had very limited success with the stick on patches that came with my RideNow TPU tubes as well as Park Tool stick on patches. I have seen recommendations of Gorilla tape, etc. but I haven't seem to have found the magic bullet yet. Any suggestions ?

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (4)08-25-24, 05:46 PM

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FBinNY

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I'm surprised that the patches that come with the tube don't work. Did you properly clean the tube first?

Otherwise, my DIY self would cut patches from a old tube, and use something like 3m Fastack to attach them. Since that's not practical for emergency field repairs, carry a spare.

BITD we used to use Band-Aids for emergencies. However, they changed to perforated, breathable strips, so that's out now.

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (7)08-26-24, 01:00 AM

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SoSmellyAir

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Try this: Pirelli SmarTUBE Patch Kit – Cambria Bike

Follow the instructions and clamp the patch onto the tube.

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (9)08-26-24, 06:28 AM

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easyupbug

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I recommend getting the patch kit from the tube manufacturer, they all likely come with a polyurethane glue but vary in methods and yes not trying to do it on a ride, carry spares.

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (12)08-26-24, 07:29 AM

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zacster

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These tubes are so small and light I just carry 3 spares with me now. I'm likely to NOT patch them as they also aren't expensive, at least the RideNow tubes aren't. I have a box of Rema patches and a can of the cement that will probably no longer be used, and a whole collection of butyl tubes of various sizes with lots of patches on them.

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (14)08-26-24, 09:05 AM

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tFUnK

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When the puncture is properly cleaned, stick on patches work - but don't let the tube deflate otherwise they'll fail since it's stick-on, not bonded-to. As the tube deflates the TPU and the patch shrink differently, resulting in creases underneath the patch.

I've had several TPU tubes that seemingly were patched successfully but fail due to prolonged non-use.

I've tried the rubber cement with TPU patches as well, with mixed success. It seems like it would bond but it doesn't, and it's also prone to failures.

Most recent thing I'm trying is E6000 epoxy with a piece of TPU cut from a donor tube. Both surfaces need to be cleaned with alcohol. Then I put the E6000 over the puncture then clamp the TPU patch over it. Let cure for 24 hours. So far so good.

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (16)08-26-24, 12:00 PM

#7

icemilkcoffee

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Originally Posted by robow

Is there a fool proof manner in which to patch a TPU tube?

I've done a few and I have not found a fool proof way to patch a TPU tube yet. It's a crap shoot every single time.

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Best way to patch a TPU tube ? - Bike Forums (20)08-26-24, 01:04 PM

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SoSmellyAir

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I have successfully patched 2 out of 2 Pirelli P-Zero Smartube (700x23-32c, 60 mm valve stem) TPU tubes with the Pirelli TPU-specific patch kit I linked above, which comes with Rema Tip Top Camplast cement, which looks and smells like model glue and bonds the patch to the tube. So, I am currently riding on two patched TPU tubes: one front, one rear. Both punctures are snake bites located away from the valve stem and the joining seam of the tube. I would not apply a patch that overlaps with either or with another patch. These are my first TPU tubes, and prior to using TPU tubes, I have never patched butyl tubes before. But Rema vulcanizing fluid / rubber cement and other stick-on patches are presumably designed for butyl tubes and would not work (as well) on TPU tubes.

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