On Board Tire Repair Kits

 


Anyone used these?  Should I buy one?

http://www.bikebandit.com/stop-go-pocket-tire-plugger-with-co2?mgP81&t=1

 

Biker Dude wrote:

Yes...this one actually works.  It's gotten me out of a jam several
times.  You don't have to worry about dried-out glue or other
consumables that dry out over time, as this uses no glue.

However, I would forget about the CO2 cartridges and carry a small
12-volt air compressor and a pair of pliers or vise-grips to remove
the nail or screw that caused the leak.  You may need to figure out
how to make the 12 volts available to the compressor, which you
can buy for $10 or so at WalMart.

I have ridden on plugged tires for thousands of miles with no trouble,
but I wouldn't recommend it in general.   Get a new tire or a hot patch
on the inside.

--
John
Berkeley, California
john@w6bm.com

 



I think it depends on the nature of the puncture.

I thought I had it covered once, I had a plug kit and one of those little
foot powered pumps (which I highly recommend btw, you can scoop one for ~
$10).

Not to say those little 12V compressors aren't great, I have one I got for
$16 and used it many times, it's just that on some bikes like mine the
battery terminals take effort to get to and the foot pump is quicker and
lighter to pack.

 I went out one morning and the back was flat, I found the problem, a nail
which I pulled out.

I could not for the life of me get that reeming tool thing thru the hole or
the plug inserting tool either. It would go thru the rubber portion OK, but
when it got to where you'd expect the plies to start, wouldn't move no way.

I think the tire on it at the time was a BT020.

I took the back wheel and dropped it off at the local bike shop, they put in
what they called a mushroom plug and claimed it would outlast the tire.

Later that season the mushroom plug let go, luckily close to home, and I
drove there basically on a flat, throwing some air in it when I saw a gas
station. Which brings up another topic.... tires you can drive on flat and
tire you can't. Probably as many threads on that as on whether or not
shafties can wheelie...  :^)

Now if I have a problem I just replace the tire. They only seem to last a
season anyways, and getting stuck someplace with a flat is worth almost
anything to avoid I figure.... my $0.02

Pete

 



I picked up a water proof lighter outlet, made a bracket that
clamps to the frame with hose clamps and wired it in to the
battery. I use the pump occasionally to re-inflate tires after
dirt riding or to blow up an air mattress.

I also stripped the pump down as far as I could, removing
the plastic housing and grinding off the end of the shaft where
the fan sat. The pump now rides in a small plastic case between
the luggage rack and fender.


I usually figure the plug kit is just to get you home and over
to buy a new tire. (meaning maybe a couple hundred miles max).
I usually buy a new set of plugs and glue every year at Kragen.

 

These kits are life savers.

I have two of them. One with a stripped down pump.
One with a compact pump like this:
<http://www.slime.com/product/69/Portable-12-Volt-Tire-Inflator-
%28COMP-04%29.html>
On my Pegaso I carry a bottle of Green Slime as it has tubed tires.
<http://www.slime.com/product/74/Tire-Sealant.html>

I have even taken my kit on off road surfing adventures in Baja.
Beats jacking up a 4 wheel drive pick up loaded with cooking and
camping gear to change
a wheel/tire when you can just stick a gummy worm in and pump it back
up!

And, yes, it is a good idea to put a fresh tube or can of glue in your
kit at the beginning of the riding season.

JohnA in LA, CA USA