Roadside tyre repair kits?

Has anyone tried the tyre repair kits available, I`ve seen the you-tube videos of people repairing there own tyres....are they a long term fix or just a get you home.

[Sid Squid]

Anything that can be done with the tyre on the rim is a temporary repair only. The maker will specify a much reduced speed limit, and often a limit on the distance they should be used for as well. I know that both of those have been much exceeded without problem on a a number of occasions, but it must be remembered that when a permanent repair is done the tyre should be inspected internally to ensure that a repair is suitable, and that the structure of the tyre isn't compromised by damage caused by the puncture, and of course that can't be done when using an external repair.

There's nothing wrong with temporary repairs - I always carry the sticky string type as I find them the most effective type - but they have their limitations and that should always be kept in mind.

[rictus01]

Yes used just about every type myself, prefer the sticky string tyre myself, they are only rated as a temporary or "get you home" fix with speed and distance restrictions, however if you'd asked how long and at what speed the do actually work then the answer would have been different.

Cheers Mark.

sticky string ?? Is that the same as the thing that looks like a rubber worm I`ve seen, they use a hand tool to push it into the tyre, then cut the excess off.

[Sid Squid]

They look like this:

And are inserted with a tool that looks like a big darning needle with a handle like a screwdriver or sometimes a tee handle, the latter are quite big so the I prefer the former as it fits under the seat more easily.

Well I can testify that they work, rictus done one for me on my sprint with just 1500 miles on the stock tyres, I never did get a proper repair as I wanted to see how long it would last, I ended up doing another 2.5k including a track day.

I think it does depend where it is though too, mine was in the recess in the tread so it was protected a bit.

Only problem with the temporary repair kits is that you can't get the tyre permanently repaired after you have used one, I think!

[rictus01]

and who in their great wisdom told you that....

i must add that i have used the sticky strips on a car tyre with no problems.
as my car comes with no spare excepted, repair liquid which is horrible.
used the strip, and did a good few thousand miles.
never had to use it on the bike yet, but only ever heard good things about it.

Originally Posted by rictus01

and who in their great wisdom told you that....

I think it was a friend of mine who owns a bike shop which specialises in tyres.