What types of patches work with which tubes? My LBS tried to sell me Turbolito patches that they said would work with latex. Is it worth trying to patch latex roadside? I know TPUs have special patches that can’t be applied roadside. Do patches for butyl tubes work on latex?
And it strikes me that roadside patches might not work if you’re carrying CO2. It would be hard to find the leak, since you have limited air to waste.
I’ve actually had pretty good experiences with TPU tubes and patches actually. For patches, you’d really need to have the application surface as clean as possible; the swabs that come with the issues are great for this.
Not sure what the situation is like where you are, but where I am, it’s pretty easy to find a bathroom with a sink. I’d full that sick with water, check for bubbles, dry the punctured spot, clean spot with swab and apply the patch, pressing firmly on the patch for about half a minute.
That’s usually all that’s needed.
On the latex front, I could be wrong, but I can’t see how butyl patches would work with latex tubes, given how different both materials are - butyl’s a fair bit stiffer than latex. I’d rather take my chances with TPUs tbh.
I’ve been patching latex tubes with standard tip top 16mm patches and my trusty large can of generic automotive rubber cement with zero issues for years. I don’t do field patches, just on the bench back at home. Yes I’m that guy that will do up to three patches like this before tossing the tube.
I like the Schwalbe TPU patches. Work on different TPU tubes and butyl and super easy to apply. Clean with alcohol pad and patch!
I have used Rema patches for latex as well for ages, but I wouldn’t want to do it on the road either. I prefer to let the patch set at least overnight before inflating it, plus it’s easier to get a latex tube stuck under the bead and ka-boom.
Also, my spare tubes are butyl. I used to have one latex and one butyl but by the time I wanted to use the latex (got a flat just before a race start) it was weirdly hardened and a hole had worn into it.