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Are you trying to mend a bike inner tube? Wondering how long it takes for it to dry so you can inflate it and get back on with your bike ride? Let’s take a look.
I’ve cycled on various types of bike for many years and over that time I’ve had, what I believe, is more than my fair share of flats.
Normally these happen on days when I’ve decided to pack light and leave the repair kit behind. This is almost guaranteed to result in my getting a puncture and having a long and not-necessarily-that-enjoyable walk home.
Sometimes though I’m prepped and ready. Then, I never get a flat…
Over the years I’ve tried out every method available for fixing punctures – as a funny aside, I once tried to fill a tire with grass on the recommendation of a friend when I didn’t have a repair kit or spare tube with me – don’t try it kids, it doesn’t work.
I’ve also done plenty of successful tube repairs as well so I feel fully qualified in dealing with this question.
How long does it take for a bike tire patch to dry – the quick answer
The quick answer is that it should take around 5-15 minutes for the ‘glue’ (or, really, vulcanizing rubber cement) to dry.
This time will depend on a number of factors, including:
- How well you prepared the repair area (cleaning, drying and roughing up the surface)
- How thick a layer of rubber cement you put on
- The ambient temperature
- Humidity levels
I think there’s a better solution though than doing the cycling equivalent of hanging around watching paint dry.
My alternative solution to waiting for the glue to dry on a tube repair
TL;DR: take a spare inner tube (plus tire levers and CO2 inflator) on every ride. Swap the burst tube with the spare tube on your ride. Bring the burst tube home and take your time to do a proper job of repairing it – this is your new spare tube.
To illustrate, let’s look at two scenarios. We’ll call them “The Frustrating Scenario” and “The Dream Scenario”.
The Frustrating Scenario
- You set off for a day on the bike, confidently packing your trusty patch repair kit, pump and tire levers
- You pedal along for many miles grinning like a maniac because you’re out on the bike, the sun is shining and you’re prepared for any sharp piece of glass, or nail that the road ahead can throw at your tires
- Disaster strikes – a vicious thorn spears through your inner tube – and, as if the whole world is conspiring against you, the rain starts to fall and an icy wind starts to blow
- Mustering up an attempt at a smile you hop off the bike, unpack your repair kit, and set to work fixing your burst tube
- You apply the glue…
- You wait…and wait (up to 15 minutes, remember)
- As the minutes pass slowly you quickly lose feeling in your ears, nose and fingers
- Finally! The waiting time is up and you carefully inflate the tube and re-assemble your bike
- You hop on the bike (gently! You don’t know if you left the glue for long enough!) and gingerly pedal off whilst trying to massage your freezing cold extremities
Sounds like fun? No…?
Ok, well let’s compare this to The Dream Scenario:
The Dream Scenario
- You set off for a day on the bike, confidently packing a spare inner tube, your CO2 tire inflator and a set of tire levers (without a patch repair kit in sight)
- You pedal along for many miles grinning like a maniac because you’re out on the bike, the sun is shining and you’re prepared for any sharp piece of glass, or nail that the road ahead can throw at your tires
- Disaster strikes – a vicious thorn spears through your inner tube – and, as if the whole world is conspiring against you, the rain starts to fall and an icy wind starts to blow
- Mustering up an attempt at a smile you hop off the bike, unpack your repair kit, and set to work fixing the puncture
- You take off the burst tube, fold it neatly and pop it in your saddlebag or pocket
- You fit the spare tube on
- You inflate the tube, re-assemble your bike, hop confidently back on your bike and pedal away
- Ears? Still warm
- Nose? Still warm
- Fingers? Still warm
- With no time standing around waiting for glue to dry, you’re back on the road faster, warmer and more certain that the replacement tube will stay inflated
When you get back from your ‘Dream Scenario’ bike ride, you can take your time to carry out a proper repair to your inner tube:
- Check where the damage is (using a bucket of water to check for bubbles where air is escaping)
- Using your patch repair kit, apply a patch and give it all the time it needs to fully adhere (there’s no rush because you’re doing the job at home where it’s warm and dry)
- Once the repair has been done you then have the opportunity to do a test inflation of the tube – inflate it to the psi you normally use and leave it overnight to see if it holds its pressure – that’s certainly not something you have the opportunity to do in the middle of a bike ride
- When you’re happy with the repair you can fold your new spare tube up and stash it in your saddlebag or jacket pocket with your tire levers and CO2 inflator ready for your next ride
Now, which scenario would you prefer?
