4 punctures in one go! Explanation?

[arcticnick]

So, after successfully navigating my way round the Marmotte, l'Etape and Ride London this summer I got my first puncture of the year, 2 minutes into a 60km road race.

When I got home and set about repairing the tube, there were 4 separate holes all over the circumference of the tube (outward edge). 2 were together and quite long splits on the mould line, another was a snake bite and the last was a tiny one near the valve.

I've patched it up good and proper but it got me thinking, were all the other holes just secondary cuts created whilst the tyre ran low on pressure? And should I be worried that the 2 long puncture appeared right on the mould line (ie is this a sign off a weak spot)?

They are long-valve tubes so I'd rather repair than throw away. Any more patches and its going to be an octagon rather than round though.

It's sods law after my wife tempted fate asking me why I didn't puncture during the Ride London...

[Daveyraveygravey]

Sounds like a nightmare - I'd be replacing that tube myself, would feel like I couldn't trust it now.

[yellowjack]

Can't help with the explanation, but four punctures? And what sounds like three patches? That's no biggy, really. Keep on keepin' on for now, but if you see any more splits in future, you should lob it as it's obviously weak.

I've just applied patch number nine to the tube in the rear tyre of my MTB. It's the original (Kenda) tube, too. So that's a minimum of 3,000 mostly off road miles over six years, and still holding onto air between rides. I have three (repaired) tubes, which alternate between the fitted tyres and the saddle pack. I swap for a repaired tube on the trail, and repair the holes on return to the garage. I also carry a spare 'Specialized' branded brand new tube, but so far haven't resorted to breaking that one in.

The maths works for me too - 1 x Lezyne Classic Repair kit costs £2.49 and contains 8 patches. Allowing for one failed repair per kit, that's still seven good repairs per kit, but a new tube each time would cost around £2.30 (per each) even buying cheap 'Lifeline' tubes by the half dozen. That's nearly £14 saved over seven punctures

[agentnomad]

Check the tyre carefully for flints etc. and if you want peace of mind fit a new tube, I don't repair tubes anymore due to availability of cheap ones and the risk that the repair may fail when racing or a long way from home I like to carry new spares. The old ones I pass on to my student son to repair.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TUPX700LWR/planet-x-7...

[Barchettaman]

Patch it properly & it'll be fine.

I even pick up discarded road inner tubes that I see, patch 'em and keep them in the 'tyres and tubes' parts bin. You'd be surprised how often I find them. It's a throwaway culture out there.

[arcticnick]

I'll see how it goes. I'd normally get rid but it is a long-valve tube and is need to start using valve extenders with my other tubes.

I wonder if/when the number of patches starts affecting ride quality, rolling resistance etc.