DIY: Repair, Reuse, Recycle

Every year cyclists toss millions of failed tubes into the trash. At $5 a pop, that's a lot of hard-earned cash down the drain, It also stings the environment. Fortunately, some innovative companies are turning rubber into riches, and a small percentage of bike shops offer recycling programs that will accept your tattered tubes and worn tires (we offer tube recycling at Velo- the tubes are given to a local company, Alchemy Goods, that makes bags and wallets). But before you succumb to a minor snakebite, break out your trusty old patch kit. Like riding a bike, the lost art of patching a hole should come back to you with little effort. If not, here is a three-step refresher guide.

Prep

Unless you have no choice, wait until you get home to patch your tube on a clean, smooth surface. Lay the tube flat and use the sandpaper from your kit to buff the surface around the puncture until the shine is gone.

Glue

Place a pea-sized drop of rubber cement over the hole and use a clean finger to spread it into a thin, even coat slightly larger than the size of the patch. (Some kits, like the Park's GP-2, use adhesive patches. If you have one of these, skip this step.)

Wait

Let the cement dry (about two minutes), peel off the backing of the vulcanized patch, and firmly press the patch onto the tube. (Be careful not to touch the tube side of the patch.) Wait about 10 minutes then inflate your tube to make sure it holds air.

Looking for more information? Check out these articles:
Essential Tools
Park Tool Tips
Housing and Cables
Chain