Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
No way to effectively patch a sidewall ... especially on the side of the road. It will never hold. Even a big hole can be hard to put a plug in or patch.
... a tube in the tire is your best option. Its what we do. It works.
Be SURE to check and clean inside tire for sharp debris before installing your new tube. Often times bits of nail, screws or staples are hiding in the tire. You won't see it ... but can FEEL it with your hand. (Use caution)
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Never had to do it myself - even in my wing, prayer and no money early biking days, but I have seen African bus drivers stitching rips in tyre sidewalls with a large "needle" (looked something like an awl) and string.
The idea was to hold the two sides together so the tube wouldn't bulge out of the gap when it was inflated. I've no idea how far you'd get like that but one bus was in the desert at least 50 miles from the nearest town so it had better have worked.
Agreed about checking the inside of the tyre for sharp bits. It doesn't take much to put (another) hole in the tube. It's best done with your bare fingertips - but very carefully. If there is something sticking out it'll rip your fingers as easily as the tube.
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