Here in Ireland it rains more often than not so saddle bags get a lot of abuse from the rear wheel. All that water and grit eventually works its way inside the saddle bag. With tubeless tyres being so effective, when you finally do need to use your spare tube you can find that all that grit, combines with a multi tool in your saddle bag has rubbed and worn through your spare tube. 

I used an old tube to make a pouch to put my spare inner tube into, while inside my saddle bag so that it doesn’t get destroyed. 

My first attempt didn’t go so well. I tried to use patch glue to get the tube to stick to itself. I clamped everything in place and left it for 24 hours but the the tube refused to glue to itself. 

On to attempt number 2, This time I used specific rubber glue that is supposed to stay flexible, I applied the glue, clamped it in place and left it for 24 hours. Once again the glue wouldn’t stick the tube to itself.

For attempt number 3 I tried the patch glue again. I was extra sure to clean the tube with alcohol,  rough up the the surface so the glue could stick, I cleaned it again a second time just to be sure and then used big woodworking clamps to apply more pressure, hoping that the glue would stick this time. No Dice!


I thought maybe I could try and sew the pouch closed but I don’t have an industrial sewing machine or needles that can pierce rubber. While trawling the internet for inspiration I came across a few images of people using long thin strips of tube as thread. I used a leather hole punch to make holes in the tube, made a needle out of a paper clip and I was able to sew up the pouch. 
I still have enough space in my saddle bag for a 29er tube, my multi tool and a patch kit but now my spare tube is a little more protected from the elements in it’s little pouch. 
-Ambassador Colin O’Halloran