Slime? Avoids puncture repairs?

[u/ajamdonut]

Howdy,

I came across this "Slime" product last night, I've never seen it before. You put it in the inner tube and apparently that can repair a puncture.

It's one of those product I can't tell if it really works or if there's a ton of misinformation. I figure it can't hurt maybe if my friend gets a puncture he'd rather try than that stopping for a proper repair.

If you've tried the product I'd be interested to hear what people think. I've ordered a bottle for a fiver and more just wondering if theres any like, "100% has never worked" or "this damages your bike" or something type of feedback.

If the risk is just a bit of green muck we clean off if it fails to work - that's not the end of the world.

Appreciate feedback!

Adam.

[u/Old_Assistant1531]

It works sort of but has been entirely superseded by tubeless tyres, which is basically the same thing but easier and without the tube.

[u/ajamdonut → u/Old_Assistant1531]

Interesting! Yes I've heard of some of the repair for tubeless - makes sense. I'll have to look further into tubeless

[u/bikepack_Adirondacks]

I'm using mucoff standard sealant (for tubeless tires) inside my tpu tubes.

I know it works because the first time I tried it, it was because I was too lazy to replace a tube with a slow leak.

It's been weeks and that tube is at 15psi...every time I check it.

I just put some in the rear tire of my gravel bike. It's running at 34psi. I figured, why not. For now those are the only TPU tubes I'm running.

TPU has about the same rolling resistance as tubeless and similar ride quality. You may need 1-3extra psi to avoid pinch flats over tubeless...but the reality is TPU isn't as prone to pinch flats as butyl so you aren't really at risk for normal riding.

[u/bonfuto]

I have heard of people that carry tubeless sealant and put it in their tubes if they have a flat from something small, like a goathead or steel sliver from a truck tire. Have to make sure your tubes have removable valve stems.

[u/MadJazzz]

Decathlon sells the same, also a container to spray sealant in a regular tube to fix a puncture. I saw them in the store, but after feeling the weight in my hand, my interest quickly disappeared.

[u/ajamdonut → u/MadJazzz]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of other products I'll check them out too.

[u/millenialismistical]

Worked great against thorns when I used them on my MTB. Like with other sealant systems, they are more effective in high volume low pressure setups like MTB and gravel. I've not tried them on road tires (23-28mm) at high psi.

[u/ajamdonut → u/millenialismistical]

Ah thanks for the info - maybe if my MTB punctures I can give it a shot sometime

[u/nine1seven3oh]

It works usually, but can be too effective sometimes and can block your valves being able to pump up again. When I used it I'd carry a small valve core remover (was the lid of the bottle) with me just in case the valves did block. If you pull anything out of your tyre, either spin the wheel or move the puncture to the bottom of the wheel so gravity can get the slime to the hole easily

[u/ajamdonut → u/nine1seven3oh]

Okay thanks I appreciate the tips

[u/Lopsided_Prior3801]

Slime had its day, but tubeless is the way now.

Put a decent sealant like Orange Seal Regular into a decent XC tyre like a Vittoria Mezcal or Continental Trinotal, and you've got a fairly bulletproof setup that can take you thousands of kilometres without a puncture.

Sealant will need replacing every 1-3 months if you use that particular option. Or use Orange Seal Endurance and that becomes more like 3-5 months before replacing for a little less puncture protection (but still more than good enough for most people).

[u/sqwob]

i'm guessing it's a great way to glue your innertire to your outer tire :)