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Some very experienced and respected folk have placed their money on gummy worms. Both John Harrison and Tom Austin recommend them. And, my riding experience cannot compare with either of theirs. For what it is worth, I carry three forms of repair. My first choice for ease of repair is the gummy worms. But, they only come out if the Stop N Go will not seal the hole. I don't prefer gummy worms because of personal experience with leaks. I have repaired many tires with gummy worms - probably in excess of 50. Twice, the repairs have leaked slightly. I judge gummy worms at 95% good repairs. My first choice for repairs is the Stop N Go. IMHO it is a PIA to use. I have repaired about 10 tires with the Stop N Go. I have never had one fail or leak. I share John's and Tom's concern with steel belts. In that case, I work a little longer with the reamer to wear off any extra steel. I judge Stop N Go plugs at 100% good repairs. I said that I carry three forms. As my final backup, I carry inside patches with plugs that goes through the tire. These are only for the big hole that the other two cannot fill. Until about 15 years ago, I would not use an externally patched tire. In my youth, all patches were from inside the tire with the hot vulcanizing machine in the barn (Daddy also believed in good tire patches). I also carry three tire irons and 4 rim savers (because I protect the powder coat beneath all that grime) so I can get inside the tire to do an inside patch. Current set of tire irons is a 16" Motion Pro curved and two 11" straight. After mounting tires using these tools, I will be carrying two 16" curved and one 11" straight in the future.
Other threads have talked about comfort -- Ride the bike you are comfortable with, about worries -- choose things to keep worry at bay during later stages of a ride/rally. For me, Stop N Go is the worry free repair. When I use gummy worms, I will be checking tire pressures more frequently and worrying more. John and Tom are apparently more comfortable with the gummy worms. There are some who have reported problems with Stop N Go plugs when used on steel belted tires. I use extra effort to minimize exposed steel before the patch.
I think the most important is to use what you have confidence in. And, that confidence only comes from actually using it and having success. I am not wishing punctures on anyone. But, they offer an opportunity for experience. If it is offered, try any or all of the options. Get comfortable with tire repairs. They are most likely required at an inconvenient time and place - 2 a.m. in the rain in the middle of nowhere, WV. In fact, I would encourage anyone who has not repaired a tire on the road to practice. When you are about to need new tires, create a puncture. An ice pick works fine. Then, repair it in the comfort of your garage, check for leaks, ride on it, check for leaks again. The experience may never be needed. When it is, you will be glad you practiced.
Billy
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