Bicycle Mechanics - what the heck?...tube question...

ok, I am fairly new to the whole presta valve thing after getting a road bike for my mtb bike about 2 months ago...I go through tubes like crazy, well, lately once every few days....but isn't consistent. I'll blow one, then bust another trying to inflate it, that is when it happens, mostly...I'll try to inflate the tube/ture with my pump (road pump, crazy long, no hose at the end) and somehow I end up destroying the tube/valve seam. or the "spinny thing" at the end of the valve will break off (once)... I know what I can't push on the valve too much when pumping, so I try to keep it steady, but it never fails...now I actually have to drive to work because I went through my last tube just a minute ago after fixing a flat last night, and there are no bike shops open at 6:00am...dammit...I'd rather ride...(i guess that goes without saying, though?) I don't know...should I just give up on Kenda tubes? or am I doing something wrong? Thanks to anyone who has any advice, and be gentle...it is probably something I am doing wrong...


-jason

find the stillness of the valve stem you must. or use a compressor at a shop.
if the wheel is off the bike lift it off the ground so you have to hold it steady in the air.
and whats fonzie like?

thanks? i take it that it would be better to remove the wheel to inflate it? and what is this fonzie stuff? (maybe not old enough to get it?) but thanks for the tip...i'll give that shot...


-jason

find the stillness of the valve stem you must. or use a compressor at a shop.
if the wheel is off the bike lift it off the ground so you have to hold it steady in the air.
and whats fonzie like?

I've never seen a compressor that could fill a road tire- or that had a presta fitting.

Be gentle. Make sure the tube doesn't pinch between the rim and tire.

i suppose if you used an adaptor you could do it, but for some reason those sketch me out...and I am pretty good about making sure the tube is all the way in...I'm pretty sure that I just move the valve too much, which is apparently hard to avoid, and I got frustrated with it, I think that is all it is. we'll just try different things until I figure it out.
thanks
-jason

and what is this fonzie stuff? (maybe not old enough to get it?)
-jason
If it was up to me it'd be 1955 forever.
Happy days man, happy days.

But back to the topic. Have you checked your rim tape? Sounds like an inside job. Out of coriosity how much are you inflating your tire to?

Might be an idea to get a track pump. Hand pumps are a ***** for inflating road bike tyres to high pressure - i only use one if i have to change a tyre when I'm out. Also, track pumps have a long hose so you're not putting any lateral pressure on the valve.....

Yes, get a floor pump.

Also, make sure that your valve stem is seated properly in the opening of the rim. Sounds like you may be pinching the tube in there. I third the floor pump... ten times easier to fill it properly. Save the frame pump for emergency flats.

Definetly get a floor pump. I can just imagine you standing in the LBS looking at the pumps thinking, "I have a pump, it can't be worth it for another pump. How much better can it actually be?" We've all been there. The first time you use it your thoughts change from, "can't be worth it" to "where have you been all my life?" Way better. Like others said, check the rim, make sure the valve is straight, and don't pinch the tube. It's really easy to do on road tires. Also, when I use a frame pump I usually wrap my hand around the spokes on each side of the valve with the head of the pump in my palm. This seems to give it some extra support, just be careful with the spokes.

While we're speaking of floor pumps... I would stay away from Serfas Airbones. I got one because it was cheap, had a lifetime warranty and a presta/schrader head. It sucks. If I put the head on the presta valve all the way it's so tight it can rip valves off when I remove it. If I go any less than that, it leaks and I can't inflate the tire. Also, it doesn't always pick up on the presta/schrader switch, so it shoots air out the wrong side.

and what is this fonzie stuff? (maybe not old enough to get it?) but thanks for the tip...i'll give that shot...
-jason

WHAHHH!!? Good Lord, Milwaukeean. (What about Chachi?)

Yea, like everyone said, get a floor pump. It will make life much better.
If you're looking for a recommendation, I've had a Silca track pump for about 10 years and really like it. Mine's a presta valve only, and it does not work the greatest on deep rim / short valve combinations (you have to hold it on) but if you dont have deep profile rims, or have extended valves, it works great.

Most track pumps (inc Silca) are now convertable between Presta and Shraeder. Get one and use it.
When you have to use a frame pump it may help to secure the valve with that retaining nut at the rim to stop it wobbling around.
-Ensure the pump remains at 90 degrees to the valve.
-Put your thumb against the rim and press to relieve presure on the needle valve.
-If you can rest the wheel on a curb or log, you can sometimes butt the end of the pump against the solid surface, relieving the valve of any bending force.
-Use steady, smoothe pump actions.
-Remove the pump carefully. Place the wheel upright (tyre on the ground) with the valve at the top and knock the pump directly down.

Another vote for floor pumps. In fact, I got Topeak Road Morph pump to take with me because it has a hose and you can use it like a floor pump. Those frame pumps are okay for volleyballs, but not road tires!

are your rims made for those presta valves? If you have rims with schrader valve holes, it could be the problem.


tommy

actually, the last one is the problem...i went and talked to the lbs where I got them, cause I am on friendly terms, and that is what he suggested, trying to do that as we speak, actually, and I will indeed get a floor pumpp next chance I get...thanks to everyone, and I'm sorry, I know who fonzie is, but I didn't see the relation between him and my post...though I know no chachi..,

thanks again
-jason

My Silca pumps have a brass presta valve, but if you unscrew it, there's a schrader on there as well. Anyhow, I suggest one of those Sigma pumps that turn into a little floor pump with a hose and a handle. Have one on the tandem, and it works great.

Oh please, you don't need a new pump that fits presta valve. That's what we have these little 75 cent doodads that make them schraeder.

Why does everyone always insist on the more expensve hardass approach. An $9 air compressor works as well as any floor pump and it'll take you to at least 140psi. Yeah it'll take you longer to get there. Don't buy into all the hype about a $29384239084 floor pump.