Bicycle Mechanics - aligning valve stems

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khbrown
08-23-02, 06:50 AM
I just bought a used Trek 800 MB 98 model. When I pulled the front tire from the box, I noticed that the Schrader valve stem was improperly aligned. What is the easiest way to rotate the tube so that the valve stem is straight? Also, do I need to remove the grip and shifter/brake assembly to reinstall the handlebars?
Thanks,
Ken

RainmanP
08-23-02, 01:28 PM
Do you mean the stem is at an angle? I would just deflate the tire, remove tire and tube, and replace, just like changing a flat. You might be able to deflate then wriggle the tire over a little, but I wouldn't do this. You might bunch up the tube or rim strip and cause yourself premature flats. While you have the tire and tube off, replace the rim strip with the Velox fabric type.

If your stem has a one bolt bar clamp, ie solid metal surrounds most of the bar with one bolt to clamp it tight, yes, you will have to remove everything from one end to install the bar. If you are lucky and the stem has a two bolt clamp so that the front part can be completely removed, you don't have to strip the bar.
mike
08-26-02, 09:19 AM
Usually, if you let the air out of the tire, you can grip and tug at the tire in the the direction it needs to go.
work around the wheel.

Gradually, you will get the stem straight in one pass. Takes about 30 seconds.