[Stupid]

Is there something I need to know about the press-on valve stems??? I was just pumping air into my 20" tires with a tube-type bicycle pump, when I heard air excaping from around the stem. Like an idiot, instead of removing the tire to see what happened, I started pumping up the other tire, only to have it happen on that one, too!!!

Just two days ago a friend of mine had pumped the tires up on my other trike to 100psi with no problems at all... So why can't I pump mine up to a lousy 60psi without getting a flat???

One of the tubes didn't start leaking until I'd screwed the little nut around the stem in a little, but the second flat just happened.

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[jeff-o]

You mean, Presta valves? The long, thin ones? Yeah, they can be fragile.

Describe the pump, was it the type that clips onto your frame, and has no flexible tube?

[Stupid]

Yeah... Some guys on Bentrider suggested a better pump than the POS switchable tube type I have now (no hose). They also warned me not to overtighten the little nut on the stem (which I did).. My Bad. :(
ZERO miles on the trike and already TWO flat tires! :p

Live and learn.

-T

[Dchiefransom]

Those rims might use Schrader valves. It might have been caused just like you think, too much side to side play while pumping. That's why I use a floor pump, or my Topeak Road Morph pump.

[Stupid]

Thanks guys... I just got off the phone with my LBS and they suggested that perhaps I'm not using the pump I have correctly.. Something about not sticking it onto the stem as far.. And what a releif to find that the tubes are only $4.00 each.:D

Still I think I'll get something with a hose on it...

[Dchiefransom]

Get a floor pump with two different fittings for the two types of valves. I'm of the opinion that they work better, from personal experience. Get a Topeak Road Morph for on the road. It will fit both types of valves, and has a pressure gauge on it's hose.

[Stupid]

Get a Topeak Road Morph for on the road. It will fit both types of valves, and has a pressure gauge on it's hose.

Just picked one up tonight... Great pump. :)

[Ric]

The floor pump is the way to go at home. The Innovations Top Dog or the Topeck JoeBlow sport are both real good pumps. For the road I prefer the Innovations CO2 kit, fits both types of valves, is faster and alot less hassle.
The problem with those hand held pumps is people tend to be in a hurry when changing a flat on the road and do more damage to tubes with hand held pumps than what there worth.