Bicycle Mechanics - Two tubes in as many weeks :P

I've lost two tubes in two weeks and each one went flat when I wasn't even riding my bike! Both tubes died when I tightened the ring on the presta valve that holds it to the rim. I don't think I really cranked down on it, but as soon as there was some resistance, the valve separated from the tube! I have no idea how old the tubes were, but they certainly weren't new (maybe a 6 months old?). Is this normal when a tire is old or am I doing something wrong?

You tightened it down too much. The retainer ring is only there to hold it still while you inflate. You tightened it down t the point in which the stem was trying to pull through the eyelet.

OK. So how tight should the ring be when it's fully inflated? Just enough that it doesn't come off easily?

I don't use the ring. It's pretty much there to help you inflate the tire. After that it is just something else you have to remove when trying to change a tube in record time.

Scrap the rings .....they're totally useless.

OK. So the ring is just intended to extend the nipple enough to put an adapter on it for inflation, which I can di just by applying pressure on the tire side, right? Wish I'd known that before I scrapped two tubes :P Ah well :)

You sure you aren't riding my decrepit bike, cause it sounds like you're having problems I seemed to have at some point a couple of weeks ago! :D

Some times you are the windsheild, some times you are the bug.

:D

I've never had a problem with the rings. If you have the shorter-type Presta stems it can be hard to get the adapter on without them.

They may also provide some protection from grit getting into the rim at the stem hole. Of course i don't need to make quick tire changes.:->

Oh man... now I don't know whether to keep the things or remove them... :D