Bicycle Mechanics - Road Bike Tire Inflation

I assume there is a simple answer to this but here is my problem. I have a difficult time inflating a tire with a standard size stem on my road bike. I usually buy 60MM stems so I can get the nozzel to the pump to secure on the stem. When I have a standard size stem I have a challenge getting the pump far enough down on the stem to get a good seal. As I pump I get resistence in the handle, I try and get more stem into the hose until I finally am able to make this happen.

I do not have a overly deep dish rim, I am using Bontrager Race X-Lite wheels, but had this same issue with my Fir wheels on my other bike. If I get a flat and need to inflate one of these standard stems while using a co2 inflater I have the same issue.

Is this just a need for a longer stem which is my normal method of solving this? The current tube on my front wheel was installed by the LBS I bought the bike from, so he installed it with a standard stem. Perhaps I just am doing something wrong? :confused:

You can either replace the tube with one having a longer Presta valve, or buy a valve extender from any LBS. They are dirt cheap and will do the job nicely. I have Spinergy xaero-X wheels, and have the same problem. The rim is made by FIR, and is a semi-aero 24mm deep section. I can get a pump on some standard tubes, but its an iffy proposition. The 60mm valve stems seem like overkill, so the extender (which does not stay on the valve, you install it to inflate, then remove it to re-secure the valve) works nicely. I keep one in every patch kit I own, along with a presta to schraeder adapter, so I can help out anyone, or get help from anyone.

DEMON

Valve extender? One would think after all the years of riding and racing I would have thought of that! Oh well, that's what these forums are for. Thank you so much!! :)