Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Tube valve

While I am slowly moving from biking prehistory - i.e. my Scrapbike - to the new millenium I had a new experience today. I lost my valve from the tube. First I thought it shot somewhere while topping the tire up, since that's what I know from cars and older bikes. I had a spare tube and replaced it making a mental note to buy valves.

Than I started to study the valve and realized it could not shoot anywhere - it is the very thin type with the stem inside - and finally found the stem inside the tube and was able to get it back and secure with that silly little nut. The key to the problem was taking the little nut off and pushing the stem in, after that there was no way getting it back without taking the tube out.

That got my learn-one-new-thing-every-day checked.:)

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j12/DieselDan_1973/bunnycake.jpg
Which kind of valve are you talking about? Tube valves aren't replaceable. When you tear one out, you have to replace the tube.

The one on the right - if you manage to get the small nut off (I am very talented in messing things up), it will fall right in.

Are you talking about the valve locking nut on a presta valve? You would really have to work hard at getting that small nut loose and why would you want to? It only needs to be moved outwards, so you can either let air out, or add air to the tube.

Maybe I am not thinking about this correctly and you took out the schrader valve internals, but those are easy to replace also, so I guess I am at a loss.

Yes, the presta valve. It was an accident, apparently the end of the thread did not stop me from getting it off.

Yes, the presta valve. It was an accident, apparently the end of the thread did not stop me from getting it off.


Wow, you may have a defective valve. The end should only turn a few times and lock open.

A little trick with Presta valved tubes, do not tighten the nut down to the rim too tightly until you are using a pump. locking it down when you ride doesn't give it any "float" and will eventually result in a cut at the base of the stem.

I do the same thing with my dirt bikes (motorcycles). So I decided to do that with my bikes and haven't had any problems. Glad to hear others keep them loose.

I would also venture to say it was a defective valve, or you turned it really hard really quick.

I have had presta valves that come completely off. I guess there is no stop at the end of the core threads! It screwed right back on! One reason why I make an effort to avoid overtightening or loosening stuff! lIke when using the valve nut to stabilize the valve during inflation. Don't overtighten or you may damage the stem/rubber junction.:p

Yes, the retaining ring not touching the rim was the first thing I learned about tubes - that and using baby powder to help the tube float.

Anyone else who doesn't use the locking nut? I also toss the caps. I started doing this after seeing a lot of other presta valve users (read roadies!) going without. I've never had a problem because of doing this, so I wonder what the benefit of keeping all of that on the wheels is? I figure they are just two less things to deal with when I need to change a flat.

Anyone else who doesn't use the locking nut? I also toss the caps. I started doing this after seeing a lot of other presta valve users (read roadies!) going without. I've never had a problem because of doing this, so I wonder what the benefit of keeping all of that on the wheels is? I figure they are just two less things to deal with when I need to change a flat.

I use the nut on the inside of the rim.
Keeps the tube from being pulled when I remove my pump head each ride.
Valve cap keeps grit and dust from getting on the top of the valve.
Also use the valve cap on my spare tubes to keep from cutting the tube while rolled up.

I use the nut on the inside of the rim.
Keeps the tube from being pulled when I remove my pump head each ride.
Valve cap keeps grit and dust from getting on the top of the valve.

Okay, but I've never had either of those issues present themselves. Sure, dust and grit gets on the valve end, but it doesn't seem to present any problem when airing up the tires before each ride.

Okay, but I've never had either of those issues present themselves. Sure, dust and grit gets on the valve end, but it doesn't seem to present any problem when airing up the tires before each ride.

I ride alot of miles in dusty areas. Glass everywhere. Carry three spare tubes and one spare tire.
I have fun. Sure that you do also.

8,000 miles on this rear tire. It has 4 boots. the tube had 5 patches on it.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/DaveisHome023.jpg

Valve cap keeps grit and dust from getting on the top of the valve.


I use the cover keeping the valve clean. If anything, to keep grit from tearing up the o-rings in my pumps!

I laugh at the guys that throw away the caps due to increased rotational weight, especially a Clyde!:p

Plus I carry the nut inside ths eatpack. Only use to stabilize the valve stem during roadside repairs.