Bicycle Mechanics - Unusual valve on my new (used) Corima Tubulars w Tufo s3

They are definitely not presta or shrader. They have three ridges and a slightly conical shape at the tip - the kind of thing you would see on a air line tubing fixture. So I'm guessing that that a tuve goes over then end and then what? It gets connected to a compressor? I email ed the guy (ebay) but have not heard back, I'm hoping for a better response here...

Long time reader, first time poster,Billy-Goat-Matt
(I love hills)

photos would be very helpful.

Sorry, I knew they would help, but it took a bit to get em and I thought it best to get the ball rolling on the off chance someone knew right away...

What is this?!:

What do ya think?

That is a valve extender. Unscrew it and there should be a short presta stem underneath. When you get a flat, replace the tube with one that has a longer stem.

...but it did not want to break loose. I was however afraid of breaking something inside. So if you are saying that this cover unscrews, then I will wrench on it a little harder.

ISSUE:
The rear has a lot of play and moves back and forth while the front feels like it is glued in, solid feeling. Should I still try unscrewing the front or is there another technique???

At least the rear is. The front seems a little more tricky. BUT how the heck do I put air into these prestas? They barely reach above the rim of the wheel. These are tubulars and I am hoping that it does not require some ungluing and regluing. Thoughts?

That is a valve extender. Unscrew it and there should be a short presta stem underneath. When you get a flat, replace the tube with one that has a longer stem.

What this says is that the stems on your tubes are in the open-position, if you, or someone, managed to put air in the tires. I'd suggest unscrewing those extenders and closing the valves. Then put them back on if you wish. Those ARE pretty strange looking.

Then just wait for a blow-out and get some less bizarre tubes. :eek:

Happy Trails!

What this says is that the stems on your tubes are in the open-position, if you, or someone, managed to put air in the tires. I'd suggest unscrewing those extenders and closing the valves. Then put them back on if you wish. Those ARE pretty strange looking.

Then just wait for a blow-out and get some less bizarre tubes. :eek:

Happy Trails!

I believe the title of the thread indicates these are tubular tires. A little hard to change tubes in I suspect:rolleyes:

Thank You to everyone who wrote in. I am up and running, just got back from my inaugural ride. Definitely have some adjustments to make. Bikeforums ROCKS!

I believe the title of the thread indicates these are tubular tires. A little hard to change tubes in I suspect:rolleyes:

Oops! Goof for the day award! :lol:

Tufo tubular tires have Presta valves with replaceable valve cores. You can ditch the valve extenders and instead put in valve *core* extenders. However, valve core extenders require valves with replaceable cores so won't work with any tires/tubes that don't have them.
http://www.bicycletires.com/pTUVER/Tufo_Valve_Extender/product.htm