Bicycle Mechanics - I like valve covers and stem washers!

Valve stem covers: keep the dust off, protect teh presta valve from damage, keep the stabby end of the presta valve from stabbing your hand while working on the bike

stem washers: keep the stem from sinking into the tire when I push the tire pump valve onto it

I can't see why people don't like them!!

Valve covers and the stem nut are like ice cream. Some people like vanilla, others chocolate, neither are wrong.

For the record, All my bikes are PV except for two I keep in Mexico. On the SV bikes I use valve caps to keep salt water out of the valve, and their molded valves don't use stem nuts. On all the other bikes (PV) I never bother with caps, and as for stem nuts, never with tubulars, and generally not with wired-ons, but on my 26" commuter with fairly fat tires I leave them on loosely to make pushing the pump on easier.

I buy tubes with smooth valve stems - easy on & off with the pump head, and no threads for a stem nut.

I buy tubes with smooth valve stems - easy on & off with the pump head, and no threads for a stem nut.

Some tubes have a threaded base for the nut and the rest of the stem is smooth. That's what I use. Unfortunately, the threads don't come out of the rims I have far enough to thread a nut on it, so it's entirely useless to me. I don't use the caps, either.

Keeps the dust off? How is this a real advantage?

Keeps the dust off? How is this a real advantage?
I know, right?

I like valve stem covers, as a little touch of frilly "bling." Mine are red and look way cool on my wheels. Not practical, I know. But there it is.
Stem washers? Always. Too practical, IMHO, to be chucked in the trash.

Keeps the dust off? How is this a real advantage?
Keeps the dust from getting in the tires.

Keeps the dust from getting in the tires.

I assume you mean the tube. In that case, think about this...if there's any pressure at all in the tube when you open the nut, nothing is getting in. Even if a little dust did get in there, so what?

I assume you mean the tube. In that case, think about this...if there's any pressure at all in the tube when you open the nut, nothing is getting in. Even if a little dust did get in there, so what?
Extra weight.

Extra weight.

Uh huh, and how much dust do you think it would take to negate the weight of the cover that's used to prevent this?

If it wasn't for the comment about the stem washer (the only substantial benefit pointed out in the original post), I would have thought this was a joke thread. Post #9 solidified it though.

Uh huh, and how much dust do you think it would take to negate the weight of the cover that's used to prevent this?
All that dust getting in the tube can add up in weight. And how are you going to get it out? Plus dust can clog the valve itself, and abrade the tube from the inside. Finally, the tube manufacturers are experts (what's your expertise?), and they obviously think tube valve covers are a great idea and include them. Pwn.

Enough dust & dirt inside the tire (between tube and inner tire carcass) can also act like very fine sandpaper, slowly abrading away at your inner tube. POP! Happened on a used MTB I picked up. Both tires had about a tablespoon full of very fine dirt in them. Tube split about eight inches lengthwise.

Plus all that caked on dust and dirt on the valve is gonna act like sandpaper on your pump valve every time you inflate your tires.

buy tubes with smooth valve stems - easy on & off with the pump head, and no threads for a stem nut.
You are push-ing the pump head on too far, There is a smooth section on all
P/V stems, right below the thread for the cap.

I stopped wearing out Presta air pump gaskets when I quit shoving them on too far.

Silca track pump..

I knew there was a reason for threaded heads and stem washers. I feel so much better about using them now. :)

Finally, the tube manufacturers are experts (what's your expertise?), and they obviously think tube valve covers are a great idea and include them. Pwn.

The stem covers are put on by manufacturers to prevent the pointy bit of the stem from puncturing the tube while it's all wrapped up nicely for transit. Nobody likes buying an already been popped inner tube.

I can't see why people don't like them!!

My bike doesn't have a single item on it that isn't totally necessary to its operation... except maybe the bar tape, rear brake and front derailleur and shifter.

These useless bits of junk you speak of serve no purpose for me. Valve caps? Thoroughly pointless. Valve nuts? Easily replaced with technique, thus also, pointless.

Do you think valve caps are totally useless on your car, truck or off roader? Just try to top off a tire with the valve packed full of mud and crud. Then hope the valve seats properly to prevent a slow leak after you are done.

Valve caps?!!!!

First it's chain lube, then wheels, spacers on top of stems, carbon fiber, etc. Now we're down to debating valve caps. Come on, they're free with tubes, use them if you want, or chuck them if you don't.

Is there nothing folks don't get worked up over?

Stem nuts and valve caps are not PRO...

Stem nuts are evil. I had like three tube failures at the valve where the tube peels off of the valve, I was told to not use the nuts on them any more, no more failures.

I assume you mean the tube. In that case, think about this...if there's any pressure at all in the tube when you open the nut, nothing is getting in. Even if a little dust did get in there, so what?

I use caps religiously. It's not that dust or grit will get into the tires but rather that a spec of grit could be blown into the seat of the valve seal and cause a leak in the stem. Around here things are wet enough that after a few rain rides the valve caps are covered in stuck on dirt and sand. Adequite evidence for me that using the caps is a wise move.

I'm familiar with the Willamette valley thanks to my model flying. I've attended many contests in the seed grass growing areas there over the years. I'd suggest that your area of Corvalis sees enough rain that if you're riding in it or if you do off road riding that I'd be worried about picking up grit that would get into the valves as well.

My bike doesn't have a single item on it that isn't totally necessary to its operation... except maybe the bar tape, rear brake and front derailleur and shifter.
What about graphics and decals? Do you have dust hoods over your brakes/shifters?

Valve caps?!!!!

First it's chain lube, then wheels, spacers on top of stems, carbon fiber, etc. Now we're down to debating valve caps. Come on, they're free with tubes, use them if you want, or chuck them if you don't.

Is there nothing folks don't get worked up over?

No.

Seems like they should combine these two parts into one piece, connected by a leash. The valve cover would be attached to the stem nut. That way you don't forget to put it back on after pumping air into your tire, er tube. Hmm, sounds like a billion dollar idea. :)

I don't use the stem nuts, as they don't work very well on aero profile rims, and I prefer smooth valve stems for reasons already mentioned. I like keeping the valve covers though. At least until you lose them, they do give some protection, and since I have a Lezyne pump on one of my bikes, having a clean, undamaged presta thread is important to get the chuck on and off. Also, when the tube is rolled up, the cover prevents the stem from stabbing things inside your seat bag or jersey pocket, not limited to the tube itself, or the baggie the tube is in (if you like to talc your tubes).

People that worry about the weight of a valve cap or a PV retainer nut tickle me. I use the caps to keep the stem clean, and I keep one stem nut on the bike to help when changing a tube after a flat. The nut keeps the stem fully out of the rim so it doesnt get pushed in during inflation. It also helps to keep the tube centered over the stem hole in the rim.

People that worry about the weight of a valve cap or a PV retainer nut tickle me. I use the caps to keep the stem clean, and I keep one stem nut on the bike to help when changing a tube after a flat. The nut keeps the stem fully out of the rim so it doesnt get pushed in during inflation. It also helps to keep the tube centered over the stem hole in the rim.
I figured these things were developed for a reason, os I use 'em. Besides, bright red stem caps look awesome!

These are valve CAPS
http://www.sz-wholesale.com/uploadFiles/Product_72/Tire-Valve-Caps-SZSP146972.jpg
THESE are valve covers:
http://www.cad500parts.com/catalog/pictures/parts/Hildebrandt%20VC.jpg
Any questions?

THESE are valve covers:
http://www.cad500parts.com/catalog/pictures/parts/Hildebrandt%20VC.jpg
Any questions?
Yes. Do they make them out of carbon fiber? Those look kinda heavy.

Fred where are you?

I discovered a different issue. I had smooth stems on my Specialized Roubaix and decided to balance the front wheel one day to minimize vibration on fast descents. It required a surprising amount of solder wrapped on spokes opposite the valve stem. Then I got a flat and the only tube I had on hand had a threaded stem and "washer" (I'd call it a nut). Mounted it all up and found that the wheel balanced perfectly without any weight on the opposite side. Appears the rim was built specifically to balance a threaded stem + nut. Otherwise I'd go with smooth just because it's easier to put on the pump head. No weight saving if I need to add weight to make the wheel balance...

Stem nuts and valve caps are not PRO...

NB the pro's ride Tubular tires with a following car or motorbike with spares .
they ride clincher tires when the sponsor has something to prove.

one thing that adds a benefit, O rings, put them under the ring nut ,
and the nut wont unscrew itself

Yes there is a joint bridge in the rim opposite the valve stem hole.

Someone has to support the guy that runs the molding machine for the caps. He has a family to support, use the plastic caps. :)

Do you think valve caps are totally useless on your car, truck or off roader? Just try to top off a tire with the valve packed full of mud and crud. Then hope the valve seats properly to prevent a slow leak after you are done.I've always eschewed valve caps on both bike and car, and I've never had a single problem. Presta valves aren't exactly likely to collect crud anyway.



My bike doesn't have a single item on it that isn't totally necessary to its operation... except maybe the bar tape, rear brake and front derailleur and shifter.What about graphics and decals? Do you have dust hoods over your brakes/shifters?Mate, I don't even have paint.

221990

Seems like valve caps with LEDs would be extra safe at night!

Just before every ride, as routine maintenance, I use air pressure to blow the accumulating dust & dirt off the valve stem. A secondary benefit is that the tires stay at the recommended pressure.

I just want a pair of normal Black plastic Presta valve caps without having to order them from BF Egypt or China.

You gotta use the valve stem nuts on these:

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp226/wellbiked/001-5.jpg

I'll be glad when it gets warm enough to ride my bike.

These are valve CAPS
http://www.sz-wholesale.com/uploadFiles/Product_72/Tire-Valve-Caps-SZSP146972.jpg
THESE are valve covers:
http://www.cad500parts.com/catalog/pictures/parts/Hildebrandt%20VC.jpg
Any questions?

First we had to remember the difference between Presta and Schrader,now we have Edelbrock? Where can I get an adaptor for all three caps/covers?

The real question is; Why are you running Presta valves? bk

I discovered a different issue. I had smooth stems on my Specialized Roubaix and decided to balance the front wheel one day to minimize vibration on fast descents. It required a surprising amount of solder wrapped on spokes opposite the valve stem.

Don't lie to me, boy.

Whenever I install a bike computer (and I've done hundreds) I try to place the magnet on the top part of the wheel when it stops spinning. That's generally near the valve stem. The hole for the valve stem makes that side lighter. The steel pins that hold the rim seam together make that side heavier.

I'll be glad when it gets warm enough to ride my bike.

And miss these wintertime threads?

I just want a pair of normal Black plastic Presta valve caps without having to order them from BF Egypt or China.

I have some I'm not using. I'm not sure what # state I'm in, however. Need to bone up on my WA state history.

QBP had some aluminum p/v caps, but now I wonder where they can be acquired ..
they stopped, or I haven't seen them listed for a while..

I wish they'd make presta Tireflys. That would make me happy.

I just want a pair of normal Black plastic Presta valve caps without having to order them from BF Egypt or China.

Send me $0.60 and I'll mail you three or four. use paypal and send to sales(at)Chain-L com. Mark it as Personal so I don't lose half of it to paypal fees.

There is absolutely no reason anyone should need to convince someone who is/isn't using valve caps or stem nuts to change their ways. Regarding valve caps I've not seen any significant difference myself in 40+ years of riding presta. As for stems, it depends on your usage - pumping technique for one but more importantly how well you keep your tires aired. If you aren't conscientious and allow them to get low on a regular basis the tube can creep. If you have a tight valve nut the tube can eventually stretch enough at the base of the stemp to cause a crescent shaped tear. Without a valve nut you will see the valve start to tilt at an angle, letting you know you are not keeping the tires aired and that you need to reinstall the tube properly.