Continental Tubes
#1
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Continental Tubes
Not sure if this is the best place for this, but anyway:
A year or so ago Nashbar was having a sale, so I bought a small pile of Continental tubes to have on hand. Yesterday, for the second time (out of 2 so far!) I had one of them go bad where the valve meets the tube - just pulled right out! Mercifully, it happened close to home, as I didn't have a spare with me.
Has anyone heard of a bad run of Continental tubes? Does this sound like a warranty claim? I'm not sure I want to use the other 8 or so I have stockpiled.
I used to swear by Continental rubber products! What happened!
A year or so ago Nashbar was having a sale, so I bought a small pile of Continental tubes to have on hand. Yesterday, for the second time (out of 2 so far!) I had one of them go bad where the valve meets the tube - just pulled right out! Mercifully, it happened close to home, as I didn't have a spare with me.
Has anyone heard of a bad run of Continental tubes? Does this sound like a warranty claim? I'm not sure I want to use the other 8 or so I have stockpiled.
I used to swear by Continental rubber products! What happened!
#2
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It apparently is more common for presta tubes to be weak at the juncture of valve stem base and tube, due to a cheaper design. Good luck on warranty but you can try.
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I've read some some people's advice NOT to use the valve nut. Others say use it but don't make it too tight. I don't use them at all and have never had a tear-out. I think their only purpose is to hold the stem while you attach a pump head during inflation. I manage to hold the stem out of the rim by pushing against the tire tread (only necessary when the tire is completely deflated).
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Funny you should mention that. The first one that pulled out I was using the valve nut. But on this one I wasn't. So in this particular case, the valve nut does not appear to have any discernible effect one way or the other.
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No matter what tubes I buy, I take them immediately out the box and make sure that they were not packed with a weird bend at the valve. I re-fold them to make sure there is no strain there.
I have a few 80mm presta continental tubes that I use. Same tubes now for 3 years without issues. I do sometimes use the stem nuts but am very careful with the tightness and leave them on the loose side. I am always very careful when attaching and removing the pump.
I have a few 80mm presta continental tubes that I use. Same tubes now for 3 years without issues. I do sometimes use the stem nuts but am very careful with the tightness and leave them on the loose side. I am always very careful when attaching and removing the pump.
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I've read some some people's advice NOT to use the valve nut. Others say use it but don't make it too tight. I don't use them at all and have never had a tear-out. I think their only purpose is to hold the stem while you attach a pump head during inflation. I manage to hold the stem out of the rim by pushing against the tire tread (only necessary when the tire is completely deflated).
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Not exclusive to Continental tubes. Rubber does degrade over time and as mentioned, rolling a tube tight to fit into a saddle bag for extended periods can make the valve area more susceptible to cracking. It's unfortunate but can happen to any tube if not optimally stored.
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