The Viking

Hello All,

I recently ordered a few Michelin Ultra Lite tubes from PBK. In less than 250 miles, I'm already on the third tube. At first glance the flats seem to be from defects in the tubes, more specifically the valves. The first tube developed a leak at the base of the valve. The second tube leaked through the valve even with the knob in the valve stem was tightened well.

I had expected Michelins to perform better. My question is are these low end tubes? Maybe I just got a bad batch? I'm always open to the possibility that I did something wrong in the mounting process. Any thoughts?

TIA

Jon

fa63

That little knob in the valve stem; do you think you might be tightening that too much? This would put additional stress in the valve area and might be causing the tearing when the tire compresses and then decompresses.

80vette

I run nothing but michelin tubes and have been using the Ultra lites for over a year now.
Zero issues.
Maybe you got a bad run or something.

I spend the money on the Michelin's so I don't have issues.
I will keep an eye on any new ones I get.
Thanks for the heads up.

valygrl

I was having similar leaky-valve problems, and a BSG told me the best tubes with the kendas & (?other japanese model) which get re-branded to house brands like performance.

I have had it with light tubes. I use "normal" ones now. Flats suck.

Rutnick

I use them with no problems. I just make sure I pump them up every day.

SDRider

I've been using the Ultra Lite tubes for over a year with no trouble. I have a few spares around here somewhere but haven't needed them yet.

Adgooroo

OP - I have had 3-4 Michelin Ultra-Lite tubes; never had a problem like yours. I routinely ditch the knurled nut on the valve stem - or, when possible, I get the stems w/no threads - easier on my pump.

steaktaco

Never had a problem.

Paydirt

When you initially put the tube in, over inflate by about 10 pounds and tighten the nut on the valve. It will then stay tight and keep your valve in place.

steaktaco

Ultralights don't have a nut on the valve—they're threadless. I think the OP was referring to the knurled lock on the tip of the valve.

johnny99

I've been using Michelin tubes for years and have never had a problem with them. I think they are better made than anything else I have tried for less than $10. However, I have never had a valve problem with any brand of tube. Could be that yours are defective for some reason. Could also be that the way you are pumping them up is causing the valve stem to deform somehow.

Al1943

Michelin Ultra Lites are my favorite tubes. I've had no defects and I like the lack of threads on the valve stems. Threaded stems are hard on pump chuck "O" rings.

Al

xg43x

I swear by them. Hands down the best tubes Ive ran and I ride around Oakland and we have some of the ****tiest roads.

zvalmart

You might have a sharp edge on the inside of the valve hole in your wheel.

Al1943

Be sure to pump your tires up before each ride. Underinflation can cause slippage between the tire and rim and damage between the stem and the rim. This is common on fat tired bikes not road bikes but I guess it might also happen on a road bike or hybrid.

The Viking

Upon further review, both tubes failed about an inch from the edge of the valve stem. It feels like part of the valve is harder rubber on the inside of the tube extending about an inch from the stem itself. Both of my flats have come where the edge of that inside part rubs through the tube. Not sure if this make sense as I'm not sure of the terminology. After my first flat I inspected the inside of the rim and its nice and smooth with a new Michelin tape. I'm even more puzzled.

TIA

Jon

johnny99

Are you installing the tubes and tires by hand, or are you using some kind of tool?

StanSeven

Are you using the nut that tightens down on the outside of the stem? If so, are you waiting to tighten it after the tire is inflated.

When you say the tube failed an inch from the stem. Is the that failure an inch away still on the outside (stem side) of the tube, rather than the road (tire) side? If so it might be the rim tape. That Michelin tape is crap. It cracks over time and the tube worls it's way into a crack under pressure. Take it off and use the cottom Veloex (sp?) tape.

Al1943

I've this type of defect on other brands of tubes but never on a Michelin. This is a surprise. Where were the tubes made? Michelins are made is various countries including France, Taiwan, and Czech Republic.
I've had no quality issues with Michelin tubes but it sounds as if you have.
In the long run Velox rim tape is better than Michelin rim strips that can crack.

Al1943

As previously pointed out, Michelin Ultra Lite tubes don't have those.

The Viking

Johnny - I've installed the tubes & tires by hand; this is not a pinched flat problem. The edge of the inside part of the valve rubs a hole in the tube; I can feel the hard edge through the tube. The michelin rim tape is not cracked and seems fairly smooth but its pretty hard. I'm unsure of what its supposed to be like. Maybe something a bit softer like the previously mentioned velox (sp) might help.

Thanks again to all,

Jon

The Viking

Stan 7 - The leak is on the inside (the valve side) so the velox tape might be the solution. However, I've not had this problem until I got these Michelin tubes.

Al 1943 - The writing on the box is in English and French. Unless Manufacture Francaise des Pneumatiques Michelin means made in France by Michelin, I'm uncertain where they were maunfactured.

I've also asked PBK if they've had other complaints. In the experience of longer term customers, am I likely to hear from them?

Thanks once again,

Jon

yogi13

They've been my favorite tubes; they seem to work better and last longer than anything else I've tried. If your tubes are failing at a consistent point you probably have some kind of rough spot on the rim or around the valve stem hole.

Oh, yeah, the French statement does mean Made in France by Michelin Tires (or maybe rubber).

TCR

Probably not.

prendrefeu

I haven't had a problem either, in fact they're the ONLY tubes I get now (if I need them, which isn't that often - certainly not as often as you [OP] indicate).

BTW, I *love* the french presta valve - 60mm with no tread! Just a solid brass valve with nothing to loosen on the ride, fits snug through the valve hole in the rim - perfect! If only all tubes were like these.