Bob Dopolina 

If you are using a valve extender what length is it?

I am thinking about stocking these items but can't make up my mind what people actually use. I think the kind that lets you remove the valve core and place it at the top of the extender are best. At least I prefer those.

Thanks in advance.

caloso

38mm. I got mine from Schwalbe to fit my Schwalbe tubulars to 50mm rims.

Bob Dopolina 

When I think of all the 50mm carbon wheels out there my guess is that 38mm is the one most often used.

StanSeven

I gave up on them and use tubes with long stems. Conti 80 are my favorites.

Bob Dopolina 

I'm looking at extenders that are similar to the Continental ones. I've used them for years without any troubles.

JTGraphics

I hate valve extenders just buy tubes with the correct valves!!!!! valve extenders edit poll no extenders

Bob Dopolina 

So that would mean I need to buy tubulars with 3 different valve lengths for my team of 6 guys. This means stocking spares in 3 different lengths. Not terribly cost effective.

Perhaps there is another way...oh wait...I could buy a couple of valve extenders and then not have to worry about what tubulars I stock or take to races.

JTGraphics

Yes I have 3 different valve sizes and a stock of about 10 per size 38mm, 60mm and 80mm for myself.
If it were for a team I would certainly would not use extenders, as reliability would be a #1 concern for me as a team sponsor or leader I'd hate for someone to drop out of a race because I was to cheap to supply reliable tubes, extenders leak often and can be a pain to fill and deflate at times.
Give your team what's needed to win and the most reliable not cost effective to save a few bucks I'd be pissed if I were in a race and dropped out because of a $2 part!!! and for you most likely less.

To answer your original question yes 38's would most likely be the best extender don't forget the teflon tape that should go with it.

Bob Dopolina 

I've raced on the Continental extenders (with the removable valve cores) for over a decade and NEVER had an issue or leak of any kind. My team mates have had the same experience. There is no question with the reliability of this part. Pumping the tire is no different than pumping a valve with no extender since the core is right there and not hidden inside the rim.

If we are going to talk about managing resources instead of stocking the extra tubular tires in 3 valve lengths (not TUBES - TUBULAR TIRES) I can save nearly $1000.00US by using extenders. I'd much rather apply this money to hotel upgrades or to help with airfare if we race in Japan or to bring a rider here from Korea or Hong Kong for some racing.

Teflon tape is ok but I prefer a liquid I can brush on that won't tear. Plumbers here use it and I don't know what it is called in English. It is a lot like the silver stuff Shimano supplied in the 90's for BB cups.

BTW, since when does a flat tire mean you have to drop out of a race?

brian416

I use 38mm? Conti extenders on my tubulars. I have both 30 and 50mm extenders that screw on end of the valve that I use with clinchers, but I really only use the shorter ones because they look much better than having 40mm+ of valve sticking out.

JTGraphics

OK Bob you WIN!
Not going to get into a pissing match with someone on a forum as I said 38's done.

Bob Dopolina 

There's no pissing match to be had here.

You were talking about tubes (which I buy 100 at a time for the team) and I was talking about tubular tires. Big difference.

BTW I'd agree about buying the right length tube whenever possible. This is exactly what we do.

I've pretty much made up my mind about what lengths to stock.