Originally Posted by
Chris_W
I also work in a bike shop, and we recently had problems with a batch of tubes (from a major brand) that had problems at the valve hole very soon after installation. I'd be keen to hear if anyone knows of a brand that is still managing to avoid this problem.
I've had the problem with Kenda tubes sold as REI's brand. The Michelin Airstop tubes I now use have a reinforced area at the stem base about twice as large as the Kenda's. I've had no problem with the Michelins.