Originally Posted by
ksisler
Wow... I had always kinda assumed that most folks would simple give the tip of presta valve a little tap with a finger to break loose any stuck ones before putting on the pump head. Am I missing something?
I remember having to learn that back when I first encountered presta valves. I don't think we're born with the instinct
From the OPs recounting of events it would seem there's a chance he didn't tap the valve after unscrewing it. This would explain why pumping didn't work 'til he had let the air out of the tube.