Originally Posted by
cycle_maven
I disagree- the nut holds the valve stem tight to the rim while you pump it up with your frame or mini pump. Keeping the valve stem from working back and forth makes the stem less likely to tear free from the rest of the inner tube.
I use the nuts and have *never* had a leak or break at the valve stem, and have used dozens of different brands of tubes.
My mini pump has a flex hose, so this movement isn't a problem. One of the main reasons I chose that pump, actually.
OP, I carry a spare tube and use that first. Should I flat again, I patch. Provided the hole is repairable with a patch, I will patch it at home and that then becomes my spare. I actually prefer to use a patched tube as a spare as opposed to a new tube. With a patched tube I know that the valve is good because I've used it before. I've had a new tube with a defective valve. Makes for a nasty surprise on the side of the road in the dark, when its raining. Don't ask how I know that... I usually limit my patches to no more than 3 or 4 per tube, depending on size and location. Totally abitrary number, but seems to work.