Originally Posted by
Crankycrank
My own experience has been different. I have used at least 30 Schwalbe tubes that get pumped at least twice a week and get used for 3+ years most of the time. (I patch rather than replace). Never had a PV go bad but I rarely have an issue with any brand Presta valve. To the OP, maybe you don't need to get spares yet. If you already have some spare tubes just use the valve from one of them and when you toss an old tube, save the PV for spares. I'm a bit frugal that way but always have spares for friends and people who have destroyed. theirs on the side of the road with ham fisted pumping after a flat.
Thanks. Yes, that sounds like a plan. Get a couple of spare tubes with removable cores. I get very few punctures, because of the tyres I use.
As I said, this being the first bike I've had with Presta valves, I think I was a bit clumsy with putting the pump head on and off. I keep toying with the idea of getting one a
Silca Hiro pump head but they are a bit non-cheap.
Hopefully with more care, now I understand how Presta valves work, I won't break another one.