Hi. I had brought my back wheel to the LBS to get trued. While it was there, the LBS told me that the tire was particularly worn, and needed replacement. While I was going to get one of the internet and do it myself, they had a very good deal on a Michelin Pro Race, so I just let them replace it, with a new tube as well.

Anyway, not more than two or three rides after they replaced tire/tube, I had a flat. I figured I had just hit. I didn't have a patch kit or tools on me (i wasn't far from home), so I walked it back home. Unfortunately on my way back I became stuck in a severe thunderstorm w/ torrential winds and downpours. But that is a different story.

Bah, I digress. Anyway, I noticed that the flat was caused by a severed valve. When I tried lightly inflating the tube beforehand, somehow the pressure caused the valve to completely detach from the tube.

So this most likely was not the cause of a impediment i hit, but rather a defect in the tube, or perhaps the LBS putting on the tube wrong. I've put on enough myself to know that if the valve is at too much of an angle, it can put a lot of pressure on it, causing it to tear. What do you guys think?

I don't really care one way or the other, tubes only cost $5, but it would be nice to know what happened. Like any true patriotic, god-fearing American, I must find someone to blame other than myself.