Short Presta Valve Impossible to Inflate?
08-24-09, 08:28 PM
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Short Presta Valve Impossible to Inflate?
Hi, I just had my tubes and tires replaced by my local bike shop. I have a 2008 Cannondale Road Warrior 2. I have two different JoeBlow floor pumps, and I cannot, for the life of me get a good seal around my new presta valve. It's probably only 2/3rds as long as the previous tube valve. It's really short, and when I try to connect either of my pumps, the air deflates out of the tube almost instantly.
Very frustrated...
Anyone else have this issue? Do you think they just gave me short valve tubes, or am I doing something wrong? I never had a problem inflating the tubes on my old bike. Thanks!
Very frustrated...
Anyone else have this issue? Do you think they just gave me short valve tubes, or am I doing something wrong? I never had a problem inflating the tubes on my old bike. Thanks!
08-24-09, 08:54 PM
#2
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IMO the LBS messed up. Different pump heads require different amounts of stem length. The pump head that can handle the shortest amount of valve stem exposure that I am aware of is the Lezyne design where the pump head screws on to the valve cap threads on both Presta and Schrader valves.
You might be able to use your pump by installing a Presta to Schrader adapter on the valve stem and using your pump in Schrader valve mode.
You might be able to use your pump by installing a Presta to Schrader adapter on the valve stem and using your pump in Schrader valve mode.
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Gear Hubs Owned: Rohloff disc brake, SRAM iM9 disc brake, SRAM P5 freewheel, Sachs Torpedo 3 speed freewheel, NuVinci CVT, Shimano Alfine SG S-501, Sturmey Archer S5-2 Alloy. Other: 83 Colnago Super Record, Univega Via De Oro
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08-24-09, 09:51 PM
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If the pump head is popping off the valve stem when you start pumping you could try replacing the "O" ring in the pump head. Most hardware stores sell a variety of "O" rings. Try one that is slightly bigger in cross-section so that it grips the valve stem more tightly.
Pump heads are easy to replace, there are various designs available. A small hose clamp may be needed.
Something else that can help is to lubricate the "O" ring with a small amount of silicone spray or other non-oil base lube. Some people spit on the "O" ring. A wet "O" ring grips better than a dry one.
I can get my Joe Blow to work on some really short valve stems. Sometimes they're tricky to get started on a newly mounted tire and tube.
I like to use tubes with no threads on the stem. The threads cause the "O" rings to wear faster.
Al
Pump heads are easy to replace, there are various designs available. A small hose clamp may be needed.
Something else that can help is to lubricate the "O" ring with a small amount of silicone spray or other non-oil base lube. Some people spit on the "O" ring. A wet "O" ring grips better than a dry one.
I can get my Joe Blow to work on some really short valve stems. Sometimes they're tricky to get started on a newly mounted tire and tube.
I like to use tubes with no threads on the stem. The threads cause the "O" rings to wear faster.
Al
Last edited by Al1943; 08-24-09 at 09:54 PM.
08-25-09, 11:05 AM
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1. They gave you the wrong length valve stems- you could ask them to swap them out.
2. get a valve extender- a dirt cheap solution. I carry one in my kit at all times, just in case I need to borrow a tube from someone, and all they have is too short for my rims, or if I come across someone else in the same situation.
2. get a valve extender- a dirt cheap solution. I carry one in my kit at all times, just in case I need to borrow a tube from someone, and all they have is too short for my rims, or if I come across someone else in the same situation.
08-25-09, 11:23 AM
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Be sure to remove the round, knurled nut at the base of the valve on the tube. Still won't grab? Get longer-valved presta-tubes. Oh - a Hirame chuck would do the job - but they cost around $70.
08-27-09, 07:30 AM
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IMO the LBS messed up. Different pump heads require different amounts of stem length. The pump head that can handle the shortest amount of valve stem exposure that I am aware of is the Lezyne design where the pump head screws on to the valve cap threads on both Presta and Schrader valves.
You might be able to use your pump by installing a Presta to Schrader adapter on the valve stem and using your pump in Schrader valve mode.
You might be able to use your pump by installing a Presta to Schrader adapter on the valve stem and using your pump in Schrader valve mode.
08-27-09, 02:11 PM
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I had similar trouble but with Schrader valves. Long stem prestas are much easier to find. the shop should replace them or do it yourself with new tubes ... :-(
