weird valve
 

I was in africa recently and the guy I was staying with was hoping I could send him a decent bike pump when I got back to the US. However when I looked at his mtn bike it had a really weird valve that I've never seen before, it kind of looked some where in between the two types you normally see in the US, any clue what it was, or should I send him a couple tubes and a good pump.

doug

I know what you are talking about but I don't know what they are called or how to pump them up. Your second idea sounds good to me.

Your friend probably has Woods valves, aka Dunlop valves. According to Sheldon Brown they can be inflated with a presta pump.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_w.html

http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_w.html#woods

I believe its presta compatible.

bingo that wood valve is it. Thanks much

Doug