Picked up an early 90s Univega Nuovo Sport in my size for $20, all original components in like-new condition--was struck by the length of the presta valve stem on each wheel--almost 2.5" long! Was it common at one time to have such long valve stems? What was the purpose behind such a long stem, or was it a fad that came & went?

Those are new tubes in those tires that have the longer stems in them for newer aero shaped rims.

OK, that makes sense--for a retro guy like myself riding old 'steel', I never keep up on the latest bike wheel technology! Thanks!