Just lost my valve.............

[DDYB]

Pumping up back tyre for the first time, didn't realise I had to leave the nut on when I unscrewed it.......... Anyway I had the nut in my hand, pumped to required psi then when I removed the pump the valve went flying accross my garden........... Never gonna find it now!

Is this something a lbs will stock or would I have to order one, also is it easy to fit a new one?

Before anyone tells me how stupid I am for assuming I could just pump up a tyre without reading how to do it properly.............. I already know.

Really appreciate any advice here cos I'm desperate to get out this weekend after just fitting my computer!

Thanks.

 

[Radius]

You lost the valve? If it snapped off you'll need a new inner tube. LBS £5. Job done. Not sure if that's what you're describing though, and not sure about which 'nut' you're talking about!

 

[DDYB]

Right............... Excuse my poor terminology here.

When I take off the plastic cap off I then had to unscrew another tiny nut which revealed a pin. When I press the pin the air escapes........... It was the pin I lost.

I suppose replacing the inner tube would be the simple solution........... Having made a mess of trying to pump up a tyre wish me luck trying to replace an inner tube! Never had a puncture etc so this is all new to me........... I guess it's something I'll have to learn at some point anyway.

 

[Radius]

Sounds like you've got Presta valves, and you've managed to remove the er, important bit! Normally not fixable, I'd get a new tube ASAP, and learning to replace it will be excellent practise!

 

[DDYB]

Haha.......... Yeah I thought the pin seemed quite important when the tyre went from 120psi to flat in less than a second when it went flying!

Thanks for your help, away to learn how to change an inner tube before I actually try it this time!

 

[Radius]

No problem, and good luck, come back if you're in tears

 

[punkypossum]

That little nut doesn't usually come off tho, even when you do open it all the way, unless you used major force or it was faulty anyway. Good luck with the next one!

 

[Steve Austin]

You may have had a presta tube with a removable core. if you did you can get a replacement.

 

[fossyant]

New tube - you'll need the practice anyway. Put talc on the new tube to help fitting (stops it sticking)....

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Just to stress that you only need to unscrew the nut a few turns. Don't try to remove it completely or you may end up losing another pin!

 

[gavintc]

Just to stress that you only need to unscrew the nut a few turns. Don't try to remove it completely or you may end up losing another pin!

....and more tube replacement practice.

 

[jig-sore]

OK, I'm going to say this again.... get yourself a good bike maintenance book and do some reading. if you can't afford one your local library will have a few to choose from.

take it from the anorak... books are your friend

 

[DDYB]

Thanks for all the advice.

Managed to change it easily enough this morning. It was a blessing in disguise because I have been cycling for months with no idea what to do if I got a puncture so I had to read up on it last night/this morning.......... Glad I changed my first tube in the comfort of my own garden!

Book about to be ordered today.......... Away to have a look for one online. Cheers.

 

[Ademort]

Sounds to me that you had an inner tube with a removable core and the core has blown out. You can buy a new core at most LBSs. There should be a small spanner with the core that allows you to screw the core in and out of the inner tube. Just for information the removable core allows you to fit different length valves to the inner tube and thus allowing you to use one inner tube for normal, medium or deep section rims.
Ademort

 

[Joe24]

I had the little pin in the middle come off before.
I was in Belgium and got a puncture. The bike shop near the campsite wasnt open the day i got it, so i left it till the next day then rode to the bike shop(not far away) It wasnt open that day either so i decided to put abit more air into the tyre with my mini pump. Bad idea!
I took the pump off, and saw the pin drop to the floor. Thinking i was ok i spun the wheel. All air went out
So it was a walk back to the campsite, and a change of tube.