Presta valves - trivial question

[bruce1530]

Having replaced an inner tube, I’m now in the situation where one of the wheels has a “smooth” presta valve, and one has a threaded one (with locknut - but let’s not go there...)

“What does it matter”, I hear you ask...

Well - my track pump works perfectly on the smooth one.

But on the threaded one, once I’ve pumped up, it’s a real pain trying to get the head off. (It’s a Topeak ”super chuck” head)

Am I doing something silly?

 

[mjr]

Probably not. Some valve/pump combinations just seem not to work. I've a smooth Panasonic valve which my beto pump is very reluctant to grip, but a truflo pump is OK on.

 

[winjim]

Are you pushing the head all the way on? You don't need to, just go far enough so the business end of the valve is enclosed and the head can seal around the valve stem. That should make it easier to remove.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Threaded presta valves are hard on pump heads as you observed and often destroy the rubber.

Lube it with something - spit or rubber grease or such before fitting the pump head.

 

[slowmotion]

I prefer pumps with a flexible hose rather than some kind of iffy O-ring seal. When you have a puncture out on the road, you will be in a hurry, and it's really easy to fubar the valve stem by accidentally stressing it. Something like a Lezyne Road Drive pump is pretty light. Why suffer?

 

[snorri]

Why suffer?

We are cyclists, we were born to suffer.

 

[slowmotion]

We are cyclists, we were born to suffer.

There is an element of masochism. Rum bunch really.

 

[robgul]

The other option is to use a Presta-Schraeder adaptor (it just screws on when you've undone the knurled nut) and use a Schraeder head pump - much more tolerant on the seal etc. [I use an electric compressor at home and the Schraeder connection is much better]

Rob