Valve length choice (presta)-does it make a difference?

[night cycler]

I`m going to get a couple of spare tubes for when I start using the road bike. I always prefer to slip one out and another one in , and repair the puncture in the living room with the fire on and mug of tea at the side when I get home. (Where else would you do it).

The question is, why are there various presta valve lengths available when selecting an inner tube. What are the reasons why you may prefer one length size over another?

 

[TissoT]

There are different rim depths ... hence the valves need to be longer

 

[Racing roadkill]

As above, a 60mm deep rim will need a long old valve, the more common 25 (or there abouts) mm deep rim only needs a shorter valve.

 

[RedRider]

I tend to get the longer these days. Even if your own rims don't merit them it means you can give them to all deflated mamils at the roadside. Signed the goodish Samaritan.

 

[Flying Dodo]

I always go for 48mm or longer valves, as even on normal rims, a track pump head often doesn't have enough space to grip properly on the short 32mm valves.

 

[Flying Dodo]

Of course if you're a weight weenie, then you wouldn't want a 60mm long valve due to the extra weight involved.

 

[mjr]

If you go too long, you may clonk spokes as you put the pump on and off. Which is mucky in winter, at best. At worst, you might not get the head on straight.

And it looks naff, like a broken spoke that's been folded up. IMO.

 

[Dan B]

Of course if you're a weight weenie, then you wouldn't want a 60mm long valve due to the extra weight involved.

Absolutely . And rotating weight counts double

 

[midliferider]

As above, a 60mm deep rim will need a long old valve, the more common 25 (or there abouts) mm deep rim only needs a shorter valve.

Thanks. That is helpful. I bought 3 tubes on line last week but did not understand what is the different. Bought longer ones to be on safer side!

 

[night cycler]

ok. I`ve just measured the depth of my rim and it seems to be about 20mm. The valve on the current tube that is fitted protrudes from the hole about 28mm, so to keep with that I need a valve length of about 48mm or whater is nearest to that.

 

[vickster]

I prefer longer valves, simply easier to get the pump head on. I buy the 60mm ones from halfords generally. Although I do like the continental tube fitted recently as an experiment, but they cost more than twice as much (I buy the halfords tubes at 5 for £9 with BC discount when they have a multi buy on, conti tubes are £4+)