Valves

[SWSteve]

I am terrible at looking after the valves of my inner tubes, they're presta valves, I tore the twisty bit out of one when removing the pump, and another I forgot to put the dust cap back on, and now it doesn't tighten completely which means dust caps do not also tighten properly. Is it worth buying a bag of valves which screw into the tubes (I think this is possible) and is this even possible?

 

[wisdom]

Not really an option (just my opinion)tubes are so cheap now.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I am terrible at looking after the valves of my inner tubes, they're presta valves, I tore the twisty bit out of one when removing the pump, and another I forgot to put the dust cap back on, and now it doesn't tighten completely which means dust caps do not also tighten properly. Is it worth buying a bag of valves which screw into the tubes (I think this is possible) and is this even possible?

I've only had a valve problem with Continental tubes. Well apart from cack-handed pump removal, that is. I now avoid Continental ones and take more care with the pump. It sounds a bit like you've bent the head of the valve if it won't retighten enough to get the dust cap back on. Not that dust caps serve any real use that I've experienced....

 

[Shut Up Legs]

If you're careful, you can bend the head of a Presta valve back into alignment. I've bent these valve heads a few times, and (mostly) have been able to bend them back.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

If you're careful, you can bend the head of a Presta valve back into alignment. I've bent these valve heads a few times, and (mostly) have been able to bend them back.

True, but if you're not careful you can bend them in the first place. Who, me?

 

[SWSteve]

I've only had a valve problem with Continental tubes. Well apart from cack-handed pump removal, that is. I now avoid Continental ones and take more care with the pump. It sounds a bit like you've bent the head of the valve if it won't retighten enough to get the dust cap back on. Not that dust caps serve any real use that I've experienced....

Have since put a dustcap back on...and the top of it has come off :/ I'm not hugely worried as can get inner tubes 3 4 10 at LBS so don't know. Knowledge of how to do things and how bikes work is something I do not have so will soon need to learn incase I have any issues.

 

[RWright]

Not that dust caps serve any real use that I've experienced....

+1
I toss the presta dust caps first thing.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

+1
I toss the presta dust caps first thing.

And I keep them on. I have no idea why, though.

 

[sittingbull]

Not that dust caps serve any real use that I've experienced....

I find it reassuring to know that a rolled up spare tube is less likely to p******* itself with a cap in place.

 

[Cycleops]

When removing the pump with the valve at twelve o'clock bang the pump down with your fist instead of try to twist it off. No more broken or bent valves.

 

[youngoldbloke]

When removing the pump with the valve at twelve o'clock bang the pump down with your fist instead of try to twist it off. No more broken or bent valves.

+1
- and dustcaps are only useful to prevent damage to the tube when folded or rolled up. Also the threaded valve collars serve no useful purpose. Leave them off - enjoy the rotational mass saving benefits

 

[Dan B]

Also the threaded valve collars serve no useful purpose. Leave them off - enjoy the rotational mass saving benefits

I duct tape them to the spoke opposite the valve hole so that the valve doesn't unbalance the wheel. This is an especially serious problem with the long valve stems that seem so popular nowadays

 

[Cycleops]

+1
- and dustcaps are only useful to prevent damage to the tube when folded or rolled up. Also the threaded valve collars serve no useful purpose. Leave them off - enjoy the rotational mass saving benefits

Also try leaving the change out of your pockets, although this doesn't affect rotational weight, but you could try leaving your socks off.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Also try leaving the change out of your pockets, although this doesn't affect rotational weight, but you could try leaving your socks off.

I only carry notes .......

I duct tape them to the spoke opposite the valve hole so that the valve doesn't unbalance the wheel. This is an especially serious problem with the long valve stems that seem so popular nowadays

Yes indeed - and not widely appreciated. I expect Team GB have an answer for this - it's all about marginal gains, I believe

 

[youngoldbloke]

... on a more serious note - take a look at Dynamic Balance.