Are road tubes more fragile than MTB?

[JanT]

I've been a mountain biker for several years, and last weekend bought a road bike for some out-of -the-garage workouts. It's an '04 Specialized Allez Sport. This morning I figured I'd better check the tire pressure before heading out for a 3 a.m. ride, added about 5 pounds of pressure, but still more than 10 lbs under the maximum. After I pulled the pump head off, I heard that fatal hissing. I'm guessing it's a valve stem issue, although I was careful, as always, to be gentle with it. Are road tubes more fragile than mountain biking tubes, or did I just get a defective tube? Or do I need to know something more about road tires and tubes? Can anyone help me? Thanks in advance.
Jan

[kpc]

Gaah, help! On the same thread, I just inflated my tube on my Allez Specialized for a ride tommorow. The valve is not the kind I'm used to, I suppose it's European. It has a part that protrudes and you turn that to hook up the pump. When you turn it the air can go in. So, I got to pressure and removed the pump and the protruding part was bent. I tried to straighten it and it broke off! Can I still ride tommorow?

[Veronica]

Sounds like you have Presta tubes. Is there a restraining nut that holds the tube in place on the rim?

If it were me - I'd probably replace the tube. I don't like to do maintenance on the road and who knows how long the bent valve will hold up.

Is it on the front or the rear? Planning any big descents on it tomorrow?

Veronica

[Dogmama]

If it's a presta (sounds like it is) replace it. Tubes are cheap & road rash hurts big time!
Yeah, presta's (on your road bike) can be a little persnickty if you don't get the pump on the valve exactly right. But you shouldn't have a blow out around the bottom of the valve (where is meets the rubber). If so, you may have a defective one.

[kpc]

Apparently mine is a Presta and i'm taking it in tommorow. Thanks for the advice. Guess i'll be riding my hybrid around, but that's so good for my legs!
Jan T, what's it like riding @ 3 AM? Isn't it a little dangerous. But I suppose it's beautiful.