Deflating a tire with a broken valve

[OakLeaf]

I haven't tried yet, and I'm probably imagining it's going to be much harder than it is in reality.

For the first time ever, I broke off the nut and the end of the Presta valve core while airing my tire. Actually it was while taking off the pump head, so the tire was up to pressure and I was able to ride. But now how do I change the tube? I don't want to have to stick a pin through the tire!

[Becky]

Can you use something like a nail or a small allen key to depress what's left of the Presta valve?

[lph]

I was thinking the same thing. I don't know what the inside of a presta valve looks like, but presumably you can poke in something that will do the job of the broken off core.

But maybe you won't want to change the tube unless you get a flat, in which case - problem solved. ;)

[AnnieBikes]

You might actually be able to replace the valve itself. A few weeks ago, I unscrewed the cover cap on the valve of my road bike, and it was after riding my touring bike for two weeks, so the valve was sort of "stuck". The cap unscrewed the valve itself, a completely separate thing from the tube. So your LBS may be able to replace the valve separately from the tube.

[redrhodie]

Would a valve extender help?

[DebW]

Some, not all tubes, have replaceable valves. You can ask at your LBS, but they may prefer to just sell you a new tube.


You might actually be able to replace the valve itself. A few weeks ago, I unscrewed the cover cap on the valve of my road bike, and it was after riding my touring bike for two weeks, so the valve was sort of "stuck". The cap unscrewed the valve itself, a completely separate thing from the tube. So your LBS may be able to replace the valve separately from the tube.

[marni]

if nothing else works, scrap the tube- stab it with a knife or something and move on with a new tube.