I've thought about removing them, but I think they help keep the valve stable while applying the pump, etc. My solution was to buy some small o-rings that I can slip onto the valve and snug down to the nut.
I'd rather be swimming...biking...running...and eating cheesecake...
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2008 Cervelo P2C Tri bike
2011 Trek Madone 5.5/Cobb V-Flow Max 2007 Jamis Coda/Terry Liberator
2011 Trek Mamba 29er