I hate presta valves!

[Aquila]

I broke off my first presta stem thingy, and my bike shop suggested I switch to tubes with a longer metal piece. I don't know why, but I do find it easier to manage.

[Mr. SR500]

Sounds like a better pump would help. Don't laugh, but Nashbar has the best pump ever:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...All%20Products

[Crankin]

We always buy the longer stemmed tubes. They are not as easy to find, but all of the on line stores have them and we buy a lot at a time.

Having a good pump helps, too.

[Aggie_Ama]

+1 on longer stems. They are more expensive at the LBS but worth it. Our mountain bikes have shorter stem presta valves and I feel like an idiot trying to put air in those.

[tulip]

I've found that the longer stems are made of what looks like brass, which seems to be stronger than the shorter ones, which are made of what seems to be steel or aluminum. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find brass stemmed tubes for my Bike Friday, but I do have them on my Luna.

[Karma007]

Anyone else bend theirs, messing with the pump?

[ilima]

Specialized pumps rock.

I've tried Topeak/Joe Blow and Blackburn and neither is as good as my friend's Specialized pump.

Word to the wise--Blackburns come with a lifetime warranty; the Topeaks with a 90 day warranty (at least they did 2 years ago). Guess when mine broke? Day 93.

And the longer stems are helpful, too.

[Grits]

I broke BOTH valves on the morning of the MS150 using my Joe Blow pump. I have been very, very careful since then. I followed someone's advice in a post about positioning the valve on top so that I am pulling down on the pump thingy . That seems to help me avoid wiggling it around too much. I probably need a new pump, but I just hate to buy one. This one is maybe 3 years old. Seems like it should still be ok.

[jaydee]

Thanks so much to everyone for their suggestions. I am so glad that I am not the only one who has been having problems. I had to buy a new tube yesterday so have bought one with a longer valve, so will see how that goes. I also picked up a schrader adaptor that I can try when I am feeling brave. I will overcome!

[fidlfreek]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this but there is a very cheap adapter available that might solve the problem


http://cgi.ebay.com/PRESTA-VALVE-TO-SCHRADER-ADAPTOR-BIKE-TUBE-FRENCH_W0QQitemZ370112191030QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item370112191030&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A4|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

[sundial]

hand pump + presta valve =

[jaydee]

I followed someone's advice in a post about positioning the valve on top so that I am pulling down on the pump thingy .

Tried this when I pumped up the tyres tonight and it did seem to work better. It was easier to get the pump to attach and then when I finished pumping, it was just a quick pull down and it released. Having said that, I will possibly go downstairs in a minute and find both tyres flat.

Can anyone tell me why the difference? Why is there not one universal valve (and of course that one would have to be Shrader)?

[SouthernBelle]

I don't know this for a fact, but have always assumed it is due to the narrowness of road wheels. Consider that if the hole for the schrader valve were drilled in a narrow road wheel it may effect the integrity of the wheel.

This probably isn't as true now as it was once upon a time.