I hate presta valves!

[jaydee]

Oh dear, I am not having luck with presta valves. I have just changed from mountain bike to road bike - and love everything about the change except the presta valves.

I have so much trouble just getting the pump to attach properly to the valve stem. And of course, with all that wiggling around, I broke the end off the valve. Thankfully the air stayed in and I was able to ride. But last night I tried to inflate the tyre again, and of course all the air rushed out, meaning a tube change. Only took me an hour to do the change - a new bike so I had not had the tyres off before.

But then I coudn't pump the silly thing up again. I did manage to - after about 20 mins of fuddling around. But of course, the main danger is that all this will have weakened the valve and we will have a repeat performance.

Just venting - sort of know what to do, but not coping well!

So if anyone has any "Presta valves for dummies' solutions??

[tulip]

Sounds like you need a better pump--one with a little hose that attaches to the valve. I'm prone to breaking valves with my portable pump that doesn't have a hose.

[Biciclista]

I hate them too. What a dumb idea. I have just learned to cope with them. Even the more experienced riders have trouble with them, a couple weeks ago I watched my DH
tear the whole valve stem off a tube after he had changed the tire. had to go through the whole silly thing all over again!

[jaydee]

I have a JoeBlow pump so it is quite a good pump. I get caught though because the grey presta adapter comes unscrewed a little bit and then won't clamp onto the valve tightly enough to pump, but just right to let all the air out!

The on-bike pump is very easy to use - when I get it right.

Unfortunately it is the operator that has the problems, I fear.

[sgtiger]

Unless you're running very skinny racing tires, you should be able to get tubes with schrader instead. Some of your cycling buddies might think you're fred though.

Also, there is a valve adapter available that screws over a presta valve to make it compatible for a schrader pump head. They're around a buck and most LBSs have them in a jar on the counter. I carry one around in my tube patch kit, just in case I ever forget my pump (luckily I didn't need it that day and I was on a ride with a lot of bike mechanics too) again and need to use the gas station air pumps. Haven't had to use it yet. I'm very forgetful and even rode off without my helmet once. Oops!

ETA: Here's what they look like:
http://www.ebikestop.com/innovations...brass-4381.php

[flash]

I feel for you! I have sheared off the presta valve end too. BUT, don't give up on them just yet! With a tiny bit of practice, and a good quality pump, you will quickly learn to love the presta valves! I, also, hated the valves at first, but then my DH patiently showed me how our particular pump worked for those valves. If you aren't sure, then put on your best smile & ask your local bike shop to show you. I bet they would love to help! Each pump is a little different & I personally prefer the kind that twists to lock on to the valve stem (like the old school blackburn models).

[RolliePollie]

I fight them too! Today I broke one off while changing a flat out on the road. Got to patch my old tube and do the whole tire change over again. Not exactly my idea of fun. I have bloody fingers from the ordeal.

My LBS guys told me to spit on (or in) the pump valve thingie to get a better seal. This may sound gross, but it works for me. I seem to get the air into the valves much easier if I "moisten" the pump first.

Also, I figured out a trick with my frame pump today (this was after breaking the first valve stem off). I layed my wheel in the grass and found a rock to put under the pump so it was parallel with the level of the valve. Then I was able to pump up and down without the valve getting twisted or bent because the pump stayed in one place. This probably doesn't make sense. I'd have to draw a picture.

[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.