Valve stem question

[DebW]

There are stem extenders you can screw onto regular valves to make them longer. I carry one in my on-bike repair kit just in case you need to use a standard valve in a deep V rim. I wouldn't use this technique on a regular basis, but it could save the day if you're in a pinch.

[bike4ever]

Generally, there are three valve stem lengths. They often come in 38mm, 48mm, and 60mm. The 60mm are the longer ones. Many shops stop the middle size, but I know we try to keep in stock a small number of the 60mm. I'll be honest, I really have never paid attention to what Performance carries. Since I work in an LBS, online bike companies are taboo.

[NoNo]

Thanks for the replies. So in theory I can use a regular length stem, but it just makes inflating it a pain. I have to pick and choose what I get for my LBS. Things are tight, I'm sorry. If I can get 2 or 3 tubes online for the price of one there, I'm going online. I've dumped plenty of money there, it's not like I don't show my face.

[OakLeaf]

How deep is your rim? I very much doubt if deep aero rims came stock on that bike. 2 cm longer than the depth of your rim is plenty IMO. Especially if you save the little nut that comes with most tubes, that holds the stem in place and makes inflation from zero a whole lot easier. How long is the stem on your old tube? Did it seem okay to you?

You don't want stems that are too long, either. They're heavy, for one thing, harder to carry in your seat pack, and easier to tear off because there's just that much more leverage between the pump head and the tube end. Somebody gave me a long stem tube last year (as a replacement for one I'd given him) and I HATED the thing on my Mavic Aksium rims - stock on my Cannondale Synapse so likely pretty similar to what you have.

[NoNo]

Honestly, they seem way too long to me. There's quite a bit of the stem sticking out. I had a hard time believing the regular stems could be that much shorter, but the bike shop made it sound like I HAD to have the long stems. I think I'm going to take the chance and get the regular stems.

[DebW]

Thanks for the replies. So in theory I can use a regular length stem, but it just makes inflating it a pain. I have to pick and choose what I get for my LBS. Things are tight, I'm sorry. If I can get 2 or 3 tubes online for the price of one there, I'm going online. I've dumped plenty of money there, it's not like I don't show my face.

If you need a long stem, then a shorter stem will not work. The pump head simply will not fit far enough onto the stem to inflate the tube. Be sure you have a long enough valve stem before you're on the road with a flat (though carrying a valve extender could save you).

[GLC1968]

If you need a long stem, then a shorter stem will not work.

I can vouch for that. My wheels aren't super deep V's...but they are deep enough that a regular stem will NOT work at all. It's a pain, but since I always have to carry my own tubes anyway (650's), I just make sure to always buy long stem ones.

I'm at a loss for my new wheels though. They will have the same rims as my other bike, but these are for my bike with the smaller front wheel. I cannot, for the life of me, find 24x1 tubes with long stems. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do if I have the same problem with regular stems that I had on my other bike.

Deb - so those valve extenders are only a temporary solution? Do they make a more permanent version?

[DebW]

Deb - so those valve extenders are only a temporary solution? Do they make a more permanent version?

I've got a Topeak extender, and you have to remove the extender, unscrew the valve, screw the extender back on, and inflate the tire. A pita if you had to do this constantly. But a web search turned up another kinds of valve extender made by Vittoria (other brands available too) where you remove the original valve core, screw on the extender, and then re-install the valve core. So it would work like a normal valve in daily useage, but you need removable-core tubes. You'd need to install this (with a special tool) on your wheels and on your spare tubes, or carry a Topeak extender for the spares.

[ridebikeme]

If you are using valve extenders without a removable core in your tube, many require that you also use plumbers tape to seal from any air leaking. Yes, it's a pain with 24 x1 tubes.... very difficult to find! Good luck in your search!!