Why would one go with a removable valve core valve extensions vs a fixed valve core extension? I’m looking at the Silca valve extensions trying to figure out which to go with.
I never got a good seal with regular cores and valve extenders, even using teflon tape, etc. I absolutely love my removable cores plus screw-in extenders. I get a good seal even with crappy pumps. The only downside is that when I run my disc I have to carry an extra tube with non-removable core.
Removable cores are great for people who want to add sealant, and those who want an extender that has a valve at the tip.
Personally I hate removable cores. I’ve had a few vibrate loose and cause a slow leak; flats I wouldn’t have had with regular tubes.
Handheld pressure gauges do not work with core-less extenders #CXProblems
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Why would one go with a removable valve core valve extensions vs a fixed valve core extension? I’m looking at the Silca valve extensions trying to figure out which to go with.
I’ve had serious issues getting air into my tires with the fixed valve core extensions; never had any issue with the removable core valve extenders. No leaks, either.
Spot
Removable allow the better extenders and adding sealant. In a few years I think most all of my wheels, training and race wheels will have latex tubes with sealant. They just ride so much better.
Apparently I’m not up on the tire technology…sealant? What is this for?
keqwow,
Historically, the removable valve core was considered totally superior as it had integral seals that meant that as long as it was tightened down properly, it pretty much worked. The fixed type of extender has to form an airtight seal to the original valve which is not always easy due to valve stem geometry not being very well standardized where the seal needs to be formed. The SILCA fixed valve extenders are a bit different than most in that they come with the threads pre-coated with a pneumatic sealant as well as a rubber seal that you place on your original valve…pretty much makes them a guaranteed seal. The other big fixed valve complaint is that you must leave the valve core open to use this type of extender, and it is possible for it to vibrate closed if it isn’t snug enough. We recommend crimping the valve core nut slightly so that it will not be able to thread back down before installing the extenders.
Anymore, the RVC type are 90% of what we sell and are widely considered to be more trouble free over the long run. Even with the advances to the fixed core, I’ve yet to meet a pro mechanics who would even consider using them…I think there is just too much bad history there! Also, with RVC, you have to be sure that you are buying RVC tubes as the Fixed core extenders will work on both types of tubes, but RVC can ONLY work with RVC.
Hope that helps
Josh
I never got a good seal with regular cores and valve extenders, even using teflon tape, etc. I absolutely love my removable cores plus screw-in extenders. I get a good seal even with crappy pumps. The only downside is that when I run my disc I have to carry an extra tube with non-removable core.
Why is this? That is, why would a RVC tube + extender not work with a disc?
I can’t find latex tubes with a removable core with a short enough valve. I’ve heard that the normal 40mm will work fine but I haven’t tried it myself.
Ah, ok. Good to know. I planned on moving to Latex next year and also run a disc. But I’d really hate to carry two tubes.
Ah, ok. Good to know. I planned on moving to Latex next year and also run a disc. But I’d really hate to carry two tubes.
If you use CO2 in your flat kit, your spare tube shouldn’t be latex anyway.
When I bought my Flo’s they came with Silca extenders. I could never get a good fit with them. Although fine when riding, they always leaked when I pumped air into my tires, creating a nice wooshing sound inside the carbon fiber fairing. Yeah, it could have been user error, I’m sure many people can get them to work without leaking, and maybe I could have also with a bit of practice. However the deal breaker for me is that they seem pretty fragile. I used a bit too much force and too little care removing a pump head once, pulling upward on the extender as I pulled the pump head away, and the extender disintegrated at the threads. I switched to removable core and have not had one problem since. I am using Zipp core extenders, because that’s what my LBS has in stock, but the Problem Solvers work well for many people and I believe they come with the little tool you need to remove/install the core (My LBS had a bunch lying around and gave me one). I use the Conti lite butyl tubes. Ironically Flo, which shipped me the Silca extenders, has an excellent youtube video on installing removable core extenders. I’m sure you can find it with a bit of googling.
I never intended to carry latex tubes, but I get your point, and was confusing myself. My (butyl) spare situation shouldn’t change. Thanks.
Flo shipped you Silca extenders for non-RVC only? Silca makes RVC extenders as well. Did you try those?
I had the same issue, and using multiple tubes. I got fed up and just switched to 80mm tubes with a removable core and the Silica extenders that supported 'em. I have the 60/90 combo, so no extender in front.
Flo shipped you Silca extenders for non-RVC only? Silca makes RVC extenders as well. Did you try those?
We just recently made the swap to Silca’s RVC extenders. Most if not all of our wheels are now shipping with the new RVC extenders from Silca.
Flo shipped you Silca extenders for non-RVC only? Silca makes RVC extenders as well. Did you try those?
I believe these are the ones they shipped me, http://silca.cc/collections/valve-components/products/presta-valve-extensions-for-all-presta-valves?variant=819395693. Product description says they are aluminum, and it’s correct, I went back and looked at my remaining unused extender and it is aluminum (will edit my original post to correct). I’m sure their RVC’s are fine, Silca makes good stuff, I just didn’t have any luck with the non-RVC.
Ok. I use a Flo 60/disc combo and want to switch to latex. It seems most suggest RVC, and I have a set of Silca’s RVC extenders for my current setup. So I just need to find the best latex tube valve stem length + extender combo. Ideally I’d avoid any extender at all in the disc, which is the case now with a 48mm stem on a butyl tube. I don’t think I can avoid an extender for the 60mm, as I don’t think latex tubes come with 80mm valves.
Since the Silca valves have the thread tape built in, are they a one-time-use item that needs to be replaced when one replaces a tube?