I installed the Silca valve extender that I got with my Flo90s with the Presta valve fully open (but didn’t lock it open) and at some point, after pumping it a few times, the valve fully closed itself. Anyone have any tips on how I can unlock the valve or somehow uninstall the wheel without puncturing the tube?
It’s also a latex tube, so I assume it’s going to deflate enough to remove the tire at some point.
Just like changing a tire, deflate, take the tire off, pull tube, open and then re-install.
Should be that simple
Just like changing a tire, deflate, take the tire off, pull tube, open and then re-install.
Should be that simple
I don’t think I can take off the tires when they’re still at ~60-70psi. The problem is I can’t reach the Presta valve (I didn’t use RVC extenders) to deflate the tubes.
If it were me, I think I would try to take the valve extender off, and then use something long and pointy to stick in the hole of the rim and try to use the pointy tool to twist the presta valve just enough to get the air to deflate.
Stick the valve extender back in there and keep turning it counter clockwise from every angle possible. That usually works for me. Also a flat head screwdriver can get the job done.
Just like changing a tire, deflate, take the tire off, pull tube, open and then re-install.
Should be that simple
I don’t think I can take off the tires when they’re still at ~60-70psi. The problem is I can’t reach the Presta valve (I didn’t use RVC extenders) to deflate the tubes.
Could you puncture the tire/tube with a knife?
wouldn’t using a pin to puncture the tire be better? Wouldn’t a knife would cut the casing and basically ruin the tire?
This is why removable valve cores are the way to go.
Latex? Yes just wait a while if you don’t need the wheel right away. Then get thee tubes with removable valve cores and some extenders to match. (Do carry a traditional extender with you in case you need to borrow a tube from someone.)
Having never used that type of extender perhaps my comment is totally stupid… that being said. can you not just straighten a paper clip and depress the valve?
I always use the removable valve type, perhaps those are in your very near future.
Try unscrewing the valve extender, flipping it around, and sticking it back in to deflate the tube. If the valve isn’t all the way shut, you should be able to deflate it enough to get the tire off. It did the trick on my Flo90 when the same thing happened to me.
Unrelated, but I personally would swap out the Silca valve extender for something else. I flatted in Kona this past year and broke the Silca one in half while changing the tube. I ended up hanging out at mile 90 of the bike until tech support arrived.
Kevin
There are some valve extenders, I think Topeak might have them, that have a center insert to open and close the valve core. They have a “fitting” that slips over the knurled nut on the core and grips it so you can spin it open and closed.
+1 on the Topeak Valve Extender: http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/PrestaValveExtender
I have also had luck using a coffee stirrer. I split the end a little to get it to go around the value.
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I managed to re-open the valve by using the normal end of the extender and just twisting gently at the tip of the Presta valve for a few minutes.
Couple notes:
Latex tubes take way longer to lose full pressure than you think. Gas diffusion is nonlinear and slows as pressure differential drops. After 5+ days, tires are still tight from last pump to 115psi.
It’s very difficult and dangerous to puncture tubes/tires with a knife (http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Things_that_Roll/Tires/Sealant_Test_-_Part_1_4147.html).
I’m definitely thinking about moving to RVC or maybe the Topeak ones.
+2 on the Topeak after 10+ years of using them but I still prefer the RVC approach when I can use it.