Tubular Tire with Short Valve stem (<30mm) for Zipp Disc?

Triathlon Forum
1

Does anyone know if there are any tubular tires that come with a stock valve stem shorter than 30mm or that has a removable valve stem that can be replaced with a shorter than 30mm stem?

I will be mounting a new tubular tire on my rear disc wheel (2005 Zipp 999). In the past I have used tires with a 30mm valve stem; my disc wheel has very little space to accommodate this length valve stem with a pump adapter (crack pipe). Ultimately, the valve core gets bent from the manipulating of the adapter anytime I pump up the tire. It’s a pain. I have yet to try the Silca adapter but it doesn’t seem to be much different in size than the current pipe I am using.

My research has found that Vittoria has removable valve stems - BUT the shortest length is 30+mm so that doesn’t help. I have reached out to their customer service but not getting any reply. My LBS is not aware of any other tire options that are shorter than 30mm (e.g. Conti, Zipp, Tufo etc).

Anyone know of an option shorter than 30mm?

Thanks!

2

I mounted. Zipp Corsa Graphene last year on my Zipp disc and used the Silca adapter. Had zero issues with the stick valve stem length.

3

Don’t let your rear disc wheel limit your tire selection. Just use a Dremel tool with a sanding drum to elongate the opening a bit. It’s not that hard.

4

I used a Dremel on mine to gain more room for a 36mm long valve stem:

http://warbirdobsession.com/handcycle/zipp-disc-stem-36mm.jpg
.

5

Good idea Richard!

6

Thanks :slight_smile:
.

7

Thanks both of you for the feedback. I can’t say I’m completely comfortable drilling the space bigger. Will continue to see what the best options are. Thanks again!

8

You’re not drilling. You’re merely grinding/sanding away some material to make the space bigger. Not a big deal really.

9

From the school of " been there, done that", my disc is just fine after using a dremel tool to increase the space for a longer valve stem.

It could be worse for you; I had to perform this operation on a 650 disc 😉