Just ordered a set of Zipp 404 clinchers and need tubes and tires for them. Thinking about putting Michelin Pro3Race tires on them, but what length valve stem will I need for my tubes? Will 60mm valve stem work? I’d rather get a tube with a longer stem than use valve extenders. Thanks for your help!
the rim depth is 58mm. So an 80mm tube will give you 22mm of extension, which is about perfect. Valve extenders are much more economical, as 80mm tubes vs. 60mm (or 48mm) are usually about $2-3 more expensive per tube. I use 48mm continental race tubes, which have removable valve cores. Combined with the 30mm vittoria valve extenders, where you remount the valve core on the end, it’s pretty much perfect in length, giving me 78mm valves total.
I’ve been ridding a pair of Reynold Assaults which are 46mm deep, and a 60mm stem is just barely enough. So for the 404’s, I would just use 80mm stems and not even worry about dealing with valve extenders. They work, but are a pain sometimes.
80mm. Commercially available. No extenders needed.
Thanks for all the help, guys. Are Pro3Race tires a good match for the 404s?
I run PR3’s on mine. I was pleasantly surprised that I could mount them w/o much trouble at all.