So, I’m trying to put some air in the new 606’s and searched ST for some answers as to why it was so difficult when using the Zipp extenders.
First, I need to make sure my LBS left the presta valves open.
Second, I need to make sure there is plumbers tape around my tube valve. I didn’t put this on, but will get some tomorrow.
Third, I need to exert brute force to get air into the tire, however, my tire pressure gauge, like all others, won’t read accurately…
So, despite not having plumbers tape on the threads, I accomplish 1-2-3 and can get air into the tire, but my question is how do you accurately know when you have the right amount of air in the tire?
Vittoria extenders are some of the best around IMO. They are an extension of the valve itself, as you unscrew the core, put in the extension, then reinsert the core into the end of the extender. They have teflon seals built into the extender, so no tape is needed (although it can’t hurt) and you are able to open and close the valve. They are available in 2-3 sizes depending on how deep your wheels are and come with a handy little tool for removing and installing core and extender. They also make the Bontrager branded extenders.
I suppose I should mention that I am using clinchers and tubes without removable cores…I guess I am wondering if there is a best valve extender as the Zipp ones get ripped pretty badly. I found a note on the HED site that talks of the teflon tape and indicates that the bike pump gauge will work, so I will try that as well.
There are a few clincher tubes that have replaceable cores. I think Michelin and Conti both make them, and maybe Vittoria. Or you could just get long stemmed tubes… Michelin makes an 80mm tube that should work with your wheels.
if you teflon tape the threads on the valve and get a good seal with the pump the pressure gauge should read properly. if there is air leaking from the valve/extender connection or extender/pump connection then you have to pay close attn to where the gauge needle goes to on every down stroke. That is your tire pres.
So, it sounds like for this set of wheels, I should drop the money and get tubes with removable cores and the Vittoria extenders.
With regard to long stemmed tubes, if the rear wheel is 82 mm deep on the 606, will I still need an extender on an 80mm valve?
Bob
Here’s another “closeable” option that works on tubes without removeable cores. It has a center rod that “grabs” the valve nut allowing you to open and close it:
I’m currently running one of the 50mm extensions on a tube with a typical 40mm valve stem length on an 808. There’s plenty of length to get a pump head on.
So, if your 808 rear is 82 MM deep, that means you have 9mm of stem to grab onto and that’s enough? I was fearing that wouldn’t be enough.
I was going to do a 60mm stem with a 31 (Vittoria) or 40 MM (COnti) adapter for a total of 100…
So, if your 808 rear is 82 MM deep, that means you have 9mm of stem to grab onto and that’s enough? I was fearing that wouldn’t be enough.
I was going to do a 60mm stem with a 31 (Vittoria) or 40 MM (COnti) adapter for a total of 100…
Bob
Oops…I “misremembered”. I just took a look at the wheel and realized that I had used one of my tubes with a 60mm stem (non-removeable core). With the 50 mm extender that leaves just shy of 30mm sticking out of the rim, which is plenty of length to get the pump head onto. Sorry about the confusion.
