can a valve stem be too long?
#1
commu*ist spy
Thread Starter
can a valve stem be too long?
I ordered some spare tubes with 60 mm valve stems. I went with the long ones because I have tall double wall rims on both of my bikes. But I think the ones I bought are for aero rims. The valve stick out at by a whole inch more than my regular valve stems. I don't really see this as a problem, but I'm just wondering if others agree.
#2
Lula Mae = 15 lbs.
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Used them on 30mm rims and they still protruded pretty good. Never a problem. Actually, prefer them as it is easier to attach pump nozzle especially on an under-inflated tube.
#3
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Look dumb, work fine.
#4
commu*ist spy
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alright, yea that's what I have - 30 mm rims. just wanted to make sure I don't get any surprises when I get a flat in the middle of nowhere.
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#9
Senior Member
Weight weenies would probably worry about using a stem that was too long.
#10
Full Member
I ordered some spare tubes with 60 mm valve stems. I went with the long ones because I have tall double wall rims on both of my bikes. But I think the ones I bought are for aero rims. The valve stick out at by a whole inch more than my regular valve stems. I don't really see this as a problem, but I'm just wondering if others agree.
But I agree that overly long valve stems look weird, which is why most people prefer threaded stems with a nut to protect themselves from the above issue.
#11
Senior Member
Only after tossing the valve cap and knurled knut.
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Yes, valve stems can be too long, but they will still work just fine
I still use the nut and plastic caps... I don't care what people say, I keep them.
I still use the nut and plastic caps... I don't care what people say, I keep them.
#15
commu*ist spy
Thread Starter
It might be wise to keep them for the rolled up spare tube in the saddle pack, to protect the tube from getting poked by the valve, though I highly doubt that's a real issue. but just sayin.
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I always thought that the expensive wheel companies (Zipp) were taunting me to buy nicer wheels because that extra 2" erect valve stem does look goofy as all get-out!! My stems protrude about 1.5" outside of the rim!! I have Mavic CXP 22's and while they aren't top-shelf wheels, they're tougher than Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction!! Well, no wheel will ever be that tough, but they are some tenacious wheels for coming stock on my Specialized.
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The thing I don't get is that just a longer stem (with the same exact tube) can cost a dollar or two more; like, it's just a soda cans worth of metal which is 5 cents at a recycle center. Anyways, back onto your topic, I guess the only differences would be more aerodynamic resistance, throwing the wheel more off balanced, and higher risk of snapping (of the stem), especially with some frame pumps. However, I suppose a pro of a long valve stem would be the ability to use on almost any rim depth, as opposed to short valve stems.
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I have damaged the stem due to the length being too long in comparison to my wheel. It was right after I topped my tire off pre-ride and I immediately heard the dreaded "hissssssssssssss!" I understand why they make them like that, but I didn't know that smaller stems could be purchased. Now I do and shame on me if I don't do something about it in this day and age.
I say we start a stem-length revolution, who's with me? C'mon, we can start the revolt tonight right after I'm done leading the "my frame-material (carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, tooth picks) is better than yours" rally.
Let's do this because if we don't the world won't be a better place... oh wait, no one but me gives ***** if I ride carbon fiber over aluminum! Oh well... for some reason I always thought that my seat height and the weight of my seat post was right there on the list between the US deficit and homeland security. Is anyone even still reading at this point? :-D
I say we start a stem-length revolution, who's with me? C'mon, we can start the revolt tonight right after I'm done leading the "my frame-material (carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, tooth picks) is better than yours" rally.
Let's do this because if we don't the world won't be a better place... oh wait, no one but me gives ***** if I ride carbon fiber over aluminum! Oh well... for some reason I always thought that my seat height and the weight of my seat post was right there on the list between the US deficit and homeland security. Is anyone even still reading at this point? :-D
Last edited by four de trance; 03-15-13 at 12:43 PM.
#19
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
All of my pumps, even the small carry-with-you ones, have a hose attachment. For rigid, uh.. "non-hosed" pumps, one bit of advice I've read is to lay the wheel flat and use the ground to brace the pump as you push downwards.
#20
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Oh, and for my answer to the OP's question -- nah, it's when your valve stem is too short that it's a problem.