Are some brands' presta cores better than others?
05-20-21, 12:56 PM
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Are some brands' presta cores better than others?
I have a good pump, and know how to use it on a presta valve. Went to air up tires for a ride tomorrow morning, and..........another damn presta core broke! I'm sure I've replaced more presta tubes due to the thin core wire breaking, than due to flats. Didn't pay attention to what brand it was-usually just pick up what the bike shop has on hand. Do some brands have "sturdier" cores than others?
If I wasn't careful airing up and getting the pump head on and off, I'd blame it on user error--but don't think that is the case.
If I wasn't careful airing up and getting the pump head on and off, I'd blame it on user error--but don't think that is the case.
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05-20-21, 02:14 PM
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I can see a core remover tool, and replacement cores, along with tubes with removable cores are in my future! Thx for the advice.
05-20-21, 04:48 PM
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OTOH.. I've pretty much settled on michelin brass-valved tubes, that don't have removable cores. They seem much less flimsy than the alloy/conti style. And, the no-thread stems are a plus.
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05-20-21, 05:18 PM
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the serviceable cores may present a new experience for you. If you use the "adapter" for inflation; when you twist to remove the adapter, the "core" may loosen as well. Resulting in an unwanted loss of PSI. A small smear of black RTV on those threads has been a helpful hack.
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05-20-21, 05:46 PM
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the serviceable cores may present a new experience for you. If you use the "adapter" for inflation; when you twist to remove the adapter, the "core" may loosen as well. Resulting in an unwanted loss of PSI. A small smear of black RTV on those threads has been a helpful hack.
05-20-21, 05:47 PM
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Never noticed a difference. I've broken maybe one or two ever-
if it's a regular issue for you then your technique may need a look.
if it's a regular issue for you then your technique may need a look.
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05-20-21, 07:01 PM
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Schrader tubes are better!!!!!!!!!!! 
I find most of the tubes I use to be of fine quality. Granted I generally don't go for no name stuff but Continental, Schwalbe, Specialized, QBP/Teravail (which I believe are Kenda?), Maxxis...all seem to be just fine and dandy. Removable cores are quite nice as you can screw them back down or replace as previous posters have mentioned and I believe many of those tubes I listed are removable but I haven't really had a whole lot of problems with personal tubes, maybe I have good pumps and pumping skills or probably just luck but I have the Park Tool valve core tool just in case and for a small period would occasionally retighten but then just forgot about it and haven't done it for probably a year or more.
I find most of the tubes I use to be of fine quality. Granted I generally don't go for no name stuff but Continental, Schwalbe, Specialized, QBP/Teravail (which I believe are Kenda?), Maxxis...all seem to be just fine and dandy. Removable cores are quite nice as you can screw them back down or replace as previous posters have mentioned and I believe many of those tubes I listed are removable but I haven't really had a whole lot of problems with personal tubes, maybe I have good pumps and pumping skills or probably just luck but I have the Park Tool valve core tool just in case and for a small period would occasionally retighten but then just forgot about it and haven't done it for probably a year or more.
05-20-21, 08:04 PM
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05-21-21, 09:01 AM
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I've heard tubes with "presto" cores are magical. 
Now, back to my day job.
Now, back to my day job.
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05-21-21, 11:24 AM
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What pump and chuck do you have? I want to make sure I don't ever buy that brand if it's correct use breaks a presta valve.
I really am having a hard time believing this isn't a user issue. Sorry for being so blunt.
I really am having a hard time believing this isn't a user issue. Sorry for being so blunt.
05-21-21, 11:29 AM
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While on a Cross Country Tour I Twice Bought 5 tubes and and Both groups had DEFECTIVE VALVES.
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