spectastic

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.

bike_boy

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.

shadoman

Look dumb, work fine.

spectastic

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.

MichaelW

They work OK with track pumps or CO2 but be very careful of long valves and short pumps, you can easily lever the valve sideways.

eja_ bottecchia

This...

fietsbob

Get shorter stem tubes, put the others in the road spares Bag, at least it's a Spare..

Yo Spiff

That's the problem that I've had with them. I'll use them if it's all I have on hand, but all my bikes take short stem tubes and I don't buy the long ones if I can avoid it.

BlazingPedals

Weight weenies would probably worry about using a stem that was too long.

AndreyT

Well, if you prefer smooth (i.e. non-threaded) valve stems, then using an extra-long valve stem can actually be useful: you will be able to comfortably use your fingers to hold the stem in order to prevent it from being pushed in when you attach the pump head. Without it you are 100% guaranteed an eventual premature tube failure at the base of the stem (from the stem being repeatedly forced in and out by the pump head).

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.

Nermal

Only after tossing the valve cap and knurled knut.

rebel1916

Most people throw those nuts out immediately.

JanMM

There's probably been a Hints from Heloise column listing multiple non-valve-stem uses for those nuts; don't throw them away - save them for future use.

nymtber

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.

spectastic

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.

four de trance

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.

Bikeforumuser0017

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.

four de trance

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

BarracksSi

I'm wondering how this happens. Are you talking about hand pumps that attach rigidly to the valve stem? That is, they don't attach via a length of hose?

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.

BarracksSi

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.