Maelochs

Y'all need to head over to "Living car free" and show people that a ridiculous thread doesn't have to hurt.

I sit in front of my computer in the virtual presence of genius, and I am properly in awe.

AlmostTrick

Now you all have me thinking I need to up my game. Those light up caps are hot, but may be a tad over the top for a humble cyclist like myself. Hopefully, these Swarovski Crystal valve caps will more subtly show my superior taste in bike details...

SquidPuppet

No. Don't fart around. Do it right.

Saddles and bar tape should match, right?

So should valve cap crystals and bearing grease. So, if you care about speed, you have to use the ones that are the same color as the much coveted, super expensive Dura-Ace grease.

Joe Bikerider

When I started at the bike shop circa 1968 Jacques explained that these are just to be thrown off the side of the road if a tube was replaced. Along with the nut. Worked for me ever since. Of course in the shop at least an attempt would be made to hit the central trash receptical. No big deal otherwise, whoever swept up would get them.

FBOATSB

Velominati rule # 60. Your welcome.

jefnvk

Far better than dealing with the icing on the lock nuts I had to deal with last time I had a flat on the fat bike at 5F, because I lost the cap in a parking lot somewhere.

Nermal

Ya, sure. For the half revolution from 3 o'clock to the 9 o'clock position. The other half revolution is all gain while the valve stem acts as a sail.

AlmostTrick

OMG, thanks for looking out for me regarding this, Squid. Boy, to think how foolish I almost looked!

mcours2006

I never bothered with them until recently when riding in slush, snow, dirt, and general grime. I'm afraid that the valve is going to seize one day, so back on it goes. Cool, right?

bogydave

Well they protect the tube in the saddle bag

MikeyMK

I only use Schrader, but never the caps. From cars to bikes, the caps have just proven utterly worthless for the last 40yrs. Even on MTB's where i'd get the bike muddy, i never had a problem with a valve because it hadn't been protected by a cap.

Once the brass thread has tarnished they're subtle enough, i can just use the valve whenever. Ain't got time for valve caps.

Deal4Fuji

obviously not made in 'merca

MarcusT

As far as this discussion as gone, I've decided to take an extremist view on the subject. As you read this I am plotting. I am scanning Ebay and Ali Express for a gross order of Presta valve caps. I will buy at least 1,000. Then I will stalk the circuits normally used by cyclists, and every wheel I find missing a cap, I will put one on. Then I will sit back and watch my plan unfold. As these poor suckers try to get back up to speed and their iron horse begins to lag behind, as they struggle and gasp for air, Steering affected, nimbleness reduced, cool factor minimized, I will be rolling my hands and laughing my evil villain laugh.

79pmooney

I think they are cool. I've been saving them for years. Gotta small can of them. I have a little ritual for all new tubes. Unscrew the cap and nut, but in the can and install the tube. Problem is, I haven't found a good use yet for those caps and nuts. But they gotta be good for something. They are just that cool!

But re-screwing it onto the tire so I have to unscrew it after I flat? Then keep track of it so I can screw it back on? Seems like wasted effort to me. And I have had way too few instances where a cap even might have made a difference for the better.

Ben

79pmooney

I never had an issue with valves working riding sewups on salt New England and Ann Arbor, MI roads in my days before owning a car. And I never used a cap. (My collection - see post above - started then.)

Ben

Stormsedge

I have orange caps on my black and white bike. Why? Now we have a conversation!

Jim from Boston

A couple years ago I exchanged this banter:

kcblair

Same here, never had an issue, using them is added weight and loss of aerodynamics . KB

Maelochs

Oi ... you people must have studied physics in some reputable, accredited school.

Here's the real deal: as the valves-With Caps--pass vertical and begin falling, the exert a gravitational force on the rim, accelerating it. Now some of you who think you "know" physics will try to claim that the same force is lost as the valve rises up the back half of the revolution- --BUT ...


the improved aerodynamics (engineers spent a Lot of time shaping those caps) means that the force needed to lift the capped valves is reduced compared to an uncapped valve ..... thus you actually gain energy.

If your valve caps were big enough you could (theoretically) power your home by riding your bike.

Unfortunately the weight and drag associated with storage and transmission devices outweigh the energy gain, or we'd all be punching in to do our eight-hour riding shifts each day to keep the utility companies in business.

asmac

Are people joking about the weight and aerodynamics of valve caps? And the time to unscrew them? Really?

bogydave

Yes

asmac

That's a relief. I've seen some strange things on BF and this was sadly believable.

ksryder

Little known fact: As Tom Simpson was climbing Mont Ventoux, he looked down and realized his mechanic had left the valve caps on. He had a heart attack out of sheer embarrassment.

Later they said his death was due to mixing booze and amphetamines -- the family made this up to protect his reputation.

ttusomeone

I just wanted to save the ~10 seconds when airing up tires each time I rode by not having to remove them, keep up with them, and install them back.

fietsbob

Don't come back here complaining, asking 'what do I do?', when you shear off the little P/V lock-nut, and the valve seat falls inside of the tube.