Rookie mistake with Mini-Pump.........

[jay clock]

I have had problems with Conti tubes and stopped using them. Cheap online tubes with slick valves are fine for me.

 

[chappers1983]

So basically, its the Conti tubes that are the problem more than anything?

My nearby bike shop (I won't refer to it as my LBS as its a major retailer.........) stocks Specialized tubes which I noted someone refer to earlier. Do they all have one-piece valves, or is it a specific type/model I need to get for that. Any other brand of tube come highly recommended?

 

[mjr]

Schwalbe and vavert tubes work for me. I won't buy Spesh since the Roubaix hijack attempt.

 

[EasyPeez]

Schwalbe

Are these one-piece? I use Scwalbe tubes and am now vaguely terrified by the prospect of the scenario discussed in this thread!

 

[youngoldbloke]

Don't worry about it - if the valve core is removeable you should be able to see flats - if it is, either get hold of a presta valve core tool (around £1 or so), or a spoke key (see my post above) or even use a chain tool to tighten the core (but don't overdo it!). I carry a spoke key and the no. 12 slot fits. BTW I understand that removeable cores enable you to put 'slime' into your tubes - not that I would ever use the stuff.

 

[Tin Pot]

Out of seven Conti tubes over the winter, 3 have had the cores come out. One came loose weds morning actually. Screwed back in fine.

It's annoying. I've found that leaving the valve caps almost loose helps.

 

[chappers1983]

Out of seven Conti tubes over the winter, 3 have had the cores come out. One came loose weds morning actually. Screwed back in fine.

It's annoying. I've found that leaving the valve caps almost loose helps.

I'm seeing a theme here. I'd used Conti tubes for years with no problem. Now all of a sudden, thats 3 Cores I've had come out since Xmas.

Schwalbe's are being purchased tomorrow

 

[fossyant]

Conti tubes do that a lot. Blooming hate them.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Michelin for me. Smooth stem, no threaded collar, and leave the valve cap off anyway.

 

[Louch]

Nice to learn this as thought it was my error that this kept happening to me last year with same pump. Will have a look for one piece tubes to use instead

 

[hobbitonabike]

After looking for a new mini pump and reading the reviews on wiggle for the race rocket it appears to be a problem many have had with this pump.

 

[arallsopp]

You can have the same problem for more money with almost all of the Lezyne pumps.

After getting caught out in a similar fashion, I've learned to tighten the valve cores on my spares as soon as I receive them.

That way, its even more embarrassing when you stop to help someone struggling at the side of the road, expertly remove their tyre, locate the hole, patch it for them whilst offering encouraging words about these things always being problematic and not to worry, re-inflate a touch, check tube and tyre are seated well, bring it up to full pressure checking the inline gauge throughout, talking the owner through the steps of finding operational PSI printed on their tyre, and how its not as complex as it looks, then finally, when all is done, removing pump and receiving a sharp appreciative whistle from the empty valve stem.

Its only happened to me three times. I *am* learning.

 

[jefmcg]

Just like to raise my hand and say "me too". Quite a few times with my lezyne micro floor drive, and a few Saturdays ago with @vickster and her lezyne pump. Felt like such a fool, because I'd developed a habit of giving the core a prophylactic tighten before pumping it up, but had forgotten.

 

[HLaB]

Michelin for me. Smooth stem, no threaded collar, and leave the valve cap off anyway.

Its the same for me usually but I saw a pack of Vittoria which looked the same (smooth stem) but they had the removable core as I found out fortunately I had a second tube but still