Problems pumping up deep rim tyres

aldon

I am running dalkiia 60mil deep rim wheels on my bike, but have constant problems maintaing high pressure in the tyres. The wheels have valve extenders, which have been changed since I bought the wheels. No matter how much I leave the valves unscrewed within the valve extenders, I always have the same problem: even when the tyres feel a bit soft, it is impossible to pump air into them. The only solution to this that I have found is to deflate the tyres, which is sometimes difficult, then reinflate them. Sometimes, I have to remove the valve extenders to do this. I am pretty sure this is not a problem with the inner tubes, which are the same ones I was able to inflate without any problem before I got the deep rim wheels. Any advice?

pianoman

Nothing wrong with tapping the valve to let a little air out - it breaks the "seal" which stops the air getting in, then all your pumping effort should be rewarded with air going INTO the tube where it is needed.

It works for me every time.

dennisn

I would suggest that maybe the valve extenders are the problem. Not tight enough?
I've seen it happen a couple of times. Other than that I have never used them. Maybe,
some of the guys on here who have used them could offer a brand that works for them.

aldon

Hi PianoMan,

Eureka, or half eureka. Worked perfectly with one wheel, the other is playing hard to get. It is really difficult to deflate at all, having to unscrew valve extender & use it upside down on the valve to get any air out of the tyre first. Using match/allen key down valve extender is no use. Even then have to pump really hard to get any result. How far should the valves be unscrewed?

oldwelshman

get longer valve tubes Extenders are a pain.

hopper1

AFAIK, you can leave the valve fully unscrewed. The idea of the extender is to avoid faffing with the valve at all!
If you can't deflate the tyre using a 2mm Allen Key, there must be more to it... Change the tube.

ademort

I also have Dalkaii 60mm rims and use vittoria valve extenders with no problem. I find that if you unscrew the valve, press it in a few times before you fit the valve extender then the tyres go up no problem, you dont need to screw the valves tight when your finished with pumping up the tyres and usually a few times a week i will put a little more air into the tyre.Usually i use a standard size valve with the extenders and pump up the tyres at home with a track pump. When i am out on the road i take two Schwalbe inner tubes with 80mm valves as these can be easily pumped up to the correct tyre pressure with my Blackburn Carbon Airstik.I must admit that trying to pump up the tyres fitted with valve extenders and using a Mini Pump will just not work.
Ademort

pianoman

TBH I'd like to see more inner tubes made with super long valves, e.g. 80mm. ALL short valve ones are a bit crap...........and what's the benefit, save for a few grams of weight? As if that's even a help with deep section time trial wheels.....weight is NEVER as important as aerodynamics.

As for the valve, don't unscrew it fully or the track pump head won't fully attach. The tip should still protrude over the top of the "unscrewable" part.

Monty Dog

Get valve extenders where you unscrew the valve core, fit the extender tube over the valve stem and then refit the core to the end of the extender - you can then screw the valve down and remain leak-free. You can use regular inner tubes and don't have to pay a ridiculous premium for the long-valve ones. Better ones have O-rings and if you use Loctite hydraulic sealant should remain leak-free.