Presta Valve Help

chefyong

Hi,
I consider myself a newbie, after 30 years away from road cycling. I am sure this question has been previously asked but I could not find the right answer during my search.

When using tires with presta valve, do you:
a. Loosen (unscrew) the knob on top of the valve as far as it will go or
b. Unscrew it just a little then pump

I have already threw 2 tubes trying fill air but ending with bent valves stems.

Thanks for all your help.

freezing77

Screw it wide open then turn to close approx 1/8 of a turn to prevent it jamming.

Initialised

1: Loosen the knob to the end of the thread
2: Push it down to make sure it's not sticky
3: Inflate it enough to hold shape but not stretch
4: Put the tube washer all the way down so it goes on the inside of the rim (if, like me, you've ever torn a valve off a tube when releasing a pump's vice like grip you'll see why)
5: Put the tube in the tyre and align valve to tyre logos
6: Inflate with track pump to correct pressure (or use CO2 if you're out and about)

keef66

Tube washer??

As above, I normally unscrew the thing all the way then reverse it a tiny bit before attaching the pump. You just need to be careful to keep the pump connector in line with the valve when attaching and removing.

drlodge

keef66 wrote:

As above, I normally unscrew the thing all the way then reverse it a tiny bit before attaching the pump. You just need to be careful to keep the pump connector in line with the valve when attaching and removing.

This ---^ Give the the thing a little press before attaching the pump if you want to check its not stuck, but the pump will unstick it anyway. The key thing is to ensure you attach/detach the pump in a straight manner so as not to bend the value thingy.

cougie

30+ years and I unscrew it a little bit and press it in to make sure its working.

Then pump.

No need to unscrew it all the way back and I've never bent one yet.

Are you holding the pump head onto the valve ?

chefyong

Yes I am.