Short Valve 700c Inner Tubes

socreativeprojects
socreativeprojects Posts: 7
in Road buying advice
Would be grateful for any information please where to get hold of good quality 700c x 23mm inner tubes with SHORT Presta valves for my 1970s/80s road bikes. To suit the shallow classic rims (such as Mavic G40) the valves need to be about 25 mm and no more than 28mm long - but can't find any anywhere these days ! All help gladly received

Comments

  • arlowood
    arlowood Posts: 2,561
    Drop by your nearest Halfords. I think these might be suitable but at least with that type of packaging you can check out the length of the valve fairly easily.

    https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/inner-tubes/halfords-presta-bike-inner-tube--700c-x-18-25c
  • thecycleclinic
    thecycleclinic Posts: 395
    edited December 2019
    All valves now are at least 40mm long now. There might be some brands doing 35mm long valvesd tubes about but shorter is extinct now.
    www.thecycleclinic.co.uk
  • socreativeprojects
    socreativeprojects Posts: 7
    thecycleclinic said:

    All valves now are at least 40mm long now. There might be some brands doing 35mm long valvesd tubes about but shorter is extinct now.

    Sadly you seem to be right. I've broken several 35 mm valves for the simple reason that the stems flex in the rims when a push-on pump is used at the roadside. And no self respecting racing cyclist ever uses retaining nuts on inner tubes ! I'm surprised no manufacturer is producing short stem valves again with the growth of "fixies" using vintage frames and often wheels, and a resurgence of interest in classic road bikes. By comparison, vinyl records and now even cassette tapes are back in production because retro is in vogue :)
  • socreativeprojects
    socreativeprojects Posts: 7
    arlowood said:

    Drop by your nearest Halfords. I think these might be suitable but at least with that type of packaging you can check out the length of the valve fairly easily.

    https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/inner-tubes/halfords-presta-bike-inner-tube--700c-x-18-25c

    Thanks I'll certainly give it a go ! Perhaps us vintage bike enthusiasts should do what classic car clubs do - get together in a buying syndicate and have a batch of suitable inner tubes manufactured. I've often bought such parts for my cars and it's surprising how cheap they can as it's done on a not-for-profit basis :)
  • amrushton
    amrushton Posts: 1,253
    There arent enough vintage bikes to warrant production (but if you feel there is a niche in the market why not set up a business to manufacture them)?. 42mm is as short as they go.
  • arlowood
    arlowood Posts: 2,561
    socreativeprojects said:


    Sadly you seem to be right. I've broken several 35 mm valves for the simple reason that the stems flex in the rims when a push-on pump is used at the roadside. And no self respecting racing cyclist ever uses retaining nuts on inner tubes !

    Two options spring to mind to avoid the problems you describe with the longer valve stems. First is to switch from a push on to a screw on pump for roadside puncture duties. I've used Lezyne pumps over the years and found their screw-on design to be more reliable than many of the push-on types. Their mini HV pump is worth a thought

    https://www.evanscycles.com/lezyne-tech-drive-hv-mini-pump-EV163139

    Also I still use the valve stem locking nuts to prevent any instability. Maybe I'm not a self-respecting racing cyclist but, hey-ho, who's going to notice when I'm on the move.
  • mrdsgs
    mrdsgs Posts: 337
    zipp 37mm?
    Colnago Addict!
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Found a 33mm for you.....
    https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TUPAPITPV/panaracer-premium--inner-tube
    Panaracer seem to be the only major company still listing valves under 40mm
    https://www.panaracer.com/lineup/tube_accessory.html
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • socreativeprojects
    socreativeprojects Posts: 7
    Thanks for the advice guys - only just back on here after a long lay-off. I'll try the Panaracer tubes :) !
  • Charlie_Croker
    Charlie_Croker Posts: 1,698
    socreativeprojects said:

    thecycleclinic said:

    All valves now are at least 40mm long now. There might be some brands doing 35mm long valvesd tubes about but shorter is extinct now.

    Sadly you seem to be right. I've broken several 35 mm valves for the simple reason that the stems flex in the rims when a push-on pump is used at the roadside. And no self respecting racing cyclist ever uses retaining nuts on inner tubes ! I'm surprised no manufacturer is producing short stem valves again with the growth of "fixies" using vintage frames and often wheels, and a resurgence of interest in classic road bikes. By comparison, vinyl records and now even cassette tapes are back in production because retro is in vogue :)
    Use the lockring

    ...now you know what it's for

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