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Zipp valve extenders

Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
in General Training Discussions

I have these valve extenders (www.zipp.com/accessories/detail.php) on my 404/808 wheels, but am having a really hard time 'seating' my bike pump to get air into them all the time.

The pump will 'lock' onto the valve extender no problem, but 98% of the time I either get a leak with every pump, or a super-hard resistance like the valve isn't open at all.

What gives? Any advice?

Comments

  • manconamancona

    The two things I had to do to get those to work is glue the valve open on the innertube and put plumbers tape on the threads before putting the extender on. 

    I rode on them a ton for wo years like that and never had a problem, but I was bothered by the fact that the pressure reading on the pump was not always accurate (or readible) and it was also a pain to let air out of the tubes.

    This year I am running Challenge latex tubes with removable valve cores and extenders.  So far I like these more more ... just like using a regular tube and I don't have to worry about a leaky extender.

  • Chris GChris G

     

    I have been using these.  While not as good as what Matt suggests they have an o ring making the seal better and the thing you turn at the top grabs and opens/closes the valve underneath.  All that said as I used the plumbers tape the only time I ever had an issue with the zipp extenders is when I hit a pot hole hard enough to let air out of the tire.  I think a lot of it has to do with what pump you are using.  Mine actually clicks when it fits over the extension.

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    I've only got two valve extenders, that came with my wheels. So you just carry around plumbers tape if you need to change a tire?
  • Chris GChris G

     Well I guess you could either carry a piece or use the old one.  I have an extender installed and ready to go on my spare on race day.  One less thing to worry about.  Once you get some good ones you will have a spare 

  • manconamancona
    Like Chris, I have a spare with an extender installed and ready to go. Just get one spare extender the length you need for the 808 and you will be set as it will work fine in the 404 as well.

    Also, after you put the tape on th threads, use a small allen key to tighten the extender. I believe it is a 2 or 3 mm head inside the zipp value extenders so you can get them nice and tight.

    I haven't tried the Topeak exteneders Chris mentioned, but a number of people have suggested them so I would think they work very well.
  • DocHoffartDocHoffart
    Scott,

    Pretape your spare tubes with plumbers tape (Make sure you wrap it in the correct direction to avoid unraveling when installing the extenders). When you use co2 most devices seal just fine as you have to push them on.

    As for using your pump...it helps to have an extra set of hands to inflate using those. I can be that set of hands at Vineman for you,

    Vince
  • redmannredmann
    The 404 is shallow enough that you could use a tube with a longer stem, negating the need for the extender. I have Aeolus 6.5s and using an 80mm stemmed tube works great.
  • krisfkrisf

     

    These are the absolute BOMB!  You actually take off the valve tip off the tube and screw extender on thereby bypassing any potential leak spots!  They aren't cheap but well worth the peace of mind!!

  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    I use the Topeaks as well, and the little interior bit screws in and out just like it was the normal valve with my tubes (Michelin latex). I used plumbers' tape to get them to seal onto the tube well, and then the little twisting action doesn't threaten to loosen them.
  • David FlintDavid Flint
    I like the Vittoria extenders - work well & obvious combo' with my Corsa tubs that has removable standard valves. The 'always open' Zipp extenders worried me a tad.
  • Bob IrwinBob Irwin
    I second the Vittoria extenders. I have them on the Vittoria tubes, and they really work well. I carry butyl spares with 80mm stems. Works geat for 60mm rim - don't know if that would work for your rear wheel.
  • Craig WatsonCraig Watson

     I tried the Zipp Extenders and kept running into the same issues everyone has expressed. I even brought plumbers tape with me on my rides - that just made me feel awkward.

    Then, I bought the same Topeak extenders and they are AWESOME!!! Easy on, easy off, easy to load, - highly recommended

  • Spokane_AlSpokane_Al
    I race with Zipp 808s and today I got rid of my Zipp valve extenders. For the second time I went out and attempted to pump up my tires and found one of the tube's presto valves sticking in the closed position. Apparently riding on rough roads caused to presto valve to vibrate and work it self closed.

    And of course, with the Zipp valve extender there was little I could do to fix it. I could not let the air out, or fill up the tire. After monkeying around I finally was able to slide some very long, slim tweezers down the Zipp wheel hole and catch the presto valve and turn it a bit so it could be depressed to let out the tube air.

    That was it. I went down to my local bike shop and bought a couple of extensions similar to what Chris G recommended and installed them and now have access to the tube presto valves.

    I am finished with those plastic Zipp valve extenders.
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