Zipp 808 tube/valve extender question

coop6

 I'm new to the world of Zipp wheels. I have an 808 front for IMFL.

I initially had a tube/tire mounted with the Zipp valve extender on a 48mm stem tube, locktite on the extender and stem. After trying to inflate it this morning, air was leaking from the end of the valve extender and the pressure reading would not register. Took the tire off, and it was definitely coming from the end of the tube, not the seal with the extender. Any idea what's up with that?

I only have one Zipp brand valve extender (which I broke trying to get it off the tube), but I found a couple knock offs in my basement. Currently, I have a 80 mm stem tube, with a knock off brand valve extender for a 404 size wheel. My tire pump will register pressure and it doesn't leak. Is it ok to use this setup, or should I stick with the Zipp brand?

Carrying the spare with the valve extender looks to be a challenge. It doesn't fit in the bag with my other spare, and if I put it in the bento box, I have no room for the convenience store I'm carrying on my top tube. What's the best way to carry this?

Thanks for your help!

Spokane_Al

I had a number of problems with Zipp valve extenders including riding on chip seal roads where the Presta valve would vibrate its way back closed. I ditched them and went with a standard valve extender with the Presta valve included so I could remove the one in the tube.

I never looked back.

Scott Alexander

I'm with Al, those Zipp (and imitiation ones) kept vibrating closed. So annoying and frustrating to say the least. I switched to some standard (don't remember the brand) valve extenders, which are unfortunately a little more expensive as well as having to buy a lot of more expensive tubes (with removable cores), but it's much better.

Cary Blanco

Great valve extender article over at slowtwitch here: http://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/Valv..._3007.html

Coach Patrick

I agree that riding around with those spare tubes in your possession with the valve extender is really hard. Depending on my Quitman for race day I use one of 2 options:

Option 1: I will use electrical tape to secure the tube to my seat post or frame.

Option 2: I will place the spare tube, or tubes, in the back pocket of my racing jersey.

In fact after my flat at IM Texas, I plan to carry one spare to with the tire lever and CO2 wrapped neatly in my jersey for easier access.

John Withrow

I never liked the Zipp extenders. I use these extenders (which happen to be very cheap): http://www.backcountry.com/tufo-valve-extenders

I keep 1 tube taped externally somewhere on the rear. I cram another one up inside of my seat. It will take a little longer to get to this 2nd tube, but if I have 2 flats, my race time is screwed anyways.

GMAN 19030

First, ditch the open extenders and get the extenders that you can use removable valve cores and the actual valve (mentioned several times above).

Part of the reason I stopped using a Hed Jet 6 or 9 for racing was the extender issue. Using a 60 or 90mm front with a disc (which can only use a 30-something mm valve) was enough to cause anxiety on race day. This meant carrying tubes with two different valve lengths plus an extender and the spanner tool. I finally said f**k that and went back to a Hed H3 front. Now I only need to carry 36mm spares.

coop6

Thanks everyone! This is very helpful!

William Jenks

+1 on the removable valve core tubes and extenders. If you want to be safe, pre mount an extr estender on the tubes you carry. (don't forget the teflon tape!) Race tubes are $17 or so anyway...the carrying costs on a couple extra valve extenders are less than one tube if I remember right.