Right, after suffering yet another 2 tubes ripping at the valves last night I come to you all to ask for help.....
Started off about 3 months ago, started finding I was no longer puncturing, just ripping the damn valves out, this was with Kevlar Panaracer Fire XC Pros on Mavic X317, and using presta valves.....
I tried everything I could think of to stop them going (changing tyre pressure..) including liberally coating the inside of the tyres with talc as I noticed that even using the much-maligned XC4's (that I happen to love) the tyre were slipping a long way round, and pulling the valve with them!
after getting 2 valves go at the same time, decided to go to the LBS, who sorted me out with free replacement tubes and helped me open the vavle hole size up to accept schraeder valves... (and before you ask, the inside of the valve hole is very very smooth :-) )
this seemed to hold up fine round Whites Level, The Wall, and the old 9feet trail, only to go within 5 miles of a ride last night - again, almost both at once!
interestingly, the valves last night didnt appear to at an angle, and after the Afan experience, the tyres had only rotated by about .5inch.... so the talc seems to be working
so what's wrong with my wheels? I havent had any problems like this previously, the only thing I can think of is that while the tread on my Fire XC's is still fine, the beading may not be tight enough - but Im loath to shell out £50 for a new set!
Im gonna swap them over for the Conti Explorers that came on the bike, that left me prone to lots of snakebites etc, but does anybody have any other ideas???
stick a few spots of Evo Stick onto one side of tyre and that should stop the tyre from rotating.As mike says,about tyre pressure,if you're running low it might not grip the bead to the rim.I have some Conti traction pro's on one bike and even tho they are a tight fit,these move and rip valves.Gluing was the only cure.
It's got nothing to do with the bike or the tubes, merely the smiting effect back to haunt you!
Never had any probs with my Fire XCs on 317 with the Avid. Have switched to Conti Vert Pros now though - v. much recommended - get em next time and you'll wonder why you ever used fire xcs!
cheers guys, not thought about sticking the tyres to the rims, although maybe I should have :-)
been running the tyres at about 40 psi(ish)so not too low, the rears always pumped up higher than the front to take the extra weight :-)
tim good to hear from you buddy, life treating you well? at least the smite buttons generally only targeting inner tubes these days (went for a DH ride with no stacks and no breakages :-) )
was considering having to switch to Stans Tubeless, but after seeing the £50 cost, am certainly prefering the evostick option!!
