Presta valve puncture proof tubes

[Nobody]

I have done this a few times and have had the same tubes for over a year. You will need a presta valved tube, pliers (preferably long nose), sealant (I use OKO but have used others) Optionally a pump and water. Firstly you need to know that there are 2 type of presta valves (PV) available. The first image is the easier to work with removable valve core. It is noticeable by the shaven/flat sides.

I have cut open a tube and taken out the inner of the more common PV.

You will need to remove the "nut" first. Not that the "piston" has a flare at the end to prevent the "nut" from coming off. Unscrew the "nut" as far as possible and then using pliers continue turning SLOWLY. Before the "nut" comes off completely, reverse the turning and screw the nut back on. Now screw the "nut" off completely and keep it in a safe place.

Push the "piston" into the tube and using your finger tips hold the "piston" above the valve hole. If the "piston" falls into the tube you will easily locate it. Optionally you can put water in the tube and wash out the talcum powder to prevent the sealant drying out (remove water).

OKO sealant bottle now comes with a "nozzle" and it fits perfectly over the valve stem "retaining nut" but most other sealants I have used come with some sort of tube. Unscrew the retaining nut to the end of the stem, place nozzle over retaining nut and pour desired amount of sealant in. I usually do more than recommended on the bottle.

In order to get the "piston" head out you will need pressure in the tube. Put the "piston" in the valve and using your pump or blow with your mouth (YUK) get some air in the tube. The pressure will ensure the "piston come out the stem. Using pliers to hold the piston you can now screw the "bolt" back on.

 

Advantages: No need for tire liners. Great puncture resistance. Cheap. Disadvantages: Weight (if thats your thing). You never really know how much sealant is left in your tube.

Edited February 9, 2011 by Nobody

[AndreZA]

But 2 tubes and a bottle of sealant costs the same as a two pre-filled tubes. Good idea non the less if you want to to it to a road bike tube.

[RudoJ]

I think its a great post, thanks for the info dude

[trekpostal]

So what is your advice for tubbies with the piston valve as it becomes a litte more difficult to hold the piston in place?

[Nobody]

Sorry, never used tubbies or seen them before.

 

The pre-slimed tubes are a waste. I tried a couple and they are only good to get you home, not a long term fix. When I went through a large puddle of water the slime became liquid again.

[Renier82]

just use an injection syringe instead of bottle over valve nut.. remove core first ovbiously.

this sealant+tube approach will work with small thorns.

 

cuts and snakebites you are stuffed.

 

other crap is if the sealant doesnt plug the hole in the tube, u cannot patch it anymore because of the sealant reacting with the patch glue.

then tube is in the dustbin.

[RiderX]

just use an injection syringe instead of bottle over valve nut.. remove core first ovbiously.

this sealant+tube approach will work with small thorns.

 

cuts and snakebites you are stuffed.

 

other crap is if the sealant doesnt plug the hole in the tube, u cannot patch it anymore because of the sealant reacting with the patch glue.

then tube is in the dustbin.

 

Try using superglue when you need to patch something that your sealant wont seal. Doesnt seem to disolve like other glues. I managed to fix a hole in my tubeless tyre bead by sticking a longish patch on the inside with superglue and 5 months later its still holding up. I use stans sealant.

 

Edit: Btw nice tip about putting sealant in the tube, Im going to give this another shot I think when I tried this previously with a non-removable valve core tube I didnt pull the valve core inside far enough.

Edited February 9, 2011 by MariusD

[Renier82]

Try using superglue when you need to patch something that your sealant wont seal. Doesnt seem to disolve like other glues. I managed to fix a hole in my tubeless tyre bead by sticking a longish patch on the inside with superglue and 5 months later its still holding up. I use stans sealant.

 

Edit: Btw nice tip about putting sealant in the tube, Im going to give this another shot I think when I tried this previously with a non-removable valve core tube I didnt pull the valve core inside far enough.

 

 

will pay to see tube+superglue+tire-sealant hold up.

tubeless+superglue is different story.

Edited February 10, 2011 by Renier82

[Reg Lizard]

Laat my dink aan die "Leeu Loop" - die stap vir stap verduidelik

[RiderX]

will pay to see tube+superglue+tire-sealant hold up.

tubeless+superglue is different story.

 

How much exactly we talking of here

[MattyG]

But 2 tubes and a bottle of sealant costs the same as a two pre-filled tubes. Good idea non the less if you want to to it to a road bike tube.

I think sum1 doing this will use the tubes they currently have in their bike and just buy sealant and those pre-filled tubes are ***! Cheap pink raleigh slime from makro and game + tubes = amazing I have been using this for 4 years now never a puncture