CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Bike Valve Issues (in Kampala)

(9 posts)
  • Started 10 years ago by lionfish
  • Latest reply from lionfish
  • This topic is resolved

  1. lionfish
    Member

    Hi,
    Been having problems with the bikes we’ve bought here. We’ve not had punctures yet, but I’ve been struggling to pump them up. I bought a normal pump (compatible with the two types of valve I’m used to: presta and schrader [sp?]). But the pump isn’t very compatible with the type on our bikes. They’re all fairly similar (although there’s a few small differences) but they’re two that have problems. The one photographed doesn’t hold air (it just leaks out fairly quickly) and another one barely lets any air in. I’ve also noticed that occasionally when I’ve nearly got it full something fails in any of the valves and all the air leaks out. Really annoying.

    Anyway, the question is… what is this valve type called, and how do I pump it up? Can I replace just the valve (the long-bit in the photo)? And where in Kampala can I get this?

    Someone on facebook said it’s just like car-tyre valves… maybe they’re different here?

    (photo of the valve innards here: http://africanpostcards.wordpress.com/2014/11/09/bike-wheel-problems/ )

    Update: Found a picture online, maybe a woods valve?

    Posted 10 years ago #

  2. chdot
    Admin

    Yep Woods (or probably Wood's?)

    'Old fashioned' so you need an 'old fashioned' pump with a flexible adaptor.

    Or one of the neat things -

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/stans-no-tubes-presta-schrader-valve-adapter-2014/rp-prod38828

    Posted 10 years ago #

  3. Roibeard
    Member

    I'd suggest that it is almost certainly a Woods valve, AKA a "Dunlop" valve. They used to use that mysterious piece of narrow rubber hose contained in puncture repair kits...

    I've a Blackburn pump that claims to do all three, so it should be possible to find a suitable pump (or swap the tubes) locally.

    Robert

    Posted 10 years ago #

  4. chdot
    Admin

    "or swap the tubes locally"

    If you need to.

    Good thing is that if the rims can take woods (obviously do), Schrader (car valve) tubes will fit too.

    http://sheldonbrown.com/brandt/presta-schrader.html

    Posted 10 years ago #

  5. chdot
    Admin

    "Can I replace just the valve (the long-bit in the photo)"

    Only with the same sort - if it has stopped working (or you've lost it!)

    Posted 10 years ago #

  6. Tulyar
    Member

    Woods are the original bike tyre valve, and are also the ideal valve for riding in the styxx.

    The seal on a traditional woods valve is the rubber sleeve over the bit with the middle drilled out and a hole through it/one side of it.

    No moving parts save for the flap-seal action of the rubber tube over the hole. Tube can be replaced at the roadside.

    You must however make sure the retaining nut seals the valve in to the valve stem, but also if you get good old fashioned tubes the valve stem can be replaced by undoing the nut and clamp plates.

    Presta valve pump should fit but not much to 'bite' on for seal.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  7. lionfish
    Member

    Thanks everyone for the help! It's made it a lot clearer.

    One thing that's a bit weird is that only one of the three valves I've looked at so far has a rubber tube attached, but the ones without I think have a valve thing inside, as they definitely only let air go one-way - if you see what I mean?

    I'm not sure if the one which leaked was due to a failure in the valve or leaking around the valve (as Tulyar said - needs to be sealed properly).

    I've been using a Presta pump (the only one in the shop - one of those that you put on the valve then lift a lever, and it grips the valve). It's one with two holes (one for Presta and one for Schrader). But, while trying to squeeze air through the valve that's not letting air in, I think I bust the pump a little (it now leaks :/ ) and also the rubber grippy bit on the pump has been shredded by the valve - not a great design all-in-all. Someone's recommended a bike shop - vaguely on my way to work - the only problem is my lectures are at 8am and finish at 9pm: So not sure when I'm going to get to go past when it's open!

    Anyway, thanks everyone for helping!

    And glad to see the cycle forum is as strong as ever - I'll be in Edinburgh mid January, so maybe could meet up at a PY!

    PS If anyone is good at identifying snakes, there's a photo on the blog of one that's taken up residence a couple of feet from my bedroom window...

    Posted 10 years ago #

  8. Roibeard
    Member

    Sheldon suggests that the rubber bit has been phased out in favour of a valve.

    Incidentally, what did folk do before Sheldon? I'm so new to cycling I don't remember BS...

    Robert

    Posted 10 years ago #

  9. lionfish
    Member

    Thanks Roibeard! That explains what's going on! (re why some don't need the rubber bit).

    Also thanks for the link! That's an incredible resource! Really a quite impressive and scary amount of information - almost feels like a game of bike-related call-my-bluff...

    Mike

    Posted 10 years ago #

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