Was riding down the street when the front tire went from full to flat within a second or two. This is what the tube looked like after I got it out. I’ve since replaced it, but I’m a little worried for the new tube since I don’t know what could have caused this one to tear like it did.
by Sifflez_
7 Comments
Rolling with low pressure
Riding with too low a pressure for ages, then inflate to high pressure and it gives way.
Or the rim tape has got old / moved and worn through the tube, or allowed the tube to meet the rim, which would do the same. Change the rim tape
This is one of the most common points of failure on an inner tube. Valves typically tear at the stem if they were ridden under-inflated, or if someone was too aggressive removing a pump head. It’s also possible to be a manufacturing defect or a result of old age, since this is a separate piece which has been “installed” onto the rest of the tube and so it can be done incorrectly or weaken with time.
I wouldn’t worry too much about it; failed valve stems are definitely a “shit happens” kinda thing.
Is it an old tube? This usually happens when the material gets old and weakens.
Usually caused by riding on low tire pressure. Low pressure allows the tire to move along the rim, it brings the tube with it which puts strain on the valve until it tears away from the tube.
A tight valve makes this more likely to happen.
Maybe being too rough with it when inflating. Maybe over tightening that useless nut that holds it in the rim.
Riding low pressure and/or tightening the valve nut against the rim. An oring on either side of the stem keeping the valve nut from rattling when you ride is a good option if you ride infrequently and need the nut to help with inflation.