Boxerworks.com

1903 – Goodyear Tire Company patents the first tubeless tire.

1978 - Metzeler develops the first tubeless motorcycle tire.

Using a tube in a tubeless tire effectively LOWERS the tire's stated speed rating.

vanzen@rockerboxer.com wrote:
Using a tube in a tubeless tire effectively LOWERS the tire's stated speed rating.

Absolutely. The Speed Rating signifies the tire's ability to deal with the heat generated at high speed with full (or, at least, high) load: its ability to control heat generation, its ability to hold up under that heat, and its ability to disperse that heat. A tube both adds to heat generation and slows the dispersal of that heat. The only factor that I don't believe adding a tube affects is the ability of the tire to maintain integrity while subjected to that heat.

My tires have arrived and my wheels are ready but I cannot find the bloody valve stems in this city! Part stores HAVE to be given a part number to find anything, the part stores only stock sizes that are too large and the valve stem I did find at bike bandit had to be ordered and there is no telling when it'll arrive. I have a ride coming this week end and would like to scrub my tires in and sort out any bugs before I go. Is there any reason the rubber pull through valve stem should be avoided?

twist wrote:My tires have arrived and my wheels are ready but I cannot find the bloody valve stems in this city! Part stores HAVE to be given a part number to find anything, the part stores only stock sizes that are too large and the valve stem I did find at bike bandit had to be ordered and there is no telling when it'll arrive. I have a ride coming this week end and would like to scrub my tires in and sort out any bugs before I go. Is there any reason the rubber pull through valve stem should be avoided?

Only that it is designed for a specific thickness, and, since the Snowflake was not designed for such a stem, it's a complete crapshoot whether or not it is the correct thickness.

The rubber valve stem initially used in my rear wheel leaked, and had no strength.
Maybe use your tubes until an appropriate stem arrives.

Rubber stem – not advised.

Have you tried the BMW item intended for an 80s Y-spoke cast wheel ?
At 8mm, the stem hole may need to be reamed,
a simple task with a drill motor and an appropriate drill bit.

the local BMW dealer here has become interested in new bikes only. They do stock a few airhead parts but only filters and basic maintenance items. They are zero help. I did find exactly 2 stems at a motorcycle shop by going in with a picture, (thanks vanzen), of what I was looking for. New stems are in nice and snug and the new tires go on tomorrow. Just in time to test it out before I go on a ride. Things always works out if I'm patient and have a positive attitude. Thanks to everyone here for the advice, information and opinions. Too bad we all live in different places, I would like to buy you all a beer and listen to you argue some more. cheers!

Another point of interest with a tubeless flake, is that if one gets a puncture 'out there' and intends to use the little Co2 bottles to inflate the tyre, the bottles won't fit without a right angle adapter or right angle valve stem.

ME 109 wrote:Another point of interest with a tubeless flake, is that if one gets a puncture 'out there' and intends to use the little Co2 bottles to inflate the tyre, the bottles won't fit without a right angle adapter or right angle valve stem.

I always carried an "engineair power pump" with my tire-plug kit.



Aerostich is one place that sells 'em.

A very good option Vanzen, unlimited puncture repairs, and it has a right angle valve connection.
I've wondered a few times about a mini compressor. Silly bugger! I've got a great big one!
Anyhowz, I think I'd still take the Co2 bottles for a 'Whiskey smash' cocktail while I was fixin' the tyre.