For those of you that have a Road King Classic with the spoked wheels, you know how inconvenient it is to check the rear tire pressure. I found a two inch valve stem elbow that extends it out a little to make it easier. It weighs 25 grams. If I left it on the rear wheel does anyone think it is heavy enough to affect the wheel's balance or throw it out of balance. Your thoughts? It's a bitch to check and I like to check them weekly. Thanks.

 

the other drawback is the possibility of road debris whacking it off--- very unlikely.

next time you do a tire, get them to install a 45º stem


if you do a nitrogen fill on your tires, pressures will be more constant, and the tires will not leak down as much over time

mike

 

These are tubed tires. That is a good idea but would it necessitate a different tube made for that angle?

 

I think if you turned it to where the stem is pointing opposite way of wheel travel there would be less chance of getting hit by debris. Don't believe 25 grams will make much difference in ride quality.

 

duh, sorry. spokes/tubes...I get it.

Mike

 

Every change of pavement producing an impact on the wheel will make the valve extender move / flex out of its 'dynamic' rest position. The faster the wheel turns, the greater the effort at the base of the valve. I would opt for the lightest extender available, even if its plastic.

 

I used one on my rear wheel and the rubber part of the valve stem split! There is also a risk that it may hit your brake caliper. Personally I wouldn't leave it on. Also consider what 25 grammes of wheel balance weights looks like - that is an ounce, by the way.

 

Thanks. I wont be leaving it on then. Expat1 and grbrown make a lot of sense, especially at higher speeds. I will just keep them handy for when I need them.

 

I broke down and bought one of them Harley braided line valve stem extenders for 9 bucks at the dealership and just carry it around in my saddle bag. Well worth the lessened frustration when it comes to putting air in my tires... you think the factory spokes are a bitch, get yourself a 21 inch fat spoke and try to get an air chuck on the valve stem. Enough to make ya wanna punch a puppy.

 

The split valve stem I mentioned happened in rural France on a Saturday evening. No way of getting going again and no support to be had within 60 miles, until Tuesday morning! My longest breakdown ever! Fortunately Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique is an interesting place to get stuck!