I don’t claim to be a mechanic, but I’ve fixed countless flat tyre over the years. However, this one leaves me baffled…
On an outside ride a few days ago, I experienced a front flat. I replaced the tube at the side of the road, and carried on my ride and got home safe and sound. Every time I have a flat on the road, I always take the tube/tyre off again when I get home to inspect again, just in case I miss something when fixing roadside… it’s always a bit rushed at the side of the road!!
However, the valve of the inner tube is stuck in the rim as if there is a collar on the valve steam preventing it coming fully out, or fully in.
Has anyone ever experienced this? Does anyone know what it is?
For info, I am using Hunt Aerodynamicist 50mm carbon rims, and Tubolito TPU tubes with 80mm valve stems.
I’ve only recently started using TPU tubes. I think it went in ok at the side of the road.
I’ve attached some photos to show how bizarre (to me) this is… I had tried a video for full effect, but can’t upload a video file
@ryanstewart can you cut the valve stem? Looks like it has separated from the TPU tube and is a total loss anyway.
As for the video, which may further help the community, can you post it to YouTube or Vimeo and share the link?
Yeah I removed the tube from the valve separately. I’ve contemplated cutting the valve but worried a section gets stuck in the rim and rattles about in there.
Have you tried twisting it out?
Pull it at the same time you twist it.
Like you were unthreading a bolt.
I would also use a long straight pick to maybe figure out what’s stopping it. Think it’s rubber or metal?
Do you have another of the same tube, that has not been installed to a wheel? I’m wondering if you could look at that to get some idea of what might be happening. It seems like there’s something on the valve that can move up and down the valve, but not off the end.
Yes, tried all of the above… 
Suspect metal or hard material as ilittle flex
Yes, I have others… Noting present which suggests it’s not from the valve… doesn’t make sense, right?!
I have one more thought. It could be that the valve is somehow cracked and the separation is sticking out. Can you try pulling on both ends at the same time. Maybe to pop it back straight like a dislocated shoulder.
Other option is to contact the wheel manufacture and ask if there was something they used to reinforce the wheel at the hole. Maybe it broke free and now is stuck on the valve .
If you cut/trim all the excess at the tube end, would it push through the other way (will it even move in that direction anymore…in-out-in-out)?
Did you try adding any kind of lube? Are you trying to remove it with the valve removed (it will add to the rigidity of the stem, very little, but…)?
I havent used tpu tubes myself bit I remeber a friend telling me that he could not get the valve-stem trough the rim while installing, and had to remove the valve core to get it trough. If the valve core is removable its worth a try
Maybe you can use some thin hemostats to pull it thru the hole.
