I have heard it said that the nut on the valve stem of the inner tube that sits against the wheel rim is actually just for aiding the fitting of the tube and should be backed of completely up to the valve cap (to stop it rattling and help lock on the valve cap). This is supposed to let the tube move a little off road and help avoid stressing the tube around the valve seat.

Can anyone confirm if this is so and also if it really makes any difference. I can actually see the theory making sense but this is the first I have heard of it and I have certainly never done it before.

I am not going to loose sleep about it but am interested to hear peoples opinions.

Thanks all.

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DickyC

Gun Metal Grey 2014 XT660Z
'Advice is sought by someone who knows the answer but doesn't like it'

'The adsence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously'

that is true.. on all my previous "proper" dirtbikes, we would actually remove the nut altogether.. however, these bikes ran rimlocks which helped the tyre spin the tube..

I'd say that if you are lowering your tyre pressures while offroad, it's a good idea to loosen the nuts.. but also in saying that, these aren't exactly firebreathing, tyre spinning power houses either ;-)

On dirt bikes i normaly do the nut up finger tight ,then undo it about 3-4 turns ,that way if the tyre does spin you will notice the valve at an angle so you can sort it before it rips the valve out

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OFFICIAL CRASH TEST DUMMY

I agree with warnerbrother, the idea is: to give you time to notice that you are getting a flat before your valve stem gets ripped out of the tube and this will happen quicker if you dont have rim locks.
Back that nut up to the valve cap.

cheers.
Reg

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Cheers guys. Job done.

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DickyC

Gun Metal Grey 2014 XT660Z
'Advice is sought by someone who knows the answer but doesn't like it'

'The adsence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously'

Something like this: dust cap(MX style) combined with nut screwed up to the valve cap(as advised by the mechanic in the shop). Greetz, Hans.

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