Not exactly all punctures........

[bleesh]

Had a "great" day out today - first off hit a bit of road by a drain which collapsed and ripped the back tyre and tube - fortunately a mile from home, so went back to replace them.

Remembered to replace the tube I used in my saddle pack so back up to 2 spares, and off I went again.
After 30 miles or so, noticed the back end sliding as I went round a corner - flat again, but it turned out not a puncture but the valve stem had ripped out of the tube.
Replaced and continued.

5 miles later sat at traffic lights and the front just let go - valve stem problem again. Replaced and carried on.

Then after another few miles and about 3 from home, a real puncture - so tyre off again etc, checked the valve stem - on the new, unused tube, and it's ripped as well.

Out of tubes, couldn't work out how to ride it as a unicycle so walked home!!

I am pretty careful about how tight I do the valve nut - it's not that tight, and the fact the unused on was damaged probably means it wasn't to do with the nut anyway.

These were Specialized tubes bought probably January this year, and all from the same batch - will visit LBS tomorrow with tubes to see if they're interested, even if just to pass back to Spec.

Oh, and last time I had a puncture - was March this year!!!!!!!

[snowdude2910]

Do you pump them up with a hand pump?? I used to get this alot now I put one of the little nut things right to the bottom of the valve inside the rim and then another one outside so it sort of sandwiches the rim and holds the valve in place a bit better might be worth a try?

[Mr Gear]

I have a hand pump that flexes the valve core back and forth weakening it. It took me about 5 tubes before I worked out a technique that prevents damage.

It sounds like you have a pump problem, not a tube problem.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

The valve hole can be pretty sharp, and the rim tape is never a great fit around it. When you put the next tube in put some duck tape / electricians tape across the valve hole on the inside. Make a tiny cross with a knife and them push the valve though it. Also beware the rocking with a pump that others have mentioned.

[bleesh]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I generally use a track pump to top the pressure up at home, and am well aware of not pulling on the valve stem too much - however, could have caused some issues with the hand pump yesterday when trying the roadside repair.

That wouldn't answer the issue with the unused tubes though - and I also had another 3 new tubes at home (which was a surprise to me) and they all have holes at the bottom of the valve - so will take those to the LBS to see what they say.
I looked and they all have different batch numbers......so maybe the way they're packed, I don't know.

My technique with the hand pump is to sit on the ground and lean the tyre against my leg with the valve against the side of my knee - wheel sits at about 45 degrees here. Then connect the pump, and inflate the type with the valve supported by my knee and my hand. Doesn't seem to move around too much but will keep an eye on it in future.

Good tips about the taps on the inside of the hole and the nuts inside and outside the rim - I KNEW there was a reason why I've kept all the old ones!!!!

Cheers!!!!