Some valve stems have removable valve cores [figs. 1 & 5].  To extend the valve, remove the valve core and screw the valve extender into the stem [fig.4] then put the valve core into the top of the extender [see diagram]. These are the best valve extenders [fig.4] because you can close the valve and maintain pressure.

For valve stems that don’t have removable cores [figs. 2 & 3] you’ll need a valve extender that screws onto the stem over the valve [figs 6 & 7]; the valve stays open so you can inflate the tube.  Extenders with their own valve core [fig.6] can be closed to maintain pressure.  Extenders that simply cover the valve without a valve core [fig.7] will allow you to inflate the tube but can’t be closed to prevent inevitable air seepage.  Valve extenders that cover the valve, without a valve of its own [fig.7], won’t maintain pressure indefinitely but long enough to finish the ride.  Since these valve extenders increase the diameter of the stem where they attach, you should test them with your rims to be certain they’ll fit.  [B'Animaux]

You can buy pre-manufactured boots [I've seen pre-manufactured boots fail easily] or you can  make your own from an old discarded sew-up [tubular].  Making your own boots is pure FredZen and will take you closer to the creator [FredDíos*].

Silk track sew-ups are great for boots because the rubber layer is thin and the casing is strong.  Road tubulars work perfectly well too.  The thick rubber layer on a road sew-up can be easily peeled off [3]; the casing is strong and works very well on its own.  When you’re back on the road the tire will roll without much of a thump from the added thickness of the peeled rubber.  Cut a few sections [4] and keep them in your ride pouch.  Place the boot on the inside of the tire between the tube and the tire wall, covering the cut, to keep the tube contained when it’s inflated [2]. For minor cuts, the boot will keep the tube well contained and you’ll be able to finish the ride.  If the cut is severe don’t inflate the tube too much [keep it adequate but not so much the boot pops through and fails]; the boot can still get you home – you won’t have to call Mickey’s mom.

For a minor slash, if you don’t have a boot, you can use a folded dollar bill as a substitute.  Dollar bills work well in a pinch.  Jacksons works better and Benjamins, honey, work the best [seriously].

B’Animaux.

*Sunday is the FredDios Sabbath [day of rest].

L’UberFred insisted the flats were patch failures.

In defense of one of the principles of the Zen of Cycling [i.e., tube patching] and based on sound, scientific observation [i.e., the Mexican takes notes], properly patched tubes experience fewer failures than new tube failures [i.e., new tubes that burst upon their initial inflating].

After the ride, back in the lab, all three flatted tubes were rigorously inspected, and it was clearly  evident each flat was due to a new puncture and not a failed patch.

One flat [the tube pictured on the left] was caused by a pot-hole that created a snake-bite* puncture.

The Hobo don’t believe in repairing snake-bites [déz be voodoo punctures].  This tube had a lot of good life left in itself; after all, it only had 4 patches.