As the theory goes you should have it backed off from the rim for two reasons;

1. It means if the tube moves on the rim it will have some give when it pulls on the stem.

2. If the tube starts to move the stem will move on an angle, you will notice and then deflate and try and correct.

My experience agrees with this. Although once the valve stem starts to get on a decent angle don't be lazy like myself because it doesn't take much, especially in soft sand, for the valve to rip.

Try fitting those rimlocks. I'd never even seen them before and found it quite easy. I would hate to see them for the first time out in the bush (and make sure you have the correct size spanner in you tools for the rimlock nut).

I've had a sharp learning curve in all this tyre and rimlock stuff in the last 18 months. Don't ask me why

 

I have almost 11K miles on my bike and got my first flat last sunday. I spun the tire on the wheel. Last night i installed a rear rim lock and new tube.

 

Good to know I will have to check my back one to make sure it is backed off some

 

The valve stem nut is an assembly aid only. Once everything is together and the valve cap is on, run the nut up against the cap.
Motion Pro has come out with high tech plastic rims locks which weigh a lot less than the older metal ones requiring less spoke weights to get balance. Those resuseable crimp-on weights are the only way to go on our bikes.

 

That's the way I do it.

I'll THIRD the Neutech Tubliss system. Works great for me. It's not DOT rated, but, I don't care. We had a fellow with Tubliss that flatted this past weekend. All the non-Tubliss guys began to take off their helmets for a 15-20 minute break, but, before they could get settled, the hole was plugged and the tire aired back up, and we were off. Very big nail got the tire, but the inner tube was unscathed. Much better than having to wrestle with a conventional tube on the trail.

 

Max air = no flats...jus sayin

 

Oh and from the second set of tires I ahve been running the Kenda extra heavy duty tubes, 3 times as thick as stockers.

 

Does anyone know what size rim lock I would need for this bike? They have different sizes like 1.6, 1.85, 2.15 and others

 

2.15 for the back... havent done the front yet.

 

Front is smaller. The size is stamped on the rim. It is like 1.75 or something.