Tim, the metal angled valve-stems are a huge improvement. Just be sure that they've got a nut on the inside of the rim. I prefer them to be pointed to the left side of the bike, but my mechanic pointed the front one toward the cenger of the rim, which doesn't help as much. But I'll be danged if I'll pay to have it re-angled. I can just get brake splooge on my hands when I check pressures until I put the next front tire on.