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Message started by Mizta_Nice on Mar 16^th, 2015, 6:13am

Title: Presta valve hate
Post by Mizta_Nice on Mar 16^th, 2015, 6:13am

I'm riding on 650's, and I'm wondering if I can get some with Schraeder valves instead of Presta valve stems. Is there a good reason to keep the Presta valve? All the other bikes at our house have Schraeder stems and my dual head floor pump doesn't work well with the other style.

Title: Re: Presta valve hate
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Mar 16^th, 2015, 9:04am

It's just a matter of drilling out the rim to fit the Schraeder... assuming you can get tubes... ???

However, this article at BikeTiresDirect makes a good point about the rim...

*******************
Valve Types—Presta and Schrader

There are two standard valve types used for bicycle tubes. These are called Presta and Schrader (sometimes spelled Schraeder or Shrader). You might recognize Schrader valves from your car's tires, as this is the type used for automobile tires; they're also commonly found on lower-priced bicycles in the United States. Presta valves are commonly used on bicycles sold in Europe and on high-end bicycles everywhere.

Presta valves are lighter and more aerodynamic than Schrader valves. Their narrower profile also allows them to fit more easily inside the narrow rims found on road bikes. Since Presta valves can be locked closed, they are more resistant to leaking than Schrader valves when tires are pumped up to high pressures. For these reasons, they're used on all tubular (sew-up) tires, and, as we mentioned, they are used with high-performance bicycles everywhere.

Presta valves do have a couple of disadvantages. Since the valve release is exposed, it's easier to knock it as you remove the pump head, releasing pressure from the tube. Presta valve stems are also slightly more fragile than Schrader stems.
Overall, we strongly prefer Presta valve tubes and recommend them exclusively, though we do sell some Schrader tubes as well. Presta tubes can be used as replacements for both Presta and Schrader tubes (see below), and they work better with most bicycle pumps and inflators.

Title: Re: Presta valve hate
Post by Bud_Bent on Mar 17^th, 2015, 8:09am

I would go the other way and change all your schraeder rims to presta with these rim adapters (http://wheelsmfg.com/presta-stem-savers.html).

Title: Re: Presta valve hate
Post by Dennis on Mar 17^th, 2015, 5:25pm

Hmm my kit used to have an adapter that made it so you could use a schrader style pump with the presta valve stems. Seemed like it worked, but haven't used it in so long that I'd doubt its o-ring was good even if I did find it.

Title: Re: Presta valve hate
Post by Mizta_Nice on Mar 18^th, 2015, 4:12am

I have a pump that works on both types, but on the Presta valves it's a bit difficult. I usually end up letting all of the air out, then finally getting it right and pumping the tire back up to full inflation.

I'll probably leave it as is, I just needed to vent.

Title: Re: Presta valve hate
Post by johnnybent on Mar 18^th, 2015, 10:34am

I've had a couple of pumps with problems at times. One just would not hold the stem in place as I pumped. It had a head with the two types on the same side or direction. The one I use now has the heads on opposite sides with a racket lever holding the stem in place. You can get replacement heads at most bike shops. When I fill my tires each ride I unscrew the valve then push the valve down a couple of times to free it up a bit. After I'm finished I screw the valve back down. Fortunely you have not learned new words after you have flated and have broken off the valve trying to get the Co2 or hand pump off. But that's another chapter.

Title: Re: Presta valve hate
Post by rmillay on Mar 18^th, 2015, 1:28pm

My current Serfas pump has the one-size-fits-all head, and it works fairly well, though it sometimes pops off at pressure. I guess that's better than it not coming off when you pull it. When it pops off, cleaning it usually helps. Pumps don't last forever without maintenance, just like our bikes. I don't like it, but there it is. The only other thing about the Serfas is the tightening lever likes to snap down on your finger when you release it. The shop warned me about that when I bought it. Hasn't kept me from getting whacked several times, though. [smiley=headbang.gif]

Title: Re: Presta valve hate
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Mar 20^th, 2015, 12:05pm

rmillay wrote:

The only other thing about the Serfas is the tightening lever likes to snap down on your finger when you release it. The shop warned me about that when I bought it. Hasn't kept me from getting whacked several times, though. [smiley=headbang.gif]

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