Bicycle Mechanics - Drilling presta fo schrader

Well the jerks at Perfomance jerked me around on the XT/519's I ordered.. "Oh those!.. we don't have them anymore.. they've been sold out fo quite awhile.. yeah I know they are in the curent catalog AND the web site and the website DOES list them as available when you order but we don't have them" So it's over to Nashbar for a set of XT's (disc) and sun rhyno lites. I didn't need the disc option as my 15 YO two-wheeled giddy up does just fine with the stx-rc's...but oh well.. at any rate they are drilled for presta (or so they say... who uses presta tubes on a MTB?) and I'll need to drill them fo schrader.. I'm a hands on guy fom way back... I know my way around a shop... but I've never drilled a im before :D What should I know B4 getting out the drill and bits? THanks!!!
Doug

Originally posted by Dougmt
who uses presta tubes on a MTB?


Most everybody does....dont drill.

I've drilled em,no problem.Camfer the finished edge.Presta to schrader adapter is another way out. Most pumps swing both ways,so what's the issue?

who uses presta tubes on a MTB?

Umm..... millions and millions of people?

Why do you want to use a shrader valve, anyway? They leak, and you always lose air when you pull the pump off of it! Just carry a little adapter for those times when you absolutely have to use a car air pump (you don't actually count on those things, now, do you??)

Well, presta tubes are probably hard to come by in the middle of Montana. Even where I live (rural washington) there is only one bike shop, if they happen to be closed you are sol.

Originally posted by Rotifer
Well, presta tubes are probably hard to come by in the middle of Montana. Even where I live (rural washington) there is only one bike shop, if they happen to be closed you are sol. Nothing wrong with having exreas.Boy scouts and smart people go prepared.

Nothing wrong with having exreas.Boy scouts and smart people go prepared.

Thanks for the advice oh brilliant one.

I drill all my rims, so I can use presta or schrader valves. when using a presta valve I use a small gromit in the valve hole. I first drilled a rim years ago on a tour, it 8pm I had a rash of flats and the only place open was a Caldor's store. So I bought a cheap tube. Whipped out my tool kit and started reaming the hole out to fit the scrader valve with a screwdriver.

So as long as I use something a little more refined than a screwdiver I'll be fine? :)
In all honesty in all my years of riding in the North country I've yet to actually see a presta valve let alone use one :)
Hence my desire to go with the schrader valve.
Doug

Yea, use a drill bit. makes the job go faster and deburr the hole.

Doug,
FWIW, yesterday on my ride home I stopped by my LBS to get a rack I had ordered. While it was being installed I remembered your question and went to have a look at the mtbs. At least one really nice Specialized mtb had presta valves. All of the lower end bikes had schrader. When I first started riding regularly I stuck with schrader because I figured in an emergency I could use a gas station air hose. Then one day I ordered a pair of wheels, didn't think to specify valve type, and wound up with presta. After using them for just a few days I was sold. For some reason my pump has always been difficult to remove from schrader valves. The prestas were a breeze. It's not much of a reason, but I have appreciated using presta valves ever since. I would just use them
Regards,
Raymond

In all honesty in all my years of riding in the North country I've yet to actually see a presta valve

Now you've seen one:

Yeah I see it but it feels flat... I mean I can't grab it.. must be this damn screen.. really messes with the touchy/feely senses. :)
I've SEEN them in catalogs before but I have never SEEN them on a bike LOL
But thanks... I think I'll give em a try.
Doug
:)

Do you still use hand-cranked dial-up service there??

LOL
:D
Actually though there are still a few places that use a party line. And high speed internet is available in just a few "cities"
Doug