Bicycle Mechanics - Presta vs Schrader debate

Hi Folks ...
b4 I get yelled at, I did a search and found the last discussion went back to '03. What is the current preference?

A riding buddy says Presta ... if you're on the road you might meet more people with this tube touring that you might buy one if you need one . He also carries the brass adaptor and rubber washers for helping others out if it's a rim (valve hole) or pump issue.

I'm still new and ride in remote areas where folks are more likely to have a compressor or auto style tire pump. What issues on availability of buying one valve type tube vs the other in small towns on a C2C?

So chime in, please! I've got Schraders on my Specialized Crossroads Elite Hybrid, running Conti TT 2K's 700x28c. My stocker tires are Specialized Armadillo 700x38c. I plan to exchange my Crank Bros. Power Pump for a Topeak Road Morph ... don't know if this makes a difference in terms of tearing the valve stem or other issues?

Thanks,
Tim

Can you even buy bikes with Schrader anymore, besides wal-mart style?

Just go with presta, and carry your own tube/patches/pump.
PS- road morph= great pump

Yes with those $1 brass adaptors you can inflate prestas tubes with Schrader pumps; but the opposite type adaprtor seems hard to find. Therefore I use only presta tubes on my roadbike and MTB.

There is no debate. The 50cent adapter makes it a non issue. Unless you go to places that only sell schraeder tubes, in that case you're screwed.

Deep down inside though, I prefer the schrader. They are more durable, I've broken a presta valve with my frame pump. If you ever need to, you can easily buy replacement valve cores for schraders.
But, I use presta valve tubes and carry an adapter, works fine.

The Topeak RM will handle both type of valves. Tearing the stem on a schrader is less likely, because of the hose on the Road Morph.

I buy rims cheap sometimes discounted because they are drilled for schraeder. On a coast to coast tour, I would probably use rims drilled for schraeder, carry or use rubber or alloy washers/shims to allow use of presta tube, and a presta to schraeder valve adapter. This way, it really doesn't matter what type tube you use. Most modern bike pumps will fill either type valve. Keep your options open. The washers/shims/adapters are tiny, weigh nothing, and may get you rolling when you can only find a schraeder tube or schraeder pump (if your pump is lost or broken). Use presta tubes but be prepared to use schraeder.

What's the advantage of Presta style? They are a PITA to me. They came on my road bike is the only reason I'm using them. I may drill the rims out :).

Sorry PhantomCow2, gonna have to disagree with you on this one. I've cut many more Schrader valves than busted Presta. Both of my 27" wheels that are drilled for Schrader are being converted to Presta. I need to grab a couple of the adapters if I"m out in the rural areas solo and get a flat and need a helping hand.

I did a 200K solo ride about a month ago and forgot to take my pump. When you're 60 miles from home riding rural roads with either kind of valve and no pump you sure do look down at your rear tire a lot. I even stopped at the only Walmart along the way in hopes they would have a mini pump that would convert for presta. Of course, that was the one bike accessory that was out of stock! Fortunately, I finished with no problems, but I sure did worry.

Can you even buy bikes with Schrader anymore, besides wal-mart style?

Just go with presta, and carry your own tube/patches/pump.
PS- road morph= great pump
You sure can! See below my 05 XC Comp (when it was new, sigh!). It has Schrader valve Mavic 117 rims with disc hubs.

I understand the advantage of Presta valves on a road bike. The narrow valves allow for a narrow design rim that is more aero, supports a narrow tire, and so on. But what is the advantage on a mountain bike. I have two MTBs that use Presta valves. I see no advantage over Schraeder valves. One of the bikes with Presta valve tubes has narrow rims that are a real pain to mount tires so they seat correctly. These rims have no advantage over the Schrader valve Mavics (or for that matter the Alex rims) on my other bikes. Can someone enlighten me as to what the advantage of the Presta valve is?

Deep down inside though, I prefer the schrader. They are more durable, I've broken a presta valve with my frame pump. If you ever need to, you can easily buy replacement valve cores for schraders.

That's because you were using a (insert adjective for crap) pump.

I have seen some people with odd things going on with their schraders. Like just a little bit of the top sticking out or it is off to some odd angle. Alas it might be the bike operators of schrader that cause these odd occurences. Not to sure what is special about presta, but I use it all the time no problems

The Presta valves with the threaded bodies and lock nuts are nice for getting tubes in. Having said that, I use TR4 Dowhnill tubes.

I recently switched to 29ers and I am temporarily using the 26er TR4 downhill tubes (a MAJOR PITA). Here's the rub though, not only are TR4s not available in 29er sizes, but just plain Shrader is not available.

I am definitely going to 29er tubes, and so my next set of Delgado rims will probably remain intact instead of drilled for Shrader.

My belief is that the Prestas are better for high-pressure tyres such as for road bikes.

Deep down inside though, I prefer the schrader. They are more durable, I've broken a presta valve with my frame pump. If you ever need to, you can easily buy replacement valve cores for schraders.
But, I use presta valve tubes and carry an adapter, works fine.

+1. It's much easier and faster to inflate a schrader valve using my air compressor than messing with a presta valve because I don't have to force the fitting onto the valve.

None-the-less, all of my bikes have presta valves except for my beater and I'm not sure which it has right now because it switches back and forth.

My belief is that the Prestas are better for high-pressure tyres such as for road bikes.

Check out the valve on your air conditioner that uses 200psi line pressure and isn't supposed to leak at all. It's a schrader.

Op' added in the context of busting Presta valves. . .

>>> That's because you were using a (insert adjective for crap) pump.

I'll own to that sure enough, but is there also a "dumb user" component to bustin' 'em, too?

I understand the advantage of Presta valves on a road bike. The narrow valves allow for a narrow design rim that is more aero, supports a narrow tire, and so on.

+1 It's all about the size of the hole in the rim.

What's the advantage of Presta style? They are a PITA to me. They came on my road bike is the only reason I'm using them. I may drill the rims out :).

I would be careful about that. Road rims are thin, and I don't know that I would want to remove much material from them.

I'm surprised no one has brought up that prestas use a smaller hole so the rim is stronger. Also, I liks the theading and the nut on a presta. It keeps everything in place so you don't damage the valve. My 2cents.

LBS guy suggested that the pin your pump has to push on a schrader is less reliable than any of the moveable parts on a presta.

Another question: I've heard not to use airpumps at gas stations because they can blow out your stem, is that true? I don't understand it 'cause bike tubes are pretty much always at higher pressure than car tires.

LBS guy suggested that the pin your pump has to push on a schrader is less reliable than any of the moveable parts on a presta.

Another question: I've heard not to use airpumps at gas stations because they can blow out your stem, is that true? I don't understand it 'cause bike tubes are pretty much always at higher pressure than car tires.

Naw. Back in the days of 1 1/4 tires with straight sided rims, it was pretty easy with a gas station air compressor to inflate a bike tire so quickly that it would blow the tire off of the rim. Today bike tires/rims hold more air pressure than back then, and gas stations have been replaced by convenience stores with tiny air compressors that are slower and may only go to about 60psi.

I always love these threads and the theories guys come up with regarding tire valves. The "unreliable" poppet valve pin is a new one is a new one for me. The poppet valve on a presta is exactly the same thing minus the spring. My favorite is "Presta valves are easire to pump bacause you don't have to depress the spring".

Peraonally, presta valves need a smaller hole in the rim which I see as an advantage if you have narrow rims. Schrader valves, as I've already said, are easier to pump if you have a compressor and the right valve chuck.

I'm surprised no one has brought up that prestas use a smaller hole so the rim is stronger.

?? There are at least two references to the smaller hole in above posts.

Schrader valves are for cars.
Presta for bicycles.

My experience? I've been riding with friends who had clunkers with Schraders and one of the valve cores was loose and leaked. Since i wasn't driving a car i wasn't carrying a valve core tool. I've also had to help people with Schraders that were plugged full of dirt.

Neither of these issues arise with Presta valves. I've had the little knurled nut that locks a Presta closed actually break off. Guess what? air pressure kept the valve closed like it should. Even if i got a flat, the Presta would still have worked because the threaded stem attached to the valve prevented the part from falling down into the tube.

+1 It's all about the size of the hole in the rim.

Actually, the size of the hole drilled in the rim is just an added benefit. Presta valves are quite old and have been used on all size rims. The real issue with presta is the ease with which they can be inflated.

A schrader valve has an internal spring that keeps it closed. You either have to pump in 25psi extra to overcome the force of the spring or have a thumblock on the pump to depress the valve. For a presta, the pressure inside the tire keeps it closed so you don't need a thumblock or any pressure over that inside the tube. A tight fitting grommet will do. Look at old pump heads...they didn't have any lock mechanism whatsoever. Even modern pumps wouldn't need the thumblock except for their dual use with schrader/presta valves. With a purely presta valve head, you could just jamb the head on, pump the tire, knock the pump off and be on your way. When you have to take care of your own repairs, that makes a big difference.

Another added benefit of the presta is that you don't have to let any air out to pump them up. If you won't get the schrader valve depressed right, you can lose a lot of air from leakage. Really can't happen with a presta. If the pump isn't seated properly, the valve won't open and air won't go in, or more importantly, go out.

?? There are at least two references to the smaller hole in above posts.

Sorry, didn't see them. I just did a quick scan cuz I'm at work.

My only issue with presta valves is that they often crack and leak right at the base of the valve stem. Be careful when you inflate them not to 'whomp!' on your pump too much and cause the valve stem to jostle against the rim hole. I have never had this problem with a Schraeder.

On my world tour I had my front and rear rims tapped at a machine shop so they could handle the schraeder valve, which often is the only thing available in "east bum****" locations like Pakistan or the Andes.

roughstuff

Actually, the size of the hole drilled in the rim is just an added benefit. Presta valves are quite old and have been used on all size rims. The real issue with presta is the ease with which they can be inflated.

A schrader valve has an internal spring that keeps it closed. You either have to pump in 25psi extra to overcome the force of the spring or have a thumblock on the pump to depress the valve. For a presta, the pressure inside the tire keeps it closed so you don't need a thumblock or any pressure over that inside the tube. A tight fitting grommet will do. Look at old pump heads...they didn't have any lock mechanism whatsoever. Even modern pumps wouldn't need the thumblock except for their dual use with schrader/presta valves. With a purely presta valve head, you could just jamb the head on, pump the tire, knock the pump off and be on your way. When you have to take care of your own repairs, that makes a big difference.

Another added benefit of the presta is that you don't have to let any air out to pump them up. If you won't get the schrader valve depressed right, you can lose a lot of air from leakage. Really can't happen with a presta. If the pump isn't seated properly, the valve won't open and air won't go in, or more importantly, go out.

Cyclocommute, I love you and I respect you but I think that this whole post is pretty funny. There's just enough validity in each of your statements to make me think that you really believe all of that stuff.

I'm surprised no one has brought up that prestas use a smaller hole so the rim is stronger. Also, I liks the theading and the nut on a presta. It keeps everything in place so you don't damage the valve. My 2cents.

I don't use the nut (or valve cap) to save weight.

Cyclocommute, I love you and I respect you but I think that this whole post is pretty funny. There's just enough validity in each of your statements to make me think that you really believe all of that stuff.

I'm in pretty good company then ;) Sheldon Brown and Jobst think the same thing. You can open a schrader valve without depressing the stem, it just takes a whole lot of force (25psi might even be low).
And considering that presta valves have been around for a very long time like back when even today's wide rims were considered narrow, I don't think their primary function was for narrow rims. It just a happy circumstance that they are good for narrow rims.

Can you even buy bikes with Schrader anymore, besides wal-mart style?...

Yep - most MTB tubes all have Schraders. Most road tubes have Presta. Both work fine for me.

I'm in pretty good company then ;) Sheldon Brown and Jobst think the same thing. You can open a schrader valve without depressing the stem, it just takes a whole lot of force (25psi might even be low).

That 25psi thing sounds to me like one of those psudo issues that are occassionally brought up by guys who have wasted too much time reading books and such and spent too little time actually riding and working on their bikes. I've never, never, ever tried to inflate a schrader valve without using the little finger to depress the valve stem. Never seen anybody try to do it, never even heard of anybody doing it. How about you?

What counts in the real world is what happens when you actually inflate a tire:

Using a hand pump my bet is it's about a wash. The schrader valve loses a bit of air when you release the clamp-on chuck, the presta valve loses air when you "burp" it at the start to make the valve open.

Using air compressors and my schrader chuck and I'll win in a walk every single time. I might even be able to inflate two tires in the amount of time it takes you to do one.

Keep in mind that I have nothing against presta valves. I checked this afternoon and my beater bike, like all of the rest of my bikes, is presta valve equipped. I have simply never heard a credible drawback to schrader valves other than the larger rim hole that's required.

You either have to pump in 25psi extra to overcome the force of the spring or have a thumblock on the pump to depress the valve.

No seriously, big whoop. You have to do this extra pumping anyways to fill the hose back up for presta.

The schrader valve loses a bit of air when you release the clamp-on chuck, the presta valve loses air when you "burp" it at the start to make the valve open.

Say what? You burp the presta to make the valve open? I just press the chuck over the valve, set the thumb lever, and start pumping. One of two things happen: 1) the tire doesn't require any additional air - in which case, the gauge on my pump reaches the desired pressure without opening the presta valve, or 2) the tire needs air - in which case, before the gauge reaches the desired pressure, the valve opens and I can hear that the tire is taking on air. I stop pumping when the gauge shows the desired pressure. That's all there is to it. No burping required.

I prefer prestas just because . . . and I love the "finality" of that sound that is heard when you pop the chuck off the valve. That sound, BTW, is the sound of the pump hose depressurizing. No air is being lost from the tire.

Caruso

+1. It's much easier and faster to inflate a schrader valve using my air compressor than messing with a presta valve because I don't have to force the fitting onto the valve.
Huh? I use a compressor daily and I have no problem fitting the valve. Sounds like you have a lousy inflator.

Plus, a Presta is much easier to start limp than a Schrader. Use the nut to hold it up and inflate like normal. You have to chase a Schrader all over the place to get the inflator to seat.

I've had the little knurled nut that locks a Presta closed actually break off. Guess what? air pressure kept the valve closed like it should. Even if i got a flat, the Presta would still have worked because the threaded stem attached to the valve prevented the part from falling down into the tube.
Uuhhh... No it doesn't. Lose the pressure holding the stem valve in place and it's gone. Scratch one tube.

Uuhhh... No it doesn't. Lose the pressure holding the stem valve in place and it's gone. Scratch one tube.
Well... not quite. The stem of the broken piece is quite long and just slips down and if the tube is, say, a 23-25mm on, it won't really go anywhere. Even if it does, you can manipulate it through the tube to get it back into the valve. It just needs to be pushed back up the valve, the valve held upside down for initial inflation by the pump, and you are good to go. Not ideal, I know, but it could get you of a tight spot if you don't have a spare tube.

Huh? I use a compressor daily and I have no problem fitting the valve. Sounds like you have a lousy inflator.

Plus, a Presta is much easier to start limp than a Schrader. Use the nut to hold it up and inflate like normal. You have to chase a Schrader all over the place to get the inflator to seat.

Nope, I don't think that I have a lousy presta inflator at all. I use a Silca pump head on an inflator with a gauge that's otherwise identical to my schrader set up. I still have to push the silca head onto and off of the valve stem which I don't have to do when inflating schrader tubes.

As to chasing the schrader valve all over the place, I just push against the tire with my free hand because it only takes one hand to inflate a schrader valve tube.

OK... one advantage I *do* know... after a Presta-valve tyre has been unrolled, it takes only a couple of breaths from the mouth to inflate it to a manageable level to put it into the tyre casing. You CANNOT do that with a schrader... you need to pump it. :D

OK... one advantage I *do* know... after a Presta-valve tyre has been unrolled, it takes only a couple of breaths from the mouth to inflate it to a manageable level to put it into the tyre casing. You CANNOT do that with a schrader... you need to pump it. :D

We have a winner!!!

Hi Folks ...
b4 I get yelled at, I did a search and found the last discussion went back to '03. What is the current preference?

A riding buddy says Presta ... if you're on the road you might meet more people with this tube touring that you might buy one if you need one . He also carries the brass adaptor and rubber washers for helping others out if it's a rim (valve hole) or pump issue.

I'm still new and ride in remote areas where folks are more likely to have a compressor or auto style tire pump. What issues on availability of buying one valve type tube vs the other in small towns on a C2C?

So chime in, please! I've got Schraders on my Specialized Crossroads Elite Hybrid, running Conti TT 2K's 700x28c. My stocker tires are Specialized Armadillo 700x38c. I plan to exchange my Crank Bros. Power Pump for a Topeak Road Morph ... don't know if this makes a difference in terms of tearing the valve stem or other issues?

Thanks,
Tim

Preference, what ever comes stock on the bike, both types are quite servicable, and each bike should have it's own portable pump anyway, and most floor pumps are dual head. As for tubes, on rides of less then 80km carry a spare tube, rides longer then 80km carry two. The chances of a catastrophic tube failure, are pretty low, the chances of being in an area in Europe or North America where you don't find a large enough city within 160km, to get replacement tubes, is pretty low. Now in a place like Bolivia or Botswana your chances may be pretty slim of finding either in the proper size.

One note, if your in a place where tubes may be harder to find, then use Schrader rims and put a couple of Schrader - Presta rim adapters in your kit, and run with a convertable bike pump. It's easier to convert Schrader to Presta then Presta to Schrader.

OK... one advantage I *do* know... after a Presta-valve tyre has been unrolled, it takes only a couple of breaths from the mouth to inflate it to a manageable level to put it into the tyre casing. You CANNOT do that with a schrader... you need to pump it. :DYou have to remove the valve core from a Schraeder valve to inflate it by mouth. Also, you need a special connector on the pump if you want to inflate it without having to overcome the spring pressure.

But to answer the original question, yes, Schraeder valves are for car tires and low quality and children's bikes. Serious road bikes use Presta valves. Mountain bikes, being a marketing phenomenon, like SUVs, would fall into the former category.

Say what? You burp the presta to make the valve open? I just press the chuck over the valve, set the thumb lever, and start pumping. One of two things happen: 1) the tire doesn't require any additional air - in which case, the gauge on my pump reaches the desired pressure without opening the presta valve, or 2) the tire needs air - in which case, before the gauge reaches the desired pressure, the valve opens and I can hear that the tire is taking on air. I stop pumping when the gauge shows the desired pressure. That's all there is to it. No burping required.



I don't agree. A Presta valve can stick shut with less than the desired pressure and require burping to open. This usually happens when the tire is 10 to 20 psi below the target pressure.

Al

I don't agree. A Presta valve can stick shut with less than the desired pressure and require burping to open. This usually happens when the tire is 10 to 20 psi below the target pressure.

Al
+1 YUP! I've had too many instances where my pump almost blew out the hose because I didn't burp the Presta valve. I ALWAYS burb a Presta valve because they stick shut. I've never had that happen with a Schrader.
At the end of the day, I go with whatever the rim wants. I really don't think much about it. I would prefer my MTBs use Schrader because it's easier to deal with out on the trail, but I've got Presta MTB rims and tubes, and I'm OK with that.

Got a Presta valve and a compressor? This (http://www.notubes.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_60/products_id/335) is what you need. No need to burp as the fitting does it for you. Takes about 20 sec to top up a tire.

Got a Presta valve and a compressor? This (http://www.notubes.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_60/products_id/335) is what you need. No need to burp as the fitting does it for you. Takes about 20 sec to top up a tire.
DMF, I think you have WAY too many toys!

Just kidding, but I think I'll pass on the Air Bob.

OK... one advantage I *do* know... after a Presta-valve tyre has been unrolled, it takes only a couple of breaths from the mouth to inflate it to a manageable level to put it into the tyre casing. You CANNOT do that with a schrader... you need to pump it. :D

You can also deflate a Presta by depressing the valve with your tongue and sucking the air out. Makes for compact folding. Can't do that with a Schrader, either.

Caruso

+1 YUP! I've had too many instances where my pump almost blew out the hose because I didn't burp the Presta valve. I ALWAYS burb a Presta valve because they stick shut. I've never had that happen with a Schrader.
At the end of the day, I go with whatever the rim wants. I really don't think much about it. I would prefer my MTBs use Schrader because it's easier to deal with out on the trail, but I've got Presta MTB rims and tubes, and I'm OK with that.

Why would you keep pumping until your pump hose nearly blows? You have a gauge, right? If the tire doesn't need air (or if the valve sticks shut), the pressure in your hose would quickly rise to your target pressure, and that should show on the gauge. When I pump my tire, I listen for the valve to open during my down stroke on the pump. If I don't hear that, I know that there is no air passing through the valve - all the pressure is in the hose, so I stop pumping on that tire.

In my experience, this happens when the tire I'm trying to top off really isn't low and doesn't need pumping. I'm not challenging your contention that these valves can stick, but, in the process of "burping" you are also lowering the volume/pressure of air present in the tube. I'd be willing to bet that sometimes you are trying to fill a full tire and burping only makes room so that you can pump some air in there.

Sometimes I'll let some air out and then top off prior to a ride just because I like the security of bringing a tire up to pressure before taking off on a ride (I run 145 psi in my tires). I don't know how to check pressure on a presta valve without pumping until the gauge reads the desired pressure. You can use a pencil gauge on a Schrader, but, again, in my experience (perhaps due to my clumsiness), I generally lose so much air before I get a reading that I have to pump the tire any how.

I guess the good news is that it doesn't matter which valve we prefer - they both work just fine.

Caruso