Bicycle Mechanics - Presta valve adaptor problems

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noahs44
10-03-07, 06:34 PM
So I have gotten about 3 different presta to schrader valve adaptors and I can't get any of them to work with a pump. I've tried a bunch of different pumps (gas station / floor pumps etc) and nothing seems to work. The problem is that I can't get the pump end to fully press in the little tip on the valve to allow air into the tube. It's either the pump or the valve adaptor being too short and not reaching. I guess it's just trial and error until I find a fit. Anybody else have this problem or have suggestions, tips?

Thanks!

operator
10-03-07, 06:43 PM
They come in different lengths - is that what you mean by 3 different ones?
DDYTDY
10-03-07, 06:48 PM
Um? not supposed to press down the tip.

You did unscrew the knurled tip before trying to put air in?

DDYTDY
10-03-07, 06:49 PM
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/presta-schrader.html
noahs44
10-03-07, 07:00 PM
Yes, three different lengths of the thread basically.

Thanks for the Sheldon link. I've recently got a newer bike using presta and before on my older bike it was always the 27 x 1/4" tires with the schrader valves. So I guess the trick is to unscrew the little cap there (like in the picture on sheldon's site) THEN put on the adaptor and pump. Figures that I wasn't having any luck with pumping into a closed off valve. How embarrassing... thanks all!