Fifty Plus (50+) - Presta valves: demonic or Satanic?

The poll didn't attach itself properly with the last post. This query was inspired by me taking two hours and trashing three inner tubes trying to replace one stupid tire on my road bike so I could mount it on my trainer. And then I'm rewarded by the evil Coach Troy.

What kind of problems are you having? Only one I can imagine is that you're ripping the valves off when trying to inflate with a hand pump. In that case, you can often brace your downstream hand against the rim or wrap a couple of fingers around the spokes to hold the pump steady.
When I started cycling, 30 or so years ago, I didn't understand why there had to be two kinds of valves. Now that I'm used to them, though, they're easier to inflate than schraders, because you don't have to fight the spring.

I call them junk. I always change them out for schraders as soon as possible. People should learn to recognize landfill when they are looking at it. bk

I asked this same question on another forum with similar results. One of the answers I got was that you can't find Presta at a loca Wal Mart if you are out touring. And I can't argue with that but if you are running a 1 1/2 inch tire on a 26" wheel you are going to have problems finding these. I have drilled out my mtb tires to schrader and have left my T2000 presta. I guess the debate goes on.

What a crappy poll! You should have included a choice for French, which ranks right there among satanic and demonic, Wisconsin winters, and white bikes, along with with the other choices.

The presta must have been invented by the same French guy who invented the Chauchat machine gun (a/k/a "shosho") of WW1 fame. The dough boys didn't care for it.

I've only had to use presta's recently. So far I'm not amused. Schraders are so straight forward.

Took a little getting used to on my road bike but they're ok. When I get a flat I find them no harder to change then a Schrader tube.

I would definitely have voted "French" if it had been a choice!

I definitely prefer Schrader. But if one is going to run thin rim wheels, then you've most likley going to have to go Presta.

I would want Schrader if I were running 32mm or larger.

All of my current bikes use Schrader. My Trek hybrid came with Presta - even though it uses 700x38 tires and wider rims. It was later drilled out for Schrader.

I don't understand......I have absolutely no problems with Presta valves......???

You unscrew the cap...unscrew the locknut...give it a tap to unseat the valve...fill it with air...screw down the locknut...screw on the cap.

Even DG has never complained about the mechanics of this device.

I've only got into riding road bikes over the last year, so I'm new to Presta's.

I have no problems changing tubes. The only hassle is getting the pump off the valve after filling. I always wind up losing air when I do that.

Maybe I still haven't got the hang of it.

I think the type of pump you have makes a bigger difference than the valve. I initially had a Wrench Force pump and had nothing but problems getting it to seat correctly on the presta valve. Now I have a specialized pump the head is much nicer and goes on an off easily and I have very little problems pumping up the tire now.

Not crazy about presta, but have never had a problem with them. Maybe it's your pump. This is the one I use and have never had a problem (and I like the dual head so no levers to switch when changing from presta to schraeder):
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16031&subcategory_ID=4360

For low pressure tires, like MTB, I prefer Schrader. For high pressure road tires, Presta all the way. The Presta's are a little less convenient to inflate, but the valve is designed to allow less pressure loss when disengaging the pump. Once the adaptor is on the Presta, I don't see much difference from a Schrader. As was said before, the pump makes more difference than the valve.
As for not being able to find a Presta valve tube at Walmart while on a long ride, I don't understand why there isn't a spare tube in their fanny pak. Of course the last time I needed the spare tube, it was for a group ride partner who doesn't believe in riding with a spare. Come to think of it, he still owes me a new tube.:rolleyes:

I have Schraeders on the cars, the UO-8, and the wheelbarrow, prestas on all of the other bikes, including the mountain bikes.

advantage presta: 1) higher hand pump pressure; 2) smaller hole in rim; 3) looks right on a road racing bike with skinny tires;

advantage Schraeder: 1) may hold air pressure slightly longer; 2) no external stem fitting to bend; 3) nicely proportioned for a car or truck.

I think the type of pump you have makes a bigger difference than the valve.

The pump made a big difference for me. I ripped several tubes at the stem with my original floor pump. After buying a new one I haven't had that problem.

The pump made a big difference for me. I ripped several tubes at the stem with my original floor pump. After buying a new one I haven't had that problem.

Pump?

You are supposed to use a PUMP?

No wonder my lips are hurting so much. It does build up your lungs, though!

I prefer Schrader. I'm a klutz and frequently when I flat the adrenaline is pumping, and I would end up ripping the darn presta off. I don't have that problem with Schrader, plus I can get them at Walmart,harware stores, or drug stores and if necessary, I could temporarily put in a presta. Try to temporarily put a Schrader in a presta hole.

Not crazy about presta, but have never had a problem with them. Maybe it's your pump. This is the one I use and have never had a problem (and I like the dual head so no levers to switch when changing from presta to schraeder):
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16031&subcategory_ID=4360

That's a nice looking yellow pump but I prefer mine:)

Pump?

You are supposed to use a PUMP?

No wonder my lips are hurting so much. It does build up your lungs, though!

I have heard of folks starting a brand-new folded innertube using mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, because it can be hard to pump "from scratch."

I don't understand......I have absolutely no problems with Presta valves......???

You unscrew the cap...unscrew the locknut...give it a tap to unseat the valve...fill it with air...screw down the locknut...screw on the cap.

Even DG has never complained about the mechanics of this device.

I must admit, I'm confused, too. I've been using Prestas for 26 years and don't see the problem here.

I have an adapter that came with my pump which converts presta to shrader.
Presta for hand pump (cause it's convertible), and shrader adapter used so I can be ultra lazy and use my cigarette lighter powered compressor to easily get to 115 ;)

I like 'em. Pump head stays on nice, the screw down cap keeps dirt and dust out. Been using them for over 30 years

I'm so used to presta that I find the periodic inflation of the tires on my automobile (schrader) to be a rather strange way to put air into a tire.

I prefer Prestas.

Are you sure that you are using the correct pump? It must have a head on it for Presta style valves...

Presta valves have been around long before Bush was president.

Presta valves were used when Global Cooling was the disaster de media. It's obvious the use of Presta valves not only halted Global Cooling; they're continued use is now causing Global Warming. The only solution is to outlaw not only Presta valves but Shrader valves as well. Having two different valve types has been a disaster and adding a third climate neutral valve design could possibly confuse so many cyclists that bicycles would become useless as no one could figure out how to inflate a tire. The new climate neutral valve design must prevent the use of coal-fired power plants as the source of electrical power for climate neutral gas compressors used to inflate the new climate neutral valves. Special compressors with climate neutral valves chucks can be installed in bike shops ensuring cyclists can only inflate their tires from a climate safe inflation source. A coin slot accepting Susan B. Anthony coins can activate the compressor with the money generated going to purchase carbon credits to offset the damage done to the climate from both Presta and Shrader valves. We can also develop new inflation cylinders that don’t use CO2, a green house gas. The new climate neutral valve ensures no destructive CO2 inflation devices can be used with the new climate neutral valve thus ensuring only climate neutral gasses are used in the new cylinders. Of course a carbon credit surcharge is to be placed on all climate neutral cylinders so carbon credits may be purchased to offset prior climate damage from the use of Presta and Shrader valves. Hand pumps must also be banned. Pumping tires manually causes an increase in heart rate and breathing. This causes excess production of CO2 from the person using the manual pump and it would not be possible to collect Susan B. Anthony coins for purchasing carbon credits to offset the damage already done to the climate.

I believe Presta valves are metric, while Schrader values are English measurements. Some people have trouble making the conversion. If memory serves, it's 1.452 prestas to the schrader.

See www.bikevalveconversion.net.

Wow! What an interesting poll. Up until now I had just assumed that most cyclists used and perferred presta. I ride 3 bikes (1 road, 2 mountain) and each is equipped with presta. I guess schrader is easier to use but I have (and yes I am a dumb woman who doesn't know anything about mechanics etc.) no problem with the valves.

Actually I thought it was really hard to even get bikes anymore that ran schrader unless it was one of the inexpensive brands (like those sold by Wal-Mart etc).

To those that use schrader or prefer schrader - what is the real advantage over presta and to those that use presta, same questions. In other words if Schrader is so much better why do so many wheels now come prepared for presta?

The poll didn't attach itself properly with the last post. This query was inspired by me taking two hours and trashing three inner tubes trying to replace one stupid tire on my road bike so I could mount it on my trainer. And then I'm rewarded by the evil Coach Troy.

Were your teeth involved?

Actually I thought it was really hard to even get bikes anymore that ran schrader unless it was one of the inexpensive brands (like those sold by Wal-Mart etc).



I think this is true ... for road bikes. For most other bikes, such as comfort, hybrid, mountain, etc., schrader is much more common than presta.

so I can be ultra lazy and use my cigarette lighter powered compressor to easily get to 115 ;)

That's how I inflate my tires. I picked up a 12V compressor that was on-sale at Sears for around $12-14. Works like a charm. I also have a 20 year old 120V Black & Decker compressor that I use in the garage. With everything from my cars to lawn mowers to garden tiller to snow blower to all 4 of my bikes being schrader, it makes things very simple.

I think this is true ... for road bikes. For most other bikes, such as comfort, hybrid, mountain, etc., schrader is much more common than presta.

High performance MTB rims are Presta.


"A primer for Presta Valves" Because they are misunderstood.

Unlike a Schrader valve a Presta valve does not need a mechanical "push" from the pump nozzel to allow air into the tire. The Presta valve spring is relatively weak, serving just to keep the valve from falling into the tire. Because of this it is not necessary to push the pump nozzel onto a Presta valve with a great deal of force. In fact, this would be the wrong thing to do, leading to bent Presta valve stems and broken valves.

1. Unscrew the lock nut just far enough so that the valve can pass air.

2. Give the valve a push with your finger to "unstick" the seal so a burp of air comes out. This will prevent the need to pump up to a very high pressure before air will go into the valve.

3. Install the pump nozzel just far enough onto the stem so that when the locking lever is actuated, an airtight seal results. Any farther may result in a damaged valve.

4. When you are done pumping and have removed the pump, the locking nut should be screwed down only finger tight. The locking nut does not need to be tight to keep air in the tire, the valve is quite capable of holding air by itself. The locking nut is there to prevent vibration from causing the valve to unseat so that little micro bursts get out.

5. The bulk of damaged presta valves are the result of pump nozzels being pushed on too far or at an angle so that the stem of the valve is bent.

When treated properly, the Presta Valve is a simpler more foolproof way to keep air in a tire than the Schrader valve and that is why it appears on most if not all high performance tire/rim/tube combo's both Road and MTB.

I'm in the "what's the big deal?" camp.

Though I'd agree the presta head on the Wrench force pumps doesn't work very well. A Schrader valve adaptor takes care of that pretty well though (doing some quick math I realize I've spent an aggregate of eight minutes screwing and unscrewing Schrader valve adaptors so far this year...no wonder I seem to have so little time).

Put me firmly in the "it doesn't matter to me, I can get air in either one without any problems" camp. I do like the fully threaded valve stem of the presta as it helps to keep the valve stem (and by extension, the tube) in one place, even when flatted, and also when completing a flat repair. Schraeder valves can get a bit off center when very low or when remounting after a flat. They are also a little bit harder to get fully seated. Overall, I think presta is the superior system. I do normally use an adapter and fill my tires using the compressor out in the shop. Nothing could be easier.

In my experience, presta valves work just fine. I've never had a problem with them, and I have trouble understanding why you're (the OP) having a problem.

Of all my bikes, only my '57 Hercules 3-Spd. has schrader valves. That's what it came with, and somehow (as DG points out) they seem more "British." That said, the (even older) "Dunlop Valves" are truely British, and would be appropriate for 3-spd. bikes far more elderly than mine.

Rick / OCRR

Sounds like a case of Pilot Error.

Schraeder for the MTB's and presta on the Road ones. Except for the Slicks on the Tandem that is an MTB but Presta's when slicks used.

Always thought that Presta's were for high pressure and Schraeders for up to around 80psi. My problem is that it doesn't matter what I have fitted- It still takes a long time to pump them up to pressure with a bike pump on the trail or road.

Sounds like a case of Pilot Error.

You mean pilot air ? :D

Anyone remember the old Calvin and Hobbes cartoons, where Calvin was always being attacked by otherwise inanimate objects like his plate of vegetables? That describes the relationship between me and Presta valves. Those of you who sound non-plussed by all of this have obviously never had to fight for your life to fend off an angry inner tube with a Presta valve. It's not a pretty sight, I'll tell you what.

Whenever I use a CO2 cartridge, in order to remain carbon neutral I hold my breath for at least 2 minutes. I'm trying to go for long periods of time without breathing at all because Algore tells me that we all need to reduce our CO2 production to zero.

The real probem is that I was trying to install a cheap Continental tire. The tire is a piece of crap that did not want to go onto the rim. Then when I attached the floor pump to the valve I just couldn't force air into the inner tube. I switched over to a CO2 cartridge that inflated so abruptly that I pinched the tube twice. Then I got frustrated and willfully destroyed the third inner tube and the stinking Presta valve. That didn't make me feel any better.

I finally went into meditation, became one with the sole surviving Presta valve and the floor pump and managed to get it properly inflated. Total time was about two hours. I know that was pitiful.

It's not a pretty picture you paint. WL laying on the floor with 3 angry flatted presta tubes wrapped around rubber band style. Do you have snakebites on your ankles.

Actually I thought it was really hard to even get bikes anymore that ran schrader unless it was one of the inexpensive brands (like those sold by Wal-Mart etc).



A few seconds with a 21/64" drill bit, fixes that "problem".

Schraders are more durable than Prestas, 27" tubes with Schrader valves can be found anyhwere in America, and if needed you can use a Presta in a rim drilled for Schrader but you can't use a Schrader in a rim drilled for Presta.

I don't like Presta, either. I always get hung up while trying to disengage the pump. I'm always afraid I'm going to bend it.

And, by the way, Wisconsin winters may be French, but Minnesota winters are... um.... American? Canadian? Who's the opposite of French nowadays?

Anyone remember the old Calvin and Hobbes cartoons, where Calvin was always being attacked by otherwise inanimate objects like his plate of vegetables? That describes the relationship between me and Presta valves. Those of you who sound non-plussed by all of this have obviously never had to fight for your life to fend off an angry inner tube with a Presta valve. It's not a pretty sight, I'll tell you what.

In the interest of full disclosure, do you advise your patients that you lack basic mechanical skills? ;)

Any Those of you who sound non-plussed by all of this have obviously never had to fight for your life to fend off an angry inner tube with a Presta valve.

Can one feel plussed?

Then again, can a crowd be ruly?

Can someone you're dating be kempt?

Can an employee be gruntled?

I like Presta's just fine. I do use a floor pump with a hose - I could see that, with a typical frame pump, one could, if not careful, rip the stem from the tube. I'm not sure, however, that the same wouldn't be almost as likely to happen with Schraeders.

The one thing I have noticed about Presta's is that the little black rubber caps that screw on last after the tube is inflated seem to crack very easily. I've actually been thinking about buying another Schraeder adapter and keeping one on each wheel with a Schraeder cap permanently screwed on.

High performance MTB rims are Presta.


"A primer for Presta Valves" Because they are misunderstood.

Unlike a Schrader valve a Presta valve does not need a mechanical "push" from the pump nozzel to allow air into the tire. The Presta valve spring is relatively weak, serving just to keep the valve from falling into the tire. Because of this it is not necessary to push the pump nozzel onto a Presta valve with a great deal of force. In fact, this would be the wrong thing to do, leading to bent Presta valve stems and broken valves.

1. Unscrew the lock nut just far enough so that the valve can pass air.

2. Give the valve a push with your finger to "unstick" the seal so a burp of air comes out. This will prevent the need to pump up to a very high pressure before air will go into the valve.

3. Install the pump nozzel just far enough onto the stem so that when the locking lever is actuated, an airtight seal results. Any farther may result in a damaged valve.

4. When you are done pumping and have removed the pump, the locking nut should be screwed down only finger tight. The locking nut does not need to be tight to keep air in the tire, the valve is quite capable of holding air by itself. The locking nut is there to prevent vibration from causing the valve to unseat so that little micro bursts get out.

5. The bulk of damaged presta valves are the result of pump nozzels being pushed on too far or at an angle so that the stem of the valve is bent.

When treated properly, the Presta Valve is a simpler more foolproof way to keep air in a tire than the Schrader valve and that is why it appears on most if not all high performance tire/rim/tube combo's both Road and MTB.

Thank you! I appreciate the explanation. I guess I'm guilty of pushing the nozzle on too far, as I notice my Presta valve stems are bent a little. No problems so far, though.

Forget about anything mechanical...stick to riding and get one of these to follow you around. Hopefully, you do not have to use anything sharp around humans.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/cycling_goldie001.jpg

My bike came with Prestas, so I am a Presta guy, but not by choice. On the other hand, as long as the little brass adapter doesn't get lost, they are only a little bit more hassle than Schroeder valves.

I'm not convinced of Presta superiority. If they are so good, why don't cars and aircraft use them?

Paul

My bike came with Prestas, so I am a Presta guy, but not by choice. On the other hand, as long as the little brass adapter doesn't get lost, they are only a little bit more hassle than Schroeder valves.

I'm not convinced of Presta superiority. If they are so good, why don't cars and aircraft use them?

Paul

Because engineers are involved.

[3. Install the pump nozzel just far enough onto the stem so that when the locking lever is actuated, an airtight seal results. Any farther may result in a damaged valve.]

I never bent a valve, but before I discovered this I actually pulled a couple of valves right out of the tube while trying to disengage the pump.

While both do the job, I actually prefer Presta.