Bicycle Mechanics - using presta valves in a schrader drilled hole

Might there any problems using the skinnier presta valve in a larger hole drilled for a schrader valve? Thanks, Ben.

Get a set of adaptors if you want to do this, for the life of your tube. Wheels Manufacturing makes an adaptor you slide into the drill hole that will convert a schraeder rim to presta tubes. I think they're a buck or so at biketoolsetc if your LBS doesn't have them.

Any particular reason you want to use a presta rather than a schrader?

Any particular reason you want to use a presta rather than a schrader?


Does he want to or does he maybe not have any schraders left and has to use presta?

I have successfully used Prestsas in Schraeder-drilled rims on several occasions. I select a flat steel washer whose inner diameter just fits over the Presta valve and whose outer diameter is a bit larger than the Schraeder hole. I place the washer under my Velox rimtape for a longterm, trouble-free installation.

At the risk of reopening a serious religious war, I strongly prefer Prestas and plan to convert my only Schraeder-valve bike, the UO-8.

I know one reason to use a Presta tube in a Schrader rim: less parts to carry around. My touring bike uses Presta valves, but my commuter has one of each (one wheel was changed). My on-road kit has patches, but also one 700c tube with a Presta valve. It's easier to carry the little grommet in the patch kit than to carry two tubes.

On the other hand, if I replace that tube at home, I will use a Schrader one.

Regards,

Presta's are less likely to suffer a failure of the valve than Schrader tubes.

Plus, instead of clamping on a pump to pump that few PSI to mount the tube, you can blow up a presta tube with your mouth.

Wrap the stem with electrical tape if it is a temporary fix. Otherwise, but the adaptors.

Ive done it for years without a problem. I didnt use a grommet or washer, and the tube seemed to suffer no damage. After about 5 years of use, I retired the wheel and the new one has a proper sized hole.

Same here, my rims came with Schrader holes but I prefer Presta valves, as I think they are easier to pump with a small pump and they tend to leak less. I asked about adaptors at the LBS, they said they can get them but that they think I would be fine without them as well. 2 years, about 7000kms, and no problems so far (knocking the wood).

--J

As MichaelW reported it is probably possible to run presta valves indefinitely in schrader holes with no ill effect. I tend to take the conservative route and use adapters. You have at least 3 choices.
1. Aluminum adapters
2. Rubber adapters
3. Replacement threaded collar that has a lip to fill the excess space.

I have used 1 and 3. The aluminum adapters worked great on a modern double wall rim, but were too long for an older single wall rim. The replacement threaded coller was the answer for that since the lip is only as deep as the rim wall. Your LBS should have or be able to get any of these for just a couple of bucks.

when i've used em this way, i've just used duct tape to make up the difference in diameters - paying for an adaptor seems kinda silly, since it's clearly a pinch solution anyway. you need something to keep the dirt out.