Touring - What tube stem length do I need for my LHT?

Hello!
Making a purchase today and I need to order some spare tubes for my LHT. What presta stem length comes on these.....32mm or 48mm?

Also, one of the reasons I opted for the 26" wheel was for availability of that size of tube/tire just about anywhere. But, having presta tubes just seems to contradict that. I don't think I could get anything but schrader at a Walmart or hardware store. Have most of you kept the Presta or has anyone had the rims drilled for Schrader? This just confuses me.

Thanks!

IMHO Schrader is the way to go. Easy to find everywhere, use any kind of pump or compressor, and most importantly not as fragile as a Presta valve. I'll admit I have broken a Presta valve or two using a hand pump in my 35+ years of riding and while the "born in Spandex" crowd will say it's a stupid mistake, it does happen to more people than are willing to admit. Schrader is pretty much fool proof and way more appropriate (I think) on a utility bike.

It's easy to have your rims drilled out to accept Schrader valves.

Both! Drill your rims for presta and get a set of "presta stem savers":

http://wheelsmfg.com/content/view/513/38/

You then have the option of running schrader or presta. The insert goes into the rim from the tube side.

Both! Drill your rims for presta and get a set of "presta stem savers":

http://wheelsmfg.com/content/view/513/38/

You then have the option of running schrader or presta. The insert goes into the rim from the tube side.


Just what I was thinking.... I already added a pair of these to my cart.

Now, as far as what valve stem length for presta for these adventurer rims.......anyone?

Either will work but I'm sure you can get by with the smaller of the two since you don't have a high profile rim.

+1 on drilling out a rim and being able to use either valve stem.

Thanks guys! That is the way I'll go. I ordered the stem savers. I have to take the bike in for free adjustment before I leave for our trip so I will just have them drill out for me then. My husband and son both have schrader and if I switched it would save me from having to use adapters or switching the pump each time.

Thanks guys! That is the way I'll go. I ordered the stem savers. I have to take the bike in for free adjustment before I leave for our trip so I will just have them drill out for me then. My husband and son both have schrader and if I switched it would save me from having to use adapters or switching the pump each time.

Good decision. I couldn't find any 26" Presta tubes at Walmart on a trip two years ago. I had the Alex Adventurer rims on my LHT drilled for Schrader valves as soon as we got home. It is especially convenient as my wife's bike needs 26" Schrader tubes, too.