jowilson

Just got new tires and tubes yesterday and I saw some Presta tubes in the shop and thought that I might just try them out and see how I like them. The tires are Freedom Cruz 26x1.5" and so far I'm really liking them, even going from 1.95" tires. Anyway, I have a spare tube left in my pannier that is a 26x2.0-2.35, and I know I can't use it with my skinnier tires and I'm curious if a bike shop would be lenient enough as to take the tue back. It's not in the original box, I don't have the receipt, but the tube is brand new, never-been-used or inflated. I was hoping they would do a trade and switch the 2" tube for a 1.5" presta valve one. Does anyone's LBS let customers to that sort of stuff?

Second, I have a gauge that only works with Schraeder valve, but does someone make a gauge for only Presta valves? Or am I better off getting a Presta-to-Schraeder adapter?

Third, my shop (the one I volunteer at) ran out of 26x1.5-1.75 inner tubes, but I was able to find two hidden away, which I am using on my bike now. We have plenty of 26x 1 3/8" inner tubes, and I'm curious if one can use a fractional inner tube on a decimal tire, although there would be a bit of expansion problems with a tube that is a tad smaller than the tire.

TIA,

Josh

Bill Kapaun

IF you rim is drilled for Schraeder, there is no reason to use Presta.

jowilson

Sorry for the double thread post.

Ignore this one please.

Rims are drilled for schraeder but I like the look of Prestas actually.

sreten

Hi,

Some presta tubes come with retaining nuts that fit schrader
holes, one way up. Plastic grommets are also available, search.

rgds, sreten.

gsa103

Unless you also use Presta on a road bike and want to use the same bike pump.

SkyDog75

My road bikes have presta valves while my mountain bike and kids' bikes have schraeder valves. I use the same pump for all of 'em. Heads that accommodate both valve types are common. Gauges that work with both types of valve are also available, like the Topeak SmartGauge.

As for using presta valves in a rim drilled for schraeder... +1 on what sreten said. Presta valves are narrower in diameter than the hole in your rim drilled for schraeder valves. If you don't use a spacer, you might find yourself with a hole in the tube near the valve stem down the road.

cny-bikeman

I don't think using such a tube on a Schraeder tube is a good idea at all, may stress the tube when airing the tire and no reason to do so when grommets (which are rubber, not plastic) are readily available.