Prestas have a longer & narrower valve stem to fit deep rims. Being narrower also allows thinner wheels to be used since the hole in the rim can be smaller.

For the average cyclist, this isn't an issue. If you're wanting to get some fancy wheels, though, you'll have to go Presta or drill them out (not always a good idea.) The thinking used to be that skinnier tires were faster, but recent semi-scientific testing has proven that to not be the case. Even the pros are now using wider tires. They're just as fast & more comfortable. More comfort over long rides means a faster rider.


The bad side of Prestas for commuting or long distance riding is the fact that every automobile air pump/compressor in the US is Schrader. As other have pointed out, if you don't have an adapter or your own pump, and you get a flat, you're just out of luck.

Another bad thing about Prestas is that it's difficult to put tube sealants in them. If you're commuting, sealant in your tubes is a must. Cycle snobs will bash you for using it, but I've been riding on Slime for years & have yet to have a flat with the stuff in my tubes. Ever. Thousands of miles with no flats on roads, sidewalks, trails & even some stupid off-road excursions is enough for me to be convinced.



You CAN put slime in a Presta... and you CAN drill out your rim to convert a Presta rim to fit a Schrader, but don't do it with a skinny wheel.

If you're adventurous, here are two videos showing how to put sealant in a Presta or convert a Presta rim to Schrader...