Originally Posted by
rawklobster
My investigation of the difference seemed to be mainly rim integrity. With the smaller hole of the presta, rims can be thinner. I also like that the presto has a ring to keep the valve in place.
For skinny tires and skinny rims, I think the smaller hole for presta makes sense. But for wider rims for touring, I think the larger hole for Schrader does not really matter much when it comes to structural integrity. My 26 inch wheel touring bikes are drilled for Schrader but I have the little WHeels Mnfg adapter to use presta. The reason I drilled them was because in a lot of rural areas you might only be able to find Schrader for a 26 inch tire.