katit

All my bikes had schrader valves. I have shop air in my garage and life was good. Now I got new bike and it had this presta valves!!! I did my research, I wanted to stay with a way I inflate tires (shop air). Bought adapter for $2.50 that screwes on top of the presta valve.

OK! It didn't work. I have this one: https://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...mage_14013.jpg

And problem is - in order to activate it - round thingy in a middle of schrader presses on a pin in inflator and air can get it. In case of presta adapter nothing preses this pin and I can't air tires.

Now, I decided maybe I should ge bike pump (really don't want to). Seems like very good one: Amazon.com : Serfas TCPG Pump : Floor Bike Pumps : Sports & Outdoors

But in reviews I see bunch of 1-stars complaining about issues with Presta valves.

So, what is the deal? Can I get some reliable piece of hose I can use with my shop air to inflate those wheels? Is there schrader valve adapters that I can permanently screw on top of presta and use them?

dsbrantjr

Presta valves usually need to be "burped" by tapping the pin to release some air; this gets the valve unstuck and ready for the air pressure from the chuck to open it. The center core does not need to be pressed by the chuck in Presta valves.

You are aware that the Presta core needs to be unlocked by rotating it counterclockwise to the stop before burping and attempting to inflate it, then closed afterwards, right?

fietsbob

Once you open the little nut on the PV stem and burp the sticky surface of the check valve

the fact that the airpressure in the hose is greater than the air pressure already in the innertube does the rest.

people without any mechanical problem solving skills can still write reviews on the web..


No, once you pump up the tire you close the little nut, then screw the adapter back on . for transport ..



plastic schrader cap on the adapter will keep the valve mech tidy.

katit

Yep, I did all that(shop owner who sold me adapter showed me how to operate valve). Problem is - with adapter it doesn't work. My inflation chuck has "pin" inside that should press against schrader, otherwise air won't flow through the chuck. Thats why I can't inflate it right now. Basically my chuck is not compatible with presta+adapter setup.

What would YOU get if you were on my place? Get dedicated bike pump or something to allow me pump air using shop air?

rumrunn6

you have the option of drilling out the holes, filing the burs and painting/coating the bare metal and using the shrader valved tubes you like. just putting it out there, because that's my preference ...

katit

Thanks a lot!!!! Such a simple idea, why I didn't think about it. With 1 bike in a family (new) that has presta it is better solution for sure. Should I look for specific size? It's Alex R500 rim

Tim_Iowa

presta schrader adapter

The harbor freight inflator you linked is not presta-compatible; you can see it has an auto-style (schrader) head. You can buy compressor tips that fit prestas, harbor freight probably has them (and the adapters linked above).

If you use the little adapter on the presta stem, then remember to open the presta valve first. If the nut on the valve is tight you can't depress it to open the valve.

In the future, you can put schrader tubes in those wheels, but you may have to drill the valve holes out a bit first. Smooth the edges after reaming so you don't pop tubes.

katit

Already ordered schrader tubes, don't want to deal with different standard. Thanks for this idea, why I didn't think about it..

Al1943

Drilling the hole larger weakens the rim, I would not do that. YMMV

rumrunn6

I have a bunch of bits, I'm sure there is a google search with the correct bit size somewhere. I use an old wheel to size the bit. if the bit fits that hole I know I'm good to go. it helps if it's a fresh bit or at least not mauled and worn, you know? sit in a chair. move the tube liner out of the way. brace the wheel between your legs. use caution, if you slip there are delicate parts nearby. it's awkward because the wheel is so narrow. hold the drill firmly and don't press down too hard. since there is a hole already the outer edges of the bit are going to want to bind up. you want to slowly scrape not bore down. many new wheels have 2 walls, meaning you'll get through the top facing wall and will need to keep going downward until you hit the 2nd wall. same thing there, hold the drill firmly with 2 hands and don't press down hard. before filing, try the tube valve stem, if it's too snug put the drill in again and wiggle it a little to widen the hole. you may have to use some finesse to get the hole just right. don't make it too big, you can use finesse to get the valve in later. get yourself two files. I have a round one and a flat one. smooth the inside of the hole and all other surfaces, inside and out, including the surface that faces the tube, this is where a narrow file comes in handy. this actually takes more time than drilling. paint the inside of the hole with model paint, or almost anything, maybe even nail polish, but make sure it dries, who knows what paint solvent does to rubber. you can youtube search for a video but there aren't too many. some wheels require a longer stem. if the tubes you ordered aren't long enough, just look for long stem tubes. they're out there. some bike shops have them too. PM me if you have issues or more questions

spdracr39

I would buy a dual type bike pump. It is portable and will make it easier to inflate the tires without over inflating them. You can probably do it in the same amount of time as finding the chuck adapter and messing with the Schrader adapter.

FBinNY 

Easy fix and it doesn't cost a cent.

Shrader inflators are nmade to do 2 things so air flows. The valve depressor in the chuck opens the valve, and at the same time opens the hoses valve so air can flow.

These chacks are all designed around a valve needle that ends just short of the top of the valve.

I suspect your adaptor it sool long, something easily fixed with a file. When the adaptor is on the tubes valve should be just below the rim.

Now, don't forget to unscrew the little nut so the chuck's valve depressor can push the PV in.

katit

Yes. Looks like 5mm too long. I did unscrew.. Oh well. Will see. I should get tubes tomorrow and going to decide what I do.

Bill Kapaun

21/64"

SwampDude

I use only presta valves, and have for decades, partly because supplying air from a compressor (home or commercial) can seriously over inflate a tube very quickly. This statement is based on reading about bike tire use and care over the years.

My advice is to buy a good floor pump and use presta valves. Your air source will be portable and efficient. And, over inflation isn't an issue if you can read the pressure gauge built into the pump.

Drilling new holes in the rims probably isn't a good idea, unless you're skilled in precision drilling. Buying a pump costs much less than new wheels, and you'll still have factory spec equipment under you wherever you may roam.

GravelMN

+1 for this type of adapter. You can leave them in place so if you ever find yourself needing air from a service station or other shrader type compressor or pump, you're all set. I like to unscrew them and close the presta valve before replacing them just for a little extra insurance against valve leaks. The adapters should cost between $0.99 and $2.00 at any bike shop. I have them on both of my bikes that have presta drilled rims. I actually like presta valves and these adapters give you the best of both worlds.

rpenmanparker 

Shop air as you call it is no benefit for bicycle tires. Just get a decent but inexpensive pump with dual purpose chuck and gauge included. You will never look back.

FBinNY 

The OP has shop air, why shouldn't he avail himself of it?. The tire doesn't care either way, and there's no reason to spend money just so he can work harder pumping by hand.

dedhed

+1 I can't remember the last time I used a hand pump other than flats on the road, with air at home & work.

Delmarva

Drilling out the rims and replacing tubes so that shop air can be used to inflate bike tires strikes me as overkill when there are two simple solutions available. As noted above an inexpensive adaptor can be found at any bike store. More expensive is a good floor pump that handles both types of valve.

FBinNY 

Yes, 99 cent adapters with O-rings and the right length to end just above the valve stem essentially convert a PV tube to SV.

gruppo

Hey katit, listen to those, which includes me, who recommend drilling larger valve holes in your rims and continue using shrader valves (The 21/64 or close bit will work fine and chamfer the edges - take your time and gradually work your up to the correct size bit) I've been doing this in my shop for 30 + years with zero problems, so don't worry.

This is the best and most simple solution so disregard all the other idle chatter.

rumrunn6

the amount of metal that is removed drilling is infinitesimal and has absolutely no effect on wheel strength. it takes about a minute and saves tons of inconvenience for years after.

Motolegs

OP, I had this very conumdrum when getting used to presta valves. Had always had/used schrader- and honestly was a bit confounded by the "new" presta's. Couldn't use shop air even with the adaptor, just as you describe.

Broke down and bought a floor pump, and instantly became an admirer of the presta valve. For some reason, it feels more precise, and I like pumping up road bike tires with a GOOD pump that has a neat guage that reads accurate. When you disconnect the hose the air you hear escaping is from the hose only, not residual bleed from the valve. That little psssshhhht is one of my favorite sounds. The schrader valve.. well it feels a bit sloppy in comparison.

dscheidt

You can also buy an inflator that fits presta valves.