Pobble.808

I am not a fan of presta, and used to have problems like the one reported by the OP. But I have to grant that with the right pump (head) this becomes a non-issue. I got a Silca and had to go back to the LBS twice in short order to get new heads because the first two didn't work. Was tempted to dump the thing but fortunately the third one worked fine and has been problem-free for years.

With a decent head you don't have to push it all the way down on the valve stem, just a little is enough. This makes it easier to get the head off when you're done, and reduces the chance of tearing the tube at the base of the valve stem. And of course you should "bleed" a little air out of a Presta before pumping. With the right pump and technique, Prestas are tolerable.

One last bit of advice, learned the hard way: If you're gonna buy a new pump, go to the LBS and keep trying different models until you find one that works well for you. It'll be worth it in the long run - and maybe even in the short.

mushwars

I am having Major problems with my prestas. I have a dual barreled zefel schrader pump, It cost $150 new. Only thing is that it needs the presta-schrader adapter inorder to be filled. When I first put my tubes on Somehow the adapter worked and I was able to fill up the tires. Its now a week later and my pressure is a little low. I unsecrewed the valve and screwed on an adapter and attached the pump and began to pump. However no air was getting into the tire. It was all building up in the valve and hose and easily got up to 120 psi, so obiously the air wasn't getting into the tube. What am I doing wrong and don't say get a presta pump, that is not an option, This pump cost a fortune.

making

DID you unscrew the valve itself, you know the middle part, when you pushed down on it did it hiss at you?

mushwars

yea, ofc. I unsecewed it all the way.

tjspiel

When there's already significant air pressure in the tire sometimes it can be difficult for the pump to generate enough downward pressure on the valve to open it.

Before attaching the pump to the stem, open the valve manually by pressing down on it with your fingers. You don't have to let a ton of air out. Just opening it on your own first makes it easier for the pump to open it.

BTW, one thing I like about presta valves is how easy it is to let air out of them

mushwars

Ok. well that was the stupidest thing I have ever done, now I can't even ride over to the lbs and borrow one of there presta pumps. -_- anyone else have a suggestion that will work so I can ride to school tomorrow?

relyt

I find that presta valves are easier to pump up with a small frame pump. I think the spring resistance in the Schraeder valve makes it harder to get air in. Not a problem with a floor pump, though.

making

Dang buddy, I feel like I have failed you. Does your adapter have a rubber ring on it? If it does do you have it toward the rim?

Jonahhobbes

There is nothing worse than a crappy pump, I have a Serfal fmp 200 floor pump and it's so hard to get on and off, it has destroyed many a presta valve. I have a mate who has a cheap Specialized floor pump which is a breeze compared to the Serfal.

mushwars

LOL, yea, It doesn't go on backwards. I have never had a problem with a schrader valve. Yes there is a gasket. And don't worry about it, its not your fault. I guess I'll either have to hunker down and buy a presta pump or Will have to wait untill 20:00 tonight when my mom comes home to drive me over to the LBS and borrow their pump. and don't worry Its all good, no big deal.

mushwars

making

ok good, wish I could have been more helpful.

Jonahhobbes

My Serfal cost me a fortune as well does not mean it's worth sh*t as a pump though

genec

It's this simple... you don't need a tool or long fingernail to deflate a presta tube.

mushwars

Looks like they don't make dual barreled pumps any more, If I buy a new pump Its going to take 2x as many pump strokes to fill the tire, meh, oh well.

Quel

I really couldn't care less whether I had Presta or Schraeder on my bike. Back when I mountain biked a lot, I was always deflating tubes because I'd ride road all week then hit the trails on the weekends. For commuting, I just need something to hold air. There aren't any situations where I'd need to deflate tires.

tobashiya

In the schrader vs presta debate, I've always leaned towards schrader... I work at an auto shop, so when it's time to ride home, schrader is easier. I can just hook up to shop air and be off...

Those good ole adapters. They work. But they're still a pain.

SO HERE'S MY NEW PAIN... 1 year old nice road bike... came w/ presta, decided NOT to drill out to schrader (done w/ every other bike)... Buy a Park Tool floor pump today from a friends newly opened bike shop. I've been through 4 tubes. today. I've spit, i've greased, i've oiled. This thing will not release. I end up tearing the fitting out of the tube every time. I'm very close to drilling again... or smashing everything

Jonahhobbes

Yeah this has happened with my pump, the only thing I can suggest is being really gentle and rocking the pump head back and forth and easing it off the valve. Be prepared for some skinned knuckles though

tobashiya

Well I was going to ride when I came home at 6. Then the tube gangbang ensued. I have fresh tubes with air in them on the bike. I am going for a very long ride tomorrow, I'll play destructathon tomorrow night with the pump. If it still wants to hold tubes like a snapping turtle, I'll have to introduce it to my metric carbon high speed drill bits at work on monday morning. Maybe that little passage just needs to be opened up a little bit

deburn

This thread makes me feel a lot better! A week ago I was able to fill up my prestas no problem. Today, same bike, same pump, I try to pump and first nothing happened, then all the air came out. I was running late so no time to muck around (I should have done this yesterday but filling a tire shouldnt have to be so complicated!).

Luckily I had another bike, also with prestas that had full tires, so I was able to take that bike 27 miles later I had a flat, and couldnt get my mini pump to work. Fortunately a passing biker helped out with a CO2 pump and I was able to continue riding.

Made notes of all the points in this thread and plan to spend some time getting used to the pump and the valves. Not today though, we did 29 miles which is the longest I've gone at one time. Pretty happy about that because it's still early in the season

Fremdchen

I JUST did what OP described this morning. Skinned knuckle/bladed spokes and all. Dang. I will try the lube qtip in pump idea. Can always count on good ol' BF to have the next idea to try!

elbows

I'm surprised to hear so much complaining about Presta valves... they've always worked beautifully for me. Schrader valves, on the other hand, give me no end of trouble. Strange.

I have to disagree, however, with everyone who throws away the valve caps. Riding in the winter, I've had valves get corroded from road salt, etc, to the point that I couldn't unscrew them. Can really ruin your day if you get a flat. So these days I always keep the valve caps on.

ItsJustMe

I've never had any significant trouble with either kind of valve. Both work OK for me. Therefore I switched to schrader. That way I can fill up anywhere a car can without having to fuss with an adapter.

The solution to Presta is 21/64"

icemanbb

I've never had problems with either type valve. I have a Blackburn (Trakpump) that fits either type. The only key is that I have to remember which bike I'm on and have the appropriate spare tube. So far that hasn't been a problem.

deburn

Can't remember who it was that told me it wasnt a good idea to inflate a tire using the pump at a gas station. Sounds like it isnt an issue Judging by the # of people in this thread who do that