Schrader or Presta Valve for Commuting?
#78
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From: Scranton, PA, USA
Bikes: '77 Centurion "Pro Tour"; '67 Carlton "The Flyer"; 1984 Ross MTB (stored at parents' house)
Walmart sells all size car tires too but doesn't sell cars.
I've never seen a bike on the sales floor at Walmart or any other bigbox store that was equipped with Presta valve tubes. Bigbox store bikes may be anathema to the bicycling enthusiasts of BF, but that is the source of most bikes sold in the U.S.
I've never seen a bike on the sales floor at Walmart or any other bigbox store that was equipped with Presta valve tubes. Bigbox store bikes may be anathema to the bicycling enthusiasts of BF, but that is the source of most bikes sold in the U.S.
For what it's worth, the only trouble I've had with valves have all been on Schraeder valved tubes. There would sometimes be a tear near the base of the valve. I never had this problem with Presta valves. But this is only the observation of a single person.
My experience with Dunlop valves has been more limited since I only encountered one about 4 months ago after buying a used commuter bike in Sweden. I like them! After replacing my tires soon after acquisition, I've only had to give a few pump strokes to one tire, the one wearing the probably 20 year old tube of unknown history. I like that the whole venting mechanism can be tightened with a nut much larger in diameter than the knurled part on the Presta variety.
#79
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#80
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#81
#83
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#84
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From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
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#85
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#86
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From: Southern Colorado
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#87
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Nobody sensible would argue that one type of valve is better or worse than another for commuting based on riding quality; the only difference would be availability/compatibility of refill air if the rider doesn't carry the right size pump.
#88
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#89
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Yep. I used to have that as a reason. Back in the day before a Silca floor pump came in to my life
Of course, those little adapters work fine for most gas station fillers also.
I still drill out all my MTB rims for the just in case scenarios where I'm tubeless and flatted out in the sticks but not far of a hike from a Walmart or Fred Meyer.
Of course, those little adapters work fine for most gas station fillers also.I still drill out all my MTB rims for the just in case scenarios where I'm tubeless and flatted out in the sticks but not far of a hike from a Walmart or Fred Meyer.
#90
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I've never ever pumped up my bike at a gas station. I commute on Presta and Schrader valves. Not being able to use Presta valves isn't exactly something to brag about.
#91
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#92
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I don't think this is correct. a gas station pump requires a pin (in the valve) to push up into the chuck pin releasing air from the gas station pump. (valve pin and chuck pin press against each other and open each other's valve allowing transfer of air) in the case of presta + adapter there's no object that protrudes up through the adapter to push that gas station chuck pin. there is no transfer of air
#93
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Me too. I never use a gas station for airing up my tires. I carry a pump. here in my area gas stations charge minimum of 50-75 cents for air.
#94
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Being independent from your surroundings sure is. What good is being able to use a gas station to pump up your tire if your flat occurs nowhere near one? It's why everyone should carry a pump or CO2.
#95
aka Tom Reingold




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In other words, why not carry a valve adapter as a supplement to your readiness? The benefit may be small but the cost is even smaller. Just don't use it as your primary plan to take care of your tires on the road.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
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Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#96
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Why not all three? Carrying a pump is nearly a no-brainer. Then add a valve adapter at pretty much no cost ($1.50 plus the burden of carrying another gram). Then maybe a CO2 cartridge as well, though I haven't felt the need yet.
In other words, why not carry a valve adapter as a supplement to your readiness? The benefit may be small but the cost is even smaller. Just don't use it as your primary plan to take care of your tires on the road.
In other words, why not carry a valve adapter as a supplement to your readiness? The benefit may be small but the cost is even smaller. Just don't use it as your primary plan to take care of your tires on the road.
#97
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I'm thinking, something could happen to the pump. Sometimes I forget to bring it. It could break. Having a gas station option doesn't hurt! I think I'll park one on one of my tires.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#98
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From: Burlington Iowa
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I suppose you will be quite unhappy if one day your pump does fail to do its job and you are unprepared to deal with your unexpected situation. Especially if you have to walk past a gas station with your unrideable bicycle.
#99
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From: Monkey Bottom, NC
Bikes: A bunch of old steel bikes + an ICE trike
This is a great idea. I have 5 or so adapters in a little bin in my shop. I used them for filling tires from my compressor. I had never thought about carrying one with me when I ride.
#100
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From: Monkey Bottom, NC
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And then there is the perennial argument about whether black or red rubber is more fitting for the enthusiast.




