Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Schrader or Presta Valve for Commuting?

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Schrader or Presta Valve for Commuting?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-25-14 | 12:22 PM
  #76  
Sixty Fiver's Avatar
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 27,266
Likes: 152
From: YEG

Bikes: See my sig...

Has anyone brung any pie yet ?
Sixty Fiver is offline  
Reply
Old 07-25-14 | 12:37 PM
  #77  
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
The space coyote lied.
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,734
Likes: 10,989
From: dusk 'til dawn.

Bikes: everywhere

To walmart? Not that I've heard. My girlfriend has brought donuts in on a couple of occasions.
LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Reply
Old 07-25-14 | 01:04 PM
  #78  
DiegoFrogs's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 107
From: Scranton, PA, USA

Bikes: '77 Centurion "Pro Tour"; '67 Carlton "The Flyer"; 1984 Ross MTB (stored at parents' house)

Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
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.
Almost 20,000 posts on the site, and you still can't see yourself as a cycling enthusiast? Why is that such a dirty word?

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.
DiegoFrogs is offline  
Reply
Old 07-25-14 | 01:54 PM
  #79  
I-Like-To-Bike's Avatar
Been Around Awhile
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,664
Likes: 1,980
From: Burlington Iowa

Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi

Originally Posted by DiegoFrogs
Almost 20,000 posts on the site, and you still can't see yourself as a cycling enthusiast? Why is that such a dirty word?
Oh I like cycling alright, and 20,000 posts might make me a BF enthusiast, but I am disappointed, if not disgusted, with so many cycling enthusiasts' posts based on:
club house snobbery (i.e. bashing of bicyclists and the bikes they ride that don't fit the poster's cycling profile), need for speed recommendations in all things cycling related, and/or obsessive quest for possession or showing off of the ultimate (i.e. allegedly fastest, lightest, or most efficient)pricey products hawked by LBS personnel.
I-Like-To-Bike is offline  
Reply
Old 07-25-14 | 01:59 PM
  #80  
I-Like-To-Bike's Avatar
Been Around Awhile
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,664
Likes: 1,980
From: Burlington Iowa

Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi

Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets
I guess I'm not sure what your point is. Too many BF peeps wouldn't consider a sub $1500 bike so are out of touch with reality. Is that your point?
Yes; out of touch with any cycling reality that doesn't fit their own cycling profile, or scenario.
I-Like-To-Bike is offline  
Reply
Old 07-25-14 | 02:14 PM
  #81  
mconlonx's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,552
Likes: 135
Originally Posted by Roopull
At some point, I may switch to a different sealant, but will never go on a ride without any.
A fun part of this is that more and more people are using sealant as tubeless tires systems become more widely adopted...
mconlonx is offline  
Reply
Old 07-25-14 | 03:25 PM
  #82  
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
The space coyote lied.
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,734
Likes: 10,989
From: dusk 'til dawn.

Bikes: everywhere

If I spend $2.79 apiece on presta tubes am I still elitist?
LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Reply
Old 07-26-14 | 12:46 PM
  #83  
I-Like-To-Bike's Avatar
Been Around Awhile
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,664
Likes: 1,980
From: Burlington Iowa

Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi

Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets
If I spend $2.79 apiece on presta tubes am I still elitist?
Only if you think it makes you a better or smarter cyclist than those who use tubes of "obscure" size (i.e. anything wider than 23mm) and/or anybody who rides any bike with the wrong kinda valve.
I-Like-To-Bike is offline  
Reply
Old 07-26-14 | 02:21 PM
  #84  
Banned
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada

Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes

Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets
If I spend $2.79 apiece on presta tubes am I still elitist?
I bought some skinny presta tubes at my LBS and I paid $ 5.99 per tube.
wolfchild is offline  
Reply
Old 07-26-14 | 02:28 PM
  #85  
Banned
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada

Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes

Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
Only if you think it makes you a better or smarter cyclist than those who use tubes of "obscure" size (i.e. anything wider than 23mm) and/or anybody who rides any bike with the wrong kinda valve.
We should all go back to riding solid rubber tubes in "non obscure sizes" and then nobody would be arguing about what type of valve to use for a commuting bike.
wolfchild is offline  
Reply
Old 07-26-14 | 06:36 PM
  #86  
Motolegs's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: Southern Colorado

Bikes: General 80's MTB "Icebreaker", Motobecane Grand Jubilee (vintage mint), Trek 1.1, 2014 Motobecane Mirage (steel) Trek 3500 MTB

Originally Posted by Roopull
Oh yeah, you see 'em on everything... I just don't know why. They're more complicated to use, so I just don't get why they are everywhere like they are.
Presta vavles are hardly complicated. In fact they are easy, and really foolproof.
Motolegs is offline  
Reply
Old 07-26-14 | 09:06 PM
  #87  
I-Like-To-Bike's Avatar
Been Around Awhile
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,664
Likes: 1,980
From: Burlington Iowa

Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi

Originally Posted by wolfchild
We should all go back to riding solid rubber tubes in "non obscure sizes" and then nobody would be arguing about what type of valve to use for a commuting bike.
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.
I-Like-To-Bike is offline  
Reply
Old 08-04-14 | 11:52 AM
  #88  
rumrunn6's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,474
Likes: 4,557
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston

Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0

Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets
From another perspective, Schraeder valves seem unnecessary outside of filling tubes at the gas station.
one only needs a single good reason
rumrunn6 is offline  
Reply
Old 08-04-14 | 12:21 PM
  #89  
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
The space coyote lied.
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,734
Likes: 10,989
From: dusk 'til dawn.

Bikes: everywhere

Originally Posted by rumrunn6
one only needs a single good reason
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.
LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Reply
Old 08-04-14 | 12:51 PM
  #90  
ThermionicScott's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID

Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)

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.
ThermionicScott is offline  
Reply
Old 08-04-14 | 07:21 PM
  #91  
I-Like-To-Bike's Avatar
Been Around Awhile
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,664
Likes: 1,980
From: Burlington Iowa

Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi

Originally Posted by ThermionicScott
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.
Not ever pumping up your bike at a gas station isn't exactly something to brag about, eh?
I-Like-To-Bike is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 06:34 AM
  #92  
rumrunn6's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,474
Likes: 4,557
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston

Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0

Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets
Of course, those little adapters work fine for most gas station fillers also.
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
rumrunn6 is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 06:59 AM
  #93  
Banned
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada

Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes

Originally Posted by ThermionicScott
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.
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.
wolfchild is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 08:47 AM
  #94  
ThermionicScott's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID

Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)

Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
Not ever pumping up your bike at a gas station isn't exactly something to brag about, eh?
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.
ThermionicScott is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 09:31 AM
  #95  
noglider's Avatar
aka Tom Reingold
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,193
Likes: 6,428
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

Originally Posted by ThermionicScott
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.
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.
__________________
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.
noglider is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 09:47 AM
  #96  
ThermionicScott's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID

Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)

Originally Posted by noglider
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.
I'm pretty sure I still have one of those adapters in my toolbag, left over from the days when I didn't know most mini-pumps had reversible heads to cover both valve styles. My pump has never failed to do the job, so like you, I haven't felt the need for CO2.
ThermionicScott is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 09:56 AM
  #97  
noglider's Avatar
aka Tom Reingold
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,193
Likes: 6,428
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.
__________________
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.
noglider is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 09:57 AM
  #98  
I-Like-To-Bike's Avatar
Been Around Awhile
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,664
Likes: 1,980
From: Burlington Iowa

Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi

Originally Posted by ThermionicScott
My pump has never failed to do the job, so like you, I haven't felt the need for CO2.
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.
I-Like-To-Bike is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 10:33 AM
  #99  
Matariki's Avatar
Not quite there yet
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 999
Likes: 2
From: Monkey Bottom, NC

Bikes: A bunch of old steel bikes + an ICE trike

Originally Posted by noglider
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.
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.
Matariki is offline  
Reply
Old 08-05-14 | 10:38 AM
  #100  
Matariki's Avatar
Not quite there yet
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 999
Likes: 2
From: Monkey Bottom, NC

Bikes: A bunch of old steel bikes + an ICE trike

Originally Posted by wolfchild
We should all go back to riding solid rubber tubes in "non obscure sizes" and then nobody would be arguing about what type of valve to use for a commuting bike.
Those things are a bear to change: Fitting Penny Farthing tyre - YouTube

And then there is the perennial argument about whether black or red rubber is more fitting for the enthusiast.
Matariki is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.