The Weak Link

The poll didn't attach itself properly with the last post. This query was inspired by me taking two hours and trashing three inner tubes trying to replace one stupid tire on my road bike so I could mount it on my trainer. And then I'm rewarded by the evil Coach Troy.

Velo Dog

What kind of problems are you having? Only one I can imagine is that you're ripping the valves off when trying to inflate with a hand pump. In that case, you can often brace your downstream hand against the rim or wrap a couple of fingers around the spokes to hold the pump steady.
When I started cycling, 30 or so years ago, I didn't understand why there had to be two kinds of valves. Now that I'm used to them, though, they're easier to inflate than schraders, because you don't have to fight the spring.

bkaapcke

I call them junk. I always change them out for schraders as soon as possible. People should learn to recognize landfill when they are looking at it. bk

Jim Bushard

I asked this same question on another forum with similar results. One of the answers I got was that you can't find Presta at a loca Wal Mart if you are out touring. And I can't argue with that but if you are running a 1 1/2 inch tire on a 26" wheel you are going to have problems finding these. I have drilled out my mtb tires to schrader and have left my T2000 presta. I guess the debate goes on.

doctor j

What a crappy poll! You should have included a choice for French, which ranks right there among satanic and demonic, Wisconsin winters, and white bikes, along with with the other choices.

The presta must have been invented by the same French guy who invented the Chauchat machine gun (a/k/a "shosho") of WW1 fame. The dough boys didn't care for it.

Artkansas 

I've only had to use presta's recently. So far I'm not amused. Schraders are so straight forward.

dendawg

Took a little getting used to on my road bike but they're ok. When I get a flat I find them no harder to change then a Schrader tube.

ollo_ollo

I would definitely have voted "French" if it had been a choice!

Tom Bombadil

I definitely prefer Schrader. But if one is going to run thin rim wheels, then you've most likley going to have to go Presta.

I would want Schrader if I were running 32mm or larger.

All of my current bikes use Schrader. My Trek hybrid came with Presta - even though it uses 700x38 tires and wider rims. It was later drilled out for Schrader.

maddmaxx 

I don't understand......I have absolutely no problems with Presta valves......???

You unscrew the cap...unscrew the locknut...give it a tap to unseat the valve...fill it with air...screw down the locknut...screw on the cap.

Even DG has never complained about the mechanics of this device.

yohannrjm

I've only got into riding road bikes over the last year, so I'm new to Presta's.

I have no problems changing tubes. The only hassle is getting the pump off the valve after filling. I always wind up losing air when I do that.

Maybe I still haven't got the hang of it.

stonecrd

I think the type of pump you have makes a bigger difference than the valve. I initially had a Wrench Force pump and had nothing but problems getting it to seat correctly on the presta valve. Now I have a specialized pump the head is much nicer and goes on an off easily and I have very little problems pumping up the tire now.

freeranger

Not crazy about presta, but have never had a problem with them. Maybe it's your pump. This is the one I use and have never had a problem (and I like the dual head so no levers to switch when changing from presta to schraeder):
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4360

roccobike

For low pressure tires, like MTB, I prefer Schrader. For high pressure road tires, Presta all the way. The Presta's are a little less convenient to inflate, but the valve is designed to allow less pressure loss when disengaging the pump. Once the adaptor is on the Presta, I don't see much difference from a Schrader. As was said before, the pump makes more difference than the valve.
As for not being able to find a Presta valve tube at Walmart while on a long ride, I don't understand why there isn't a spare tube in their fanny pak. Of course the last time I needed the spare tube, it was for a group ride partner who doesn't believe in riding with a spare. Come to think of it, he still owes me a new tube.

John E

I have Schraeders on the cars, the UO-8, and the wheelbarrow, prestas on all of the other bikes, including the mountain bikes.

advantage presta: 1) higher hand pump pressure; 2) smaller hole in rim; 3) looks right on a road racing bike with skinny tires;

advantage Schraeder: 1) may hold air pressure slightly longer; 2) no external stem fitting to bend; 3) nicely proportioned for a car or truck.

Beverly

The pump made a big difference for me. I ripped several tubes at the stem with my original floor pump. After buying a new one I haven't had that problem.

DnvrFox

Pump?

You are supposed to use a PUMP?

No wonder my lips are hurting so much. It does build up your lungs, though!

ad6mj

I prefer Schrader. I'm a klutz and frequently when I flat the adrenaline is pumping, and I would end up ripping the darn presta off. I don't have that problem with Schrader, plus I can get them at Walmart,harware stores, or drug stores and if necessary, I could temporarily put in a presta. Try to temporarily put a Schrader in a presta hole.

Beverly

That's a nice looking yellow pump but I prefer mine

John E

I have heard of folks starting a brand-new folded innertube using mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, because it can be hard to pump "from scratch."

Trsnrtr

I must admit, I'm confused, too. I've been using Prestas for 26 years and don't see the problem here.

chevy42083

I have an adapter that came with my pump which converts presta to shrader.
Presta for hand pump (cause it's convertible), and shrader adapter used so I can be ultra lazy and use my cigarette lighter powered compressor to easily get to 115

howsteepisit

I like 'em. Pump head stays on nice, the screw down cap keeps dirt and dust out. Been using them for over 30 years

BSLeVan

I'm so used to presta that I find the periodic inflation of the tires on my automobile (schrader) to be a rather strange way to put air into a tire.

alicestrong

I prefer Prestas.

Are you sure that you are using the correct pump? It must have a head on it for Presta style valves...