ablang

I was just wondering why one might choose to get Presta valves over Schraeder valves?

After all, the latter is the most common, and they both seem to do the same job, which is allow one to pump air into ones tires. The interface is also most common.

So why choose tires using Presta valves?

merlin55

with a hand pump they are easier to inflate...presta tubes....tires don't care

Wordbiker

Many road rims are too narrow for the larger hole required by the Schraeder and would compromise strength.

The Schraeder valve is also heavier, and at higher speeds could cause balance issues, especially with lightweight wheels.

operator

derath

I find presta valves easier to deal with overall, especially in the field with a hand pump. And with a schrader adapter I can still fill up at a gas station if necessary etc.

-D

Retro Grouch 

People keep saying that and I just don't think that it's true.

Other than requiring a bigger hole in the rim, I can't see any significant difference unless you are using an air compressor to inflate your tires. If that's the case, Schrader valves are much faster and easier to inflate.

ad6mj

I drill my rims for Schrader if they don't come that way. I find Schraders to be more durable. I seem to be a real klutz when it comes to flats away from home. I've usually got the adrenaline pumping am shaky and end up bending the Presta. I carry a grommet in my bag in case I ever need to borrow a tube from somebody else that has Prestas. I can get Schrader tubes at hardware stores or Walmart anywhere in the country.

bkaapcke

Presta=crap. Schrader=good. bk

Wordbiker

Schrader = noob, Presta = experienced cyclist

Torchy McFlux

Presta valves are simpler, lighter, and require a smaller hole so your rim is stronger. They're also marginally easier to inflate to high pressure since you're not fighting the spring on the Schrader's valve core.
Schrader are more convenient for recreational cyclists because you can pump them up at gas stations without an adapter. They're also less prone to shifting and tearing when a tire is inflated to low pressure, so many mountain bikers prefer them.

Tabor

Schrader = 6
presta = 1/2 dozen

Longfemur

This is obviously a people-riding-bikes versus a cyclist type of thread. Good luck inflating a high pressure road tire with a Schraeder valve. If it's a lower pressure mountain bike, hybrid, comfort bike or similar tire, then Schraeder works fine.

Retro Grouch 

We have a BINGO!

Retro Grouch 

Now see, that's another of those myth things. The air conditioner on my house operates at a 200 psi line pressure, is expected not to leak at all, and uses a Schrader valve. Your higher pressure argument just doesn't hold - air.

freako

Now there's a load of crap, no bingo here. Semi tractor tires are always over 110PSI and they use Schrader valves. My son worked at a tire store when he was kid and he told me that once they had to fill 4 new tires on 4 new rims for a car to 165psi before they even seated! (yeah yeah they took safety precautions in case the rim grenaded).

maddmaxx 

The Presta Valve is an airpressure operated valve with very few moving parts. Valve disc at the botton of the stem, shaft and locknut. It does not require that the inflating valve depress the stem to open the valve. It allows air into the tube when the pressure in the pump is higher than the pressure in the tube. It seals when the pressure in the tube is higher than outside. It does not leak air while the pump is being disconnected. (the air you hear at that time is coming out of the pump) The locknut is just there to stabalize the valve so that routine vibration does not let the valve move and burp air out.

To fill, loosen the locknut (a turn will more than do it. Tap the top of the locknut to free a sticky valve so you don't have to punp up to a very high pressure to open it. Attach the pump. (don't press it on too far.....you don' have to touch the stem...you don't want to) Pump. Release the pump. tighten the locknut finger tight.

The one thing that a presta valve will not do is let you read the prissure in the tire with a gauge. It won't open unless you press down on the shaft to let air out. Read the pressure while you are pumping air in.

Its a simple valve, they have been making these for a very long time.

ad6mj

I have no problem inflating my roadbike with Schrader tubes tires to 120 psi. I've had no problems with them being to wide for skinny road rims either, at least not with Open Pros or Aeroheads. I don't have any of those boutique wheels. I'm lighter now, but I was 230 lbs and didn't have problems with the rims being too weak after drilling them out.

old_alfie

Presta is akin to a religious cult.
alf

bkaapcke

Old Alfie has it right. Religion! bk

jsmithepa

Who cares, just pick one and stay with it. Whatever pulls yer chain.