Presta valve
#51
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I like Presta more, but Schrader works well too. I had some Presta tubes fail at the stem/tube interface though, never with Schrader.
#52
Senior Member
And just like on Prestas, the valve cap can be permanently left off with minimal consequences.
Over here, we have these:
We’d call them ”speed valves”, or ”flash valves” due to how much faster inflation went.
If Japan really haven’t discovered these, there might be a business opportunity there for you.
It’s the exact same fit as the tubed valve cores and with the longevity and flow characteristics like Prestas.
Last edited by dabac; 03-20-21 at 01:41 AM.
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#54
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Yes, the Presta stem sometimes pulls out of the tube but I’ve also seen tons of Schrader fail at the valve stem. The rubber coating fo the Schrader valve gets cut and it won’t hold air. The stem can get cut when the Schrader valve is at an angle in the valve hole of the rim. Sometimes that’s because people don’t install the valve correctly and leave it at an angle and sometimes it’s due to creep of the tube when the pressure is low. Oddly enough, I’ve never seen a Presta installed at an angle or at an angle due to tube creep.
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#55
Tube creep has been an ongoing mystery. Like you say, I've only seen it on my Schrader tires. To be fair, Schraders are more likely to be found on lower end bikes, so maybe they're just more neglected. And my one remaining bike with Schrader is the one that gets the most neglected, since it's the daily commuter bike. Also, Schrader valves tend to be found on bikes with wider tires. But still, 'tis a mystery.
The Schrader tubes I've had are metal all the way down, so cutting the rubber coating doesn't affect anything. I think they're a bit stronger just because the base is bigger and thicker, but that's speculation.
I think what it boils down is that either type of valve requires a modicum of care to use, and the failures are so few and far between that it's hard to pin down either root cause or any kind of quantitative reliability. Most of us ride whatever was on the bike when we bought it. "The good is the enemy of the good enough." In my case, Schrader is gradually fading away because my new wheel builds have all been Presta just due to availability of rims.
The Schrader tubes I've had are metal all the way down, so cutting the rubber coating doesn't affect anything. I think they're a bit stronger just because the base is bigger and thicker, but that's speculation.
I think what it boils down is that either type of valve requires a modicum of care to use, and the failures are so few and far between that it's hard to pin down either root cause or any kind of quantitative reliability. Most of us ride whatever was on the bike when we bought it. "The good is the enemy of the good enough." In my case, Schrader is gradually fading away because my new wheel builds have all been Presta just due to availability of rims.
#56
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Yes, the Presta stem sometimes pulls out of the tube but I’ve also seen tons of Schrader fail at the valve stem. The rubber coating fo the Schrader valve gets cut and it won’t hold air. The stem can get cut when the Schrader valve is at an angle in the valve hole of the rim. Sometimes that’s because people don’t install the valve correctly and leave it at an angle and sometimes it’s due to creep of the tube when the pressure is low. Oddly enough, I’ve never seen a Presta installed at an angle or at an angle due to tube creep.
#57
Senior Member
I prefer schrader but use both. The only valve I have ruined before is a presta because I didn't understand them. I lose air on both of them sometimes when pumping.
#58
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Never had an issue with presta adaptors but only use good brass ones with an O ring. The only time I use a hand pump is when I have a flat on the road.
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#59
Full Member
I don't love them, but I don't regard them as a problem, either. In 21 years, I think I have broken ONE. Big deal.
#60
Newbie
Presta valves
Does anyone else dislike them? I drill them out immediately. I did a brand new bike for a neighbor. Just curious, if they're so fantastic why don't you see them in all products? Ever see a presta on a well air tank?. Wheels have actually gotten wider . To each their own. My 81 miyata 750sr low end bike came with them. Cheap bike with prestas. Trying to impress buyers. Then immediately break them. I'm a schrader guy. Lol
#61
Newbie
Presta Valves
Does anyone else dislike them? I drill them out immediately. I did a brand new bike for a neighbor. Just curious, if they're so fantastic why don't you see them in all products? Ever see a presta on a well air tank?. Wheels have actually gotten wider . To each their own. My 81 miyata 750sr low end bike came with them. Cheap bike with prestas. Trying to impress buyers. Then immediately break them. I'm a schrader guy. Lol
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#62
Senior Member
Does anyone else dislike them? I drill them out immediately. I did a brand new bike for a neighbor. Just curious, if they're so fantastic why don't you see them in all products? Ever see a presta on a well air tank?. Wheels have actually gotten wider . To each their own. My 81 miyata 750sr low end bike came with them. Cheap bike with prestas. Trying to impress buyers. Then immediately break them. I'm a schrader guy. Lol
I'm the opposite. I hate schrader valves. Presta only.
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#63
Descends like a rock
The most logical reason for using presta valves I've heard was in drag race cars that had little tiny wheels in front. It was possible they could spin so fast that the center valve would depress from the centripetal force and some air could be lost. The presta valve allowed you to lock them shut to prevent this. I don't know if that's true or legend, but it's what I heard
A quick google search of images of front drag wheels shows that at least some are using schrader valves with caps.
A quick google search of images of front drag wheels shows that at least some are using schrader valves with caps.
Last edited by pallen; 03-22-21 at 11:37 AM.
#64
Qfactor
I don't own any tubeless wheels, so don't know about that. What about deep rims? I've got two bikes with semi-aero hoops and am sure a Schrader stem wouldn't be long enough even if I drilled out the hole(s). I did have to do a 'shade tree' enlargement to fit a Schrader into a Presta rim once, using the tang of a file. Worked fine.
Last edited by BurleyCat; 03-22-21 at 11:55 AM. Reason: clarity
#65
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Presta guy here too
I keep an adaptor on all my bikes In case needed I even buy the adaptors to match the cables to add some coordination of the bikes color scheme
#66
some like the schrader because they can use them at gas stations to fill up? Found years ago, that few had their compressors or gauges set so that any more than 60 psi could be put into the tyres, which will get you rolling but not good enough on a 32 width tyre or less. Also have found the issue that whatever depresses the schrader valve on your pump to let the air in is problematical in actually pressing it the right amount to let air in and/or causes leakages greater than the rate one can pump it in. So for high pressure bike tyres, presta for me.
#67
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increasing rim depth & reducing the rim width will at some point favor or require a presta.
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#68
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The poor design part is that they take the simplicity of a Presta valve and makes in to a poor Schrader valve. They could be made so that they just slip on to the valve they’d work better.
But, honestly, I’ve been using Presta for over 40 years and in all that time I’ve never run across a bicycle pump that didn’t have the ability to pump both types of valves. Every floor pump and frame pump I’ve ever had had the conversion hardware in the pump head and could be easily converted when needed.
But, honestly, I’ve been using Presta for over 40 years and in all that time I’ve never run across a bicycle pump that didn’t have the ability to pump both types of valves. Every floor pump and frame pump I’ve ever had had the conversion hardware in the pump head and could be easily converted when needed.
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#69
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My floor pump handles both Presta and Schrader valves without needing to change anything. I use it on bikes, my motorcycle, even my car. The biggest problem is with Schrader valves which sink down into the rim and tire when the tube has very little air in it. The nut on Presta valves prevents that from happening.
#70
Newbie
Personal Preference
Interesting discussion. I have been riding bicycles both on and off road for about 60 years. At 74, I still ride about 1000 miles a year - in Minnesota (with roughly 7 decent weather riding months). I now ride long wheelbase recumbents for comfort (Easy Racers). I have managed and worked in bike shops, and was the president of a large (about 1500 riders) bike club for a couple of years. I have used both Schrader and Presta tubes for those 60 years. For most of them I used only Presta. Still do. Why? Generally, better Presta pumps available. Much more reliable fills with less leakage. Less failures around the base of the stem. And, Presta is what I am used to. My recommendation - go with whatever you like. There was once an article in a magazine called Bike World. The owner of a bike shop related the story of bike rider customers sitting around his shop discussing different brands of components. At one point, they asked the owner what he thought. His response was "quit sitting around talking." "Go ride your bikes." Schrader? Presta? I say Presta.
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#71
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What bicycle industry are you working for that you need an adaptor? Most modern pumps do both valves or at least presta and the Park Tool inflator works with both valves and so does the Prestacycle inflator both of which are sold on QBP. The SKS head has a integrated chain with a presta adaptor on it you don't even need to thread.
#72
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schrader valves over presta valves
Never really had issues with Presta, put the pump head on correctly and pull it right off without wiggling or jiggling and I don't need a cap if I don't want or if I lose one. Yeah sure other stuff may not use the valve but that doesn't mean a ton. Different valves for different applications.
I despise the Presta. They were invented by the devil. I have two hand pumps the purportedly work for both but they give me trouble on Prestas. I change my tubes to schrader when I have reason to change tire or tube. If the Presta work for you I have no problem with it. I just prefer all schraders. But Be Well, Bluesfrog
#73
Live not by lies.
Shrader high psi.
If you think you are losing pressure through a shrader valve, you can loosen and retighten the core. Or you can remove the core to blow any FOD out and reinstall.
On a shrader valve stem... ditch the stupid black plastic cap. The good caps are made of brass and have a little rubber seal inside. Put a tiny bit of atf/motor oil/power steering fluid in that cap and install the cap. After that it’s practically impossible for it to leak out the stem core.
Shrader goes to 500psi in HVAC, 105psi on tractor trailers. Bigger shrader goes to 150psi on tophandlers, 35k forklifts.
If I remember right, shrader is on motorcycle shocks to charge with nitrogen.
Zero experience with Presta- just clarifying any ideas that shrader is inferior for high psi.
On a shrader valve stem... ditch the stupid black plastic cap. The good caps are made of brass and have a little rubber seal inside. Put a tiny bit of atf/motor oil/power steering fluid in that cap and install the cap. After that it’s practically impossible for it to leak out the stem core.
Shrader goes to 500psi in HVAC, 105psi on tractor trailers. Bigger shrader goes to 150psi on tophandlers, 35k forklifts.
If I remember right, shrader is on motorcycle shocks to charge with nitrogen.
Zero experience with Presta- just clarifying any ideas that shrader is inferior for high psi.
#74
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#75
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