Air Pump Recommendation for Presta (French) Valve?
01-23-15, 05:14 PM
#1
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Air Pump Recommendation for Presta (French) Valve?
I got a new bike yesterday and I noticed that it has a strange (at least to me) type of air valve. It is a thin, long type of valve. I did some research and found out that these types of valves are called "Presta Valves" or "French Valves".
Unfortunately my small electric compressor won't work on this type of valve, so I need to go out and buy a new air pump that works on this type of valve. Kind of wasteful and very inconvenient in my opinion, but I'm stuck with this bike and have no other choice.
Any suggestions on a decent (not expensive) air pump and maybe some sort of pressure gauge for this type of valve? Also, when I do find an air pump, is there some special technique to using it on this type of valve?
Unfortunately my small electric compressor won't work on this type of valve, so I need to go out and buy a new air pump that works on this type of valve. Kind of wasteful and very inconvenient in my opinion, but I'm stuck with this bike and have no other choice.
Any suggestions on a decent (not expensive) air pump and maybe some sort of pressure gauge for this type of valve? Also, when I do find an air pump, is there some special technique to using it on this type of valve?
01-23-15, 05:19 PM
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adapters are available at your local bike store. 
might want to ask them how it works too. here's a video...
might want to ask them how it works too. here's a video...
01-23-15, 05:22 PM
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Brass adapter available in most bike shops, around a buck (cheaper than a new pump).
Open/unscrew the presta valve and screw on the brass adapter over it; then pump away!
Open/unscrew the presta valve and screw on the brass adapter over it; then pump away!
01-23-15, 05:55 PM
#4
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Thank you! Thank you!! It was starting to drive me crazy trying to figure out how to use a Presta valve. :0
On a side note, why do bike companies bother with this type of valve? I read that it was better for thinner rims, but is there really any other advantage over a common Shcrader valve?
01-23-15, 05:56 PM
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01-23-15, 06:07 PM
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Please don't use an electric compressor to inflate your bike tires. The risk of blowout is not worth the savings.
Lezyne Pump - $60
Lezyne Pump - $60
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01-23-15, 06:21 PM
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Thank you! Thank you!! It was starting to drive me crazy trying to figure out how to use a Presta valve. :0
On a side note, why do bike companies bother with this type of valve? I read that it was better for thinner rims, but is there really any other advantage over a common Shcrader valve?
On a side note, why do bike companies bother with this type of valve? I read that it was better for thinner rims, but is there really any other advantage over a common Shcrader valve?
01-23-15, 07:38 PM
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Presta valves are MUCH easier to use with a hand pump at the higher pressures required for bicycle tires. That's because the pumping pressure doesn't have to compress a spring to cause air to flow into the tire. It just has to be higher than the pressure already in the tire.
01-24-15, 07:29 AM
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I much prefer to hand pump my tires, less chance of an oops and a blown tire.
I use a ParK Tools with the nice double head on it. I have heard good about the Lezyne too.
Aaron
I use a ParK Tools with the nice double head on it. I have heard good about the Lezyne too.
Aaron
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"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
01-24-15, 09:58 AM
#10
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My Silca track pump , bought in the 70's still works Fine .. after I stopped pushing the air seal gasket past the smooth band on the Presta Stem,
Between the cap and ring nut thread .. as seen in post 2 picture .
It no longer wears that gasket and it's easy to get the hose off the stem. the Smooth band on all P/V stems makes the air seal .
Between the cap and ring nut thread .. as seen in post 2 picture .
It no longer wears that gasket and it's easy to get the hose off the stem. the Smooth band on all P/V stems makes the air seal .
