Valve Type

[colinchiu]

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone could answer this for me:

Can I buy any inner tube with a Schrader or Presta valve for my 2014 Specialized RockHopper?

My bike comes standard with Presta valves but I am not familiar with it and the Schrader valve type just seems easier to use and pump up.

Perhaps its a case of me not being familiar with the Presta valve and may need a visit to my LBS for a quick tutorial.

Anyway, can my rim fit either one of these valves? or will the visit to my LBS help me out on learning to use Presta valves?

Thanks

[rkelsen]

Perhaps its a case of me not being familiar with the Presta valve and may need a visit to my LBS for a quick tutorial.

This.

They use different sized holes. You can easily drill out a presta hole to take a schraeder valve... but IME presta valves are better at holding pressure.

[DarrylH]

Presta is also easier to pump by hand as you don't have a spring to compress on every stroke.

[TonyMax]

The Presta valves are pretty easy to use, the only additional thing you need to do before inflating is unscrew the little nut on the top. Pump to your desired pressure then do up the nut again.

Simples.

[rodneycc]

I've actually just put an order in for one of those handy adaptors...

• Stans No Tubes Presta-Schrader Valve Adapter 2014
•
• sku132497 Now A$3.49
RRP A$3.99 | Save 13%

At Chain Reaction Cycles. Also a great time to grab it as its free postage until the 22nd (you could even grab two and leave them on!)

http://www.this link is broken/au/e ... -prod38828" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[colinchiu]

Thanks everyone.

I guess I'll stick to the Presta Valve and just learn how to use it

[Dudleygbu]

Most of the new pumps are all 'clever' now. You can pump a tyre with either valve. I much prefer presta to. Just play around with it, you'll get the hang of it.

[ldrcycles]

Or in an emergency, you can just snip the top off most presta caps to make an adaptor.

[KGB]

Good tip there, works great in an emergency.

Presta is also easier to pump by hand as you don't have a spring to compress on every stroke.

Doubtful, I can't see how the spring can provide a great deal of force. Considering the Presta valve is held out by the pressure inside the tube, it won't take many strokes to build up more resistance than a schraeder spring would create.

I'd stick with Presta, they aren't any harder to use. Adapters are ~$1 ea, posted from fleabay.

[Duck!]

Most of the new pumps are all 'clever' now. You can pump a tyre with either valve.

Until they've had a bit of use & the rubber in the head wears & doesn't grip the Presta valve.... Give me a valve-specific/twin head any day.

[Duck!]

.... presta valves are better at holding pressure.

Providing the nut is properly tightened. Otrherwise they are a lot more prone to leakage than Schraeder valves.

Also look at air forks/shocks on MTBs These are fed through a Schraeder valve, and retain considerably higher pressures than tyres.