When you’re on a bike, it’s essential to know how to change your tire. The type of valve is vital for this process. Some valves are Schrader, and some are Presta, so which one should you use?
The debate has raged on for years: Schrader or Presta? The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. What matters most is what type of bike you have and where you’re riding.
For example, if you are biking in the mountains, a Presta valve will be more appropriate because it’s smaller and less likely to leak from the extra air pressure required by mountain biking. If your bike tires are inflated with an air compressor, then the Schrader valve might be best since they can withstand higher pressures than Presta valves (typically 160 psi). So which one should you choose?
Well, that depends on how often you plan to ride your bike, what kind of terrain you’ll encounter while out on a ride, and so many more factors we will look at in this piece.
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What is a bike valve?
The seemingly small bike tire valve plays a significant role in ensuring the overall success of your ride. Unfortunately, it requires more knowledge than one might assume to use correctly, so we’ll break down exactly how these valves work and what you should look for when purchasing them.
Bike tires have different valves for several reasons. Some are the standard valve used on cars, while others use an unusual slender version known as Presta or French Valve. There are tons to learn about bike tire valves if you want your ride to stay consistent and smooth – let me tell you all about it.
The types
The two types of valves for a typical bike are Schrader and Presta. If you don’t know the difference, look carefully at your tires to see which type they have:
Schrader
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Schrader valves are wider than Presta and have a consistent circumference top to bottom. They’re often wrapped in rubber when used on wheels because they allow for pressure inside the tube, which will enable them to hold up against heavy use from cyclists. The outer wall is threaded to accept pump heads or caps while the central pin acts as a check valve; this means only air should flow through it one way.
Presta
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The valve stem opens by unscrewing a knurled (textured) nut at the top. Unlike a Schrader, it doesn’t use any check valves—it seals entirely based on pressure in the tube or tire. Many Presta valves, including those for use in tubeless systems, are marked with an arrow showing which way to turn so that they can be opened easily when you’re bleeding air out of your tires. You do this after installing new inner tubes and sealing them behind their bead-like edges.
Judging from the description, the Presta is the best valve for the bike. But that does not mean that a bike cannot have a Schrader. As a matter of fact, cheaper bikes mostly have this.
Below is a comparison of the two types of valves.
Features and uses
Schrader
With the various types and sizes of Schrader valves, it’s hard to keep track. However, a classification system has been created to organize them by diameter, material type (brass or steel), shape/size of valve head end, and length. Here is an excerpt from that chart:
- TR- 4 — 8 mm diameter Straight metal stem
- TR- 6 — 8 mm diameter Straight metal stem
- TR – 87 —10 mm diameter Short 90 degree metal stem
Not only is it used in motorcycle and vehicle tires, but also many tubeless or tube tires. It can be found in air conditioning systems and refrigeration systems due to the mechanism that works on this fluid. Furthermore, fire extinguishers also use carbon dioxide for safety purposes, so individuals don’t get hurt by a dangerous incense while putting out flames with water. This valve can even be utilized within aircraft where high-pressure hydraulic machinery may exist, such as engines or wheels; these are maintained at an appropriate pressure level using CO2’s properties.
Presta
When it comes to the length of a valve stem, Presta valves usually have shorter distances than Dunlop and Schrader valves. However, they are all made with around 5mm2 external threads, making them suitable for different applications in bicycles.
The Presta valves have a valve stem on the outer side and a valve body located inside. Attached is a lock nut that secures it to the rim of your wheel, while another option would be an added cap for protection during storage or transit.
The Presta valve is a narrow tube that enters the wheel through a small hole. This makes it possible to have narrower wheels, which maintain their strength and reduce rolling resistance.
When we pump air into the tire, it stays firmly shut due to a little screw and nut on top of the valve. These two parts help keep out any additional pressure from getting in while keeping an opening for us to let our tires down if need be. When you’re ready to attach your pump, though, you’ll have unscrewed these pieces first so that they don’t get caught up when pumping or interfere with putting your bike back together again.
An average Presta valve has a thread on the exterior, and it is used with an adaptor to connect this external thread to Schrader chuck. This adaptor can also help convert your pump into something flexible enough for other types of valves.
Pros
Schrader
User friendly
When compared to the Presta valve or other kinds of valves, Schrader is easier and more reliable. Almost all automobiles except for a few bicycles have this kind of tire-inflating mechanism on their tires. Unscrewing the top lets, you inflate them with ease as it’s equipped with springs, which ensures that the air supply isn’t interrupted while inflating your tire.
Long durability
The durable nature of Schrader valves makes it an excellent choice for all kinds of vehicles, from high-end cars to Uber cabs. The valve has a perfect built-in system that enables more consistent air inflation than other brands; its spring design allows under demanding conditions without compromising function or quality.
Presta
It makes very powerful tires
The Presta valve with a small diameter allows the wheel to be made out of more substantial material. This means that narrow wheels are more durable in the long run because they maintain their strength better than wider ones.
Variety in stem length and size
Lengthier valves make the valve stem length and are available in 30-60 mm. This makes it have a better range that accommodates more types of bikes.
Can one mismatch the vales?
If you are in an emergency and must put a Presta-specific tube into the wider Schrader hole of your rim, be sure to use heavy-duty tape on either side. This will prevent any damage that may come from moving around inside the drilled-out space.
The type of pump you should use?
Each type of valve is a specific type of pump. If you are trying to pump up a Presta-valve tube, then it simply won’t fit. On the other hand, if you’re attempting to use your Schrader-only pump on a Presta valve hose or tire, there will be no way for air in the head of your bicycle pump can pass through into the inner chamber where pressure is being built.
Replacing a valve
Depending on the situation, a valve replacement can either mean replacing or re-attaching an entire tube. In some circumstances, valves are already attached to lines, but if it is damaged and needs to be replaced, you would need to replace both together.
Tubeless tires use Presta valves, which are threaded and have a knurled nut to allow for air pressure changes. If the valve ever fails, you can just replace it with no need to change anything else on your rim or wheel. Ensure you’re getting the correct replacement part so that there will be an adequate seal between tire and tube (or tubeless gasket).
Some Presta valves on some bike wheels have removable cores. This is useful for adding valve extenders to aero rims or sealing the tire with sealant. If your tire isn’t holding air and has become clogged due to using too much adhesive, simply replace it with another one from any nearby local bike shop.
Bottom line
The best bike valve type depends on your needs. If you’re more of a novice cyclist, the Schrader might be easier to use because it requires less force to open and close it than Presta valves do. However, if you are an experienced rider or someone who rides in multiple terrains, there are some benefits that Presta valves offer over Schrader ones. This is such as slightly better-sealing capability when exposed to high air pressure. Keep these considerations in mind so that whichever one you choose matches with what you need for cycling!