The Question: Presta or Schrader?
The question of whether to choose Presta or Schrader valves may appear mysterious to newcomers in the cycling world, especially when faced with the task of purchasing a replacement inner tube from a bike shop.
For the majority of bikes, these two types of valves, Presta and Schrader, are the ones you will encounter.
Often found on bicycle inner tubes, these valves are responsible for allowing you to inflate or deflate your tires.
Although they perform the same function, there are some differences between the two. To ensure that you replace an inner tube or pump up a tire correctly, it is crucial to know which valve type you have.
In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Presta and Schrader valves. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as the valves and pumps that are suitable for your specific bike. Additionally, we have a separate guide that covers inner tubes, including information on sizes, materials, and more.
Understanding the Presta Valve
Presta valves are commonly found on the majority of bikes. These valves are specific to bicycles and are typically found on bikes priced above £500 / $500.
Compared to Schrader valves, Presta valves are thinner and have a slender base where the metal bottom of the valve meets the butyl rubber of the tube. At the top of the valve, there is a core.
To inflate a Presta valve, simply unscrew the valve stem in an anti-clockwise direction and attach a pump. Once the desired air pressure is achieved, detach the pump and screw the valve stem clockwise to ensure airtightness.
Presta valves are also widely used in tubeless systems, where tubeless sealant is utilized instead of an inner tube to seal any holes or cuts in the tire.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Presta Valves
Some inner tubes feature a removable valve core, providing added convenience. When it comes to the pros, Presta valves offer a lighter alternative to Schrader valves. Additionally, the hole required for the Presta valve to fit through the rim is smaller, enhancing the overall stability of the rim. This is particularly beneficial for narrower rims designed for road use and even carbon fiber rims.
Understanding Presta Valves
It is also significantly simpler to make minute adjustments to the pressure in a Presta valve. If you wish to release some air from the tire, all you need to do is unscrew the valve stem and gently push down to deflate.
Furthermore, certain Presta valve cores can be easily removed. This means that you only need to replace the valve core if it becomes bent, rather than having to replace the entire inner tube.
This feature is also particularly advantageous for a tubeless setup. When preparing a tubeless tire, it is advisable to remove the valve core in order to properly seat the tire, as this provides a more direct pathway for air to enter the rim. Additionally, sealant can be conveniently injected through the valve core.
With the prevalence of Presta valves on many bicycles, it may be tempting to assume that there are no drawbacks. However, this is not entirely accurate.
Most pumps require locking the head in place before you can inflate a Presta valve. Technically, inflating a tire with a Schrader valve takes slightly less time as it eliminates the additional step of unscrewing the valve stem beforehand.
Moreover, the valves can potentially bend if the pump is accidentally attached at an unfavorable angle. In certain pumps where the pump head threads directly onto the valve core, the valve core may become unscrewed when the pump is removed.
If you find yourself needing to inflate your tire during a ride and do not have a bike pump readily available, keep an eye out for a petrol station. However, it is essential to carry an adaptor, as the air compressors at petrol stations are designed for Schrader valves. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend always having a pump with you on any bike ride.
The Significance of Schrader Valves
Schrader valves are less common, although they can still be found on certain entry-level bicycles. In the past, Schrader valves were the standard until the prevalence of Presta valves took over. Today, they are often seen on cheaper bikes under £500 / $500, as well as older models.
Schrader Valves and Their Comparison to Presta Valves
An Introduction to Schrader Valves
Schrader valves, commonly found on automotive wheels, differ from Presta valves in their shorter and stubbier design. Additionally, the hole required for Schrader valves in the rim is larger than that for Presta valves.
To inflate a Schrader valve, simply attach the pump after removing the dust cap, if present.
If you wish to decrease the tyre pressure, you can either carefully press on the spring-loaded internal valve core with your finger or use a tool such as an Allen key.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Schrader Valves
If you have a Schrader-type valve like this one, begin by removing the dust cap, if it exists. Oli Woodman / Immediate Media
Starting with the pros, inner tubes equipped with Schrader valves are generally more cost-effective as they are commonly found on less expensive bikes. Furthermore, inflating a Schrader valve is slightly quicker as there is no need to loosen the valve stem beforehand.
As mentioned earlier, if you happen to be near a petrol station without a pump, you can still easily inflate your tire using Schrader valves.
Moving on to the cons, reducing air pressure on a Schrader valve can be more cumbersome compared to Presta valves, especially if your fingers are not small enough. You may need to utilize a tool for this purpose.
Schrader valves also add a slight weight to inner tubes in comparison to Presta valves, though the difference is not significant enough to have a notable impact. It is important to note that Schrader valves require a larger hole in the rim, which may slightly affect the structural integrity of the rim due to the removal of more material.
Exploring the Woods Valve
In addition to Presta and Schrader valves, there is another type known as the Woods valve, originally referred to as Dunlop. Although less common on production road, mountain, hybrid, or gravel bikes, Woods valves are frequently found on Dutch-style bikes.
The valve core used in Woods valves is the same as that in Presta valves, and it is secured by a locking nut to prevent tube deflation.
To facilitate easier inflation, you can employ an adaptor to convert a Woods valve into a Schrader valve.
Determining the Required Valve Type
When replacing an inner tube or tubeless valve, ensure that the valve type matches the one currently installed on your bike.
You cannot switch from a Schrader valve to a Presta valve because the hole in the rim would not be large enough to accommodate the bigger Presta valve.
If you have a rim designed for Schrader valves, you could install a Presta valve with the help of an adapter to prevent it from rattling in the rim.
Which type of bike pump is suitable for my valve?
This bike pump example provides fittings for both Presta and Schrader valves. Kaden Gardener / Our Media To properly inflate your inner tube, it is crucial to ensure that your bicycle pump is compatible with the type of valve you have. The Schrader attachment on a pump is too wide for a Presta valve and will not securely lock on, while a Presta attachment is too narrow for a Schrader valve.
Some pumps may only work with a specific valve type, but many can be interchanged between Presta and Schrader valves.
Some pumps, like the Silca Gravelero shown here, come with reversible chuck heads. Kaden Gardener / Our Media When purchasing a pump, it is important to check if it can accommodate the valve type of your bike or, ideally, if it can work with both Presta and Schrader valves.
Many pumps feature adaptors or dual open ends on the chuck, allowing for compatibility with either valve type.
If your pump is designed exclusively for a Schrader valve and you need to inflate a Presta valve, you can purchase a low-cost adaptor that can be threaded on to convert it.
