Does anyone like Presta valves?

[fortyfeetunder]

I got a nice Giant bike a couple of years ago, and the owner had tires that used Presta valves. Personally, I detest them, especially when they go flat, none of my little hand pumps can do me justice in repairing them on the road.

Is there anyone that convince me not to switch from Presta to Schrader? Reasons why?

[BiggJawn]

1. I have both.

It's a "Style Man" thing, IMO.
Actually, I find the Prestas easier to pump-up, because I don't have to overcome that spring that's in the schrader.

I use a Toppeak "Master Blaster" and I can get 'em up to 100# without crossing my eyes TOO hard.

You DO remember to unscrew them before you pump them, right? :evilgrin:

[fortyfeetunder]

5. Thanks for the tip on the pump...

I'll have to find the Master Blaster. The hand pumps I own are so-so in terms of effectiveness...

and yes, I do unscrew the valve before pumping ;-)

[Fovea]

7. I can't add another word to your post

Prestas are easier to pump. Shraeders can be pumped to explosion at any gas station.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

2. CO2 cartrideges work very quickly also, much smaller than

carrying a pump.

I managed to decrease my flat by putting a felt band inside of the tire, before putting in the tube. It's called felt away., very light weight, only 1 flat for over 6 months now, using the same tires on tough singletrack plus bike commuting to work.

[happyslug]

3. A first I hated them, but I have since grown to like them

The main reason is when I change tires off my rims, the Presta because it has that screw bottom is a little easier staying in place on the rim. Beside that feature, Schrader is as good.

Here is how Sheldon Brown modifies rims for Schrader valves:

Schrader

If you want to convert a rim drilled for Presta valves to accept Schrader valves, drill it out with a 21/64" drill bit.

The external threaded part of a Schrader valve is 7.7 mm (.302") x 32 T.P.I.

Presta

If you want to convert a rim drilled for Presta valves to accept Schrader valves, drill it out with a 21/64" drill bit.


http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_p.html#presta

[loveable liberal]

4. shrader valves are for sissies.

Just an opinion..... :)

[robertarctor]

6. Me too. Presta over Schrader.

Got a Marin town bike with Prestas. Gotta say I like 'em better.

[Kolesar]

8. Tap that Presta valve before you pump it up

This was a great revelation to me. After you losen the tiny lock nut, give the valve a little tap to break the seal of the check valve. It tends to seal up with humidity and "other gunk".

I hated pumping my Presta-tube-equipped tires before I discovered that. I would get 130 pounds on my floor pump pressure gauge with a few pumps because I was only pressurizing the feed tube to the tire. No air was actually going into the tire.

I recall I learned this at--you guessed it--the Sheldon Brown website.