Just joking, of course, with the headline. Schrader valves and Presta valves are the two main types of valve stems you find on bike inner tubes. And while there's no huge debate that I'm aware of between fanatical factions of Presta patriots and Schrader supporters, it's good for you to know the difference in case you haven't been exposed to one kind or another.
Basically, Schrader valves are the same type of valves you find on car tires, while Presta valves are much thinner with a thin, screw-in/screw out control that you loosen when you want to adjust air pressure.
Links to more information:
- All about Schrader valves
- All about Presta valves
- Readers answer: Which is better? Which do you use?
- Do you need those little nuts on your Presta valves?
More about tires:
Comments
To me, there is no debate. I HATE Presta valves. They are much too easy to bend and break. Both my bicycles have presta valves on which I have Schrader adapters.
As a racing cyclist, Presta valves are the only valves long enough to fit through deep section rims on carbon fibre tri-spoke wheels, and disc wheels. With a correct locking pump, the issue of being fragile when compared to Schrader valves is not an issue, particularly as most pumps no longer require the pump to be held on the valve by hand, as they are mechanically locked, thereby removing the forces applied by hand movement that could, otherwise, break the valve.
I have 3 Bikes,Brompton with Schrader. Raleigh With Schrader, Dutch Bike with Presta.
What I like about the Presta is that it has a Screw Ring at the Base to tighten it on the Wheel Rims ,but the Schraders do not have this and so you can easily Bend the Whole Vale sideways and break off the Valve Completely making the Inner Tube Useless.
Apart from that no problem with either.
With the Dutch Bike I have a Conventional Old Style Pump with a Six Inch long Tube from the Pump attached to the Tyre when Pumping it up,I find it easier to use.I also have a Schrader Adaptor.
With the two other Bikes I have Modern Style Pumps that you Press against the Tyre.
Dublin Ireland
Presta seems flimsy and takes some getting used to with its little screw nut on top but I like that I don’t lose air pressure just put in if the air chuck doesn’t come off properly as with the Schrader…besides Schrader is old school kids bike valves………. get an adapter and make sure you have a locking screw at the valve base to prevent the tube from pushing in if you are totally flat. Besides you can always pre-start fill a Presta.