View Full Version : presta vs. schrader
BEAUster
07-21-2004, 07:30 AM
i have d321's with a hole to fit schrader... does it matter if i run presta or shrader? what will be better? i dh and freeride
If you want to run presta, it'd be good to have the little insert/washer to stop the valve from moving around.
Personally, I can't see any advantages for either, I use shraeder as it's alot harder to rip the valve off when using a mini pump. Apart from that, I'd like to know what rear world differences there are for us DH/FR MTB'ers
There's a little ferrule thingy you can get that allows you to run presta in a schraeder hole. I get 'em at my LBS. I think if you run 'em without the adapter there's a risk of tearing the presta valve out of the tube.
As far as which is better -- ???
binary visions
07-21-2004, 08:46 AM
Schrader has an advantage when you're going tubeless, because you can unscrew the core and get a much greater air flow, which lets the tire seal better.
On the other hand, I've not had to take advantage of that because Michelins are so easy to run tubeless :D
I do find that Schrader tubes are more widely available, though, so that's an advantage if you often need tubes on short notice, especially in unfamilliar towns.
Acadian
07-21-2004, 08:51 AM
for no specific reason - but I prefer presta.
BEAUster
07-21-2004, 08:54 AM
what do you guys prefer and why? i'm just looking for downhill tubes to stock up on and i am wandering what valve to go with. it's not a problem to get the little washer, i'm sure their a few cents to a dollar
Acadian
07-21-2004, 09:02 AM
what do you guys prefer and why? i'm just looking for downhill tubes to stock up on and i am wandering what valve to go with. it's not a problem to get the little washer, i'm sure their a few cents to a dollar
you don't even need that washer (you talking the one that screws on the presta stem right?). I've heard somewhere that they are not safe to use, especially if you use tubular ties.
what is the thing that converts Schraeder to Presta? I'm just curious because I'm now running a Z1 FR on my Belair and it is QR20 - came with a wheel that is Schraeder - but my rear wheel is Presta - so when I ride I need to carry one presta tube and one schraeder - sort of a PITA - if I could convert the front to Presta that would be sweet. Anyone got a photo of what the adaptor looks like?
Acadian
07-21-2004, 09:07 AM
what is the thing that converts Schraeder to Presta? I'm just curious because I'm now running a Z1 FR on my Belair and it is QR20 - came with a wheel that is Schraeder - but my rear wheel is Presta - so when I ride I need to carry one presta tube and one schraeder - sort of a PITA - if I could convert the front to Presta that would be sweet. Anyone got a photo of what the adaptor looks like?
they are called "Woods Valves"
http://www.flying-scot.co.uk/components/woods.html
you don't even need that washer (you talking the one that screws on the presta stem right?). I've heard somewhere that they are not safe to use, especially if you use tubular ties.
Nah, it's an adapter which fits into the schraeder hole in the rim, reducing the diameter to that of a presta stem. I'll see if I can find one online and post the link.
If that was what your question was referring to. If not, my bad.
they are called "Woods Valves"
http://www.flying-scot.co.uk/components/woods.html
Damn you are fast Acadian - thanks - but aren't those specific valved tubes? Is there some type of adapter you can insert into a schraeder hole to allow you to use a presta valved-tube? That's what I need - otherwise I'm still left with carrying two sets of tubes if I flat - a Woods Valve and a Presta.
Nah, it's an adapter which fits into the schraeder hole in the rim, reducing the diameter to that of a presta stem. I'll see if I can find one online and post the link.
If that was what your question was referring to. If not, my bad.
Lux, that's what I'm looking for the adapter that fits into the schraeder hole in the rim.
Tenchiro
07-21-2004, 09:15 AM
I have always run Presta, but I always have a pair of Schraeder adapters for gas station fill ups.
Kornphlake
07-21-2004, 09:17 AM
while that's a cool idea there's a much simpler device called a presta valve adaptor
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/imgWrapper.aspx?img=/42/42110.jpg&type=2
They're $0.50 and can be found at any shop. What Beauster really wants though is a grommet that shims down the size of the hole on the rim. I've never actually seen one myself but I know they exist. If it were me I'd just carry one presta tube since the smaller valve stem will fit through the hole in either rim, in an emergency it would work on either wheel. Or you could drill out the rear wheel to be schrader and just run the same tube in both wheels. I see no advantage to presta other than it allows you to have a narrower rim on road bikes.
Tenchiro
07-21-2004, 09:19 AM
Wouldn't the presta lock nut fit a schaeder hole nicely? I know alot of them have a taoered side that looks like it would do the trick.
Acadian
07-21-2004, 09:32 AM
Damn you are fast Acadian - thanks - but aren't those specific valved tubes? Is there some type of adapter you can insert into a schraeder hole to allow you to use a presta valved-tube? That's what I need - otherwise I'm still left with carrying two sets of tubes if I flat - a Woods Valve and a Presta.
I'm confused as to what you are asking for? you talking about the hole in the RIM? like something that can reduce the size of the hole so you can use a presta instead of the Schraeder?
Dang, that took forever. I found this at AEbike:
I get them at my LBS, $1.99 for two.
BEAUster
07-21-2004, 09:45 AM
so i guess schrader is what i'm looking for? they seem to be convenient since gas stations have compatible pumps. and i guess most dh tube are schrader.
I'm confused as to what you are asking for? you talking about the hole in the RIM? like something that can reduce the size of the hole so you can use a presta instead of the Schraeder?
exactly something to reduce the size of the hole in the rim.
Acadian
07-21-2004, 09:49 AM
exactly something to reduce the size of the hole in the rim.
Mavic or your bike shop should have some of those. They usually come on 521's (little rubber insert)
Mavic or your bike shop should have some of those. They usually come on 521's (little rubber insert)
I'll check with my lbs when I pick up my Belair and the Singletrack that needed fixing.
Zaskar Rider
07-21-2004, 10:05 AM
I've run presta tubes in many different rims drilled for schraeder with no little adapter thingie and have never had a problem with it.
llkoolkeg
07-21-2004, 10:11 AM
I run 521s with the rubber reducer to presta.
I prefer prestas for 3 reasons:
1. They hold pressure better w/o leaking over time and endure higher psi
2. They are easier to fill b/c the valve clamps to the rim and doesn't turtle on you when the tube is deflated
3. You can lock the valve before capping, preventing inadvertant deflation
If you want to run presta, it'd be good to have the little insert/washer to stop the valve from moving around.
No you dont, it will work fine without that (it has for decades).
Schrader or presta, it really doesn't matter to me, BUT, I will always drill my rims out for schrader. Why? So I can use either one, this is especially important when something bad happens, whether it is to me, or to a friend. I've been on more than one ride where someone was screwed because they don't have their rims drilled out. To top it off, I can usually get schrader tubes for 2.99, while prestas are like 3.99. That's a whopping difference in percentage, and over the long run, it adds up.
Anybody see the latest MBA where they talked about this? It was complete BS, lol. They didn't have any valid points to bring up.
Higher PSI with presta? Who is filling their mtb tires up to 100psi?
Brian HCM#1
07-21-2004, 10:43 AM
Mavic or your bike shop should have some of those. They usually come on 521's (little rubber insert)
They are plastic now and even come on the EX 729's.
No you dont, it will work fine without that (it has for decades).
Having the grommet/washer/spacer/whatever you want to call it (reduces size of hole), is a good idea in my books, as it stops the valve from wiggling about, thus lessening chances of it being ripped off whilst pumping frantically with a tiny pump on the side of the trail. You know it's happened to everyone, and anything to reduce the chance of it happening is good.
BEAUster
07-21-2004, 10:56 AM
Anybody see the latest MBA where they talked about this? It was complete BS, lol. They didn't have any valid points to bring up.
which one?
buildyourown
07-21-2004, 11:37 AM
Back to the original question of what are the pro's and con's of each....
The advantages of Presta are the smaller hole in the rim and you can close the valve. The smaller rim hole is a much bigger deal on a road bike with really narrow rims. I have had problems with shraeder when you get a small piece of dirt in the valve seat and the valve won't seal. This can't happen with presta since you can screw the valve close. Presta are also easier to deflate. That said, I run shraeder dh tubes cause they are easier to find at the shop.
Espen
07-21-2004, 03:38 PM
Presta with schrader drilling in the rims and rubber inserts. For all the good reasons mentioned here.
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RhinofromWA
07-21-2004, 05:52 PM
When I run presta I always have a schreader adapter on one of the wheels....so I guess for me Schreader is more convienient but for XC racing I think Presta with its instand release or air quickly is nice. I have a valve remover if I wantto deflate a schreader quickly....it works fine for me.
Drill your holes on your rims to accept schreader because you never know when you might really need a tube and the only option is Schreader. It has happened to me.
surfinguru
07-21-2004, 06:29 PM
eh, i run presta on all my rides. only thing you have to be careful with is the screw thingy. i've busted a few off on the trail. just carry a patch kit and a spare tube. what's the big deal here? just run whatever you feel comfortable with. :thumb:
the only difference i see might be the weight savings? (like that few grams really matters?!?) and the convenience of airing up at the gas station.
Rabie
07-21-2004, 09:49 PM
It's best to run presta with clipless pedals, and schrader with flats.
manhattanprjkt83
07-22-2004, 07:15 AM
I fill my tires with grass and leaves...:rolleyes:
Wouldn't the presta lock nut fit a schaeder hole nicely? I know alot of them have a taoered side that looks like it would do the trick.
I've been running presta tubes in a schrader wheel for a while now with no ill effects. I just twist the washer down far enough to hold the valve in place.
Bullitrider
07-22-2004, 01:23 PM
This is a downhill forum, right? Who needs high pressure? Really though I can vouch for the "Turtle effect" mentioned above. And my heavy Hutchinson DH tubes with Schraeder valves suck. I pull the pump off and the valves will stay open unless I pick at them soon after. Do you have to grease them or what? Maybe I should just buck up and buy some new ones. They have served me well by only having one flat(pinched) in the last year and a half. I like Schraeder for all the reasons mentioned.
No rim mods or inserts
No fumbling with adapters on pumps(the small one in your pack, not floor pumps)
Abundance of product
Gas station pumps
Vermont
07-22-2004, 04:05 PM
the only reason that presta's became the standard was they were Euro (french) on a road bike that needs 100-120lbs of air you cannot use a shrader...but on a mt bike with 30-50lbs why mess with presta's when they have no benifits only downsides..keep the caps on and you wont get mud in em...:)
the only reason that presta's became the standard was they were Euro (french) on a road bike that needs 100-120lbs of air you cannot use a shrader...but on a mt bike with 30-50lbs why mess with presta's when they have no benifits only downsides..keep the caps on and you wont get mud in em...:)
That makes sense...I'm drillin' all my rims soon.
willyboy8576
07-22-2004, 06:14 PM
i know this stupid question but can you run shcrader on 04 deemax?
FrBikerGuy
07-22-2004, 11:15 PM
dont know which one is which, but use the fat one. Ive had a whole bunch of flats from the the thingy that u put the pump into bending and letting out air
Ive always had drilled rims, and never bother with reducers for the presta. On my trail bike i still run tubes . I have both on that bike right now, but want to put another shrader in so i can put some stans sealant in both wheels. We ride on alot of horse trail. They like to cut the berry vines down and leave them in the trail since they dont care about flats. Recently after another flat, Instead of replacing the tube i took the core out and pumped in some stans sealant. Since then ive never had a flat.
On my Dh bike ive converted to stans with shrader and havnt looked back.
Honeywell
07-23-2004, 03:59 PM
Someone correct me if I'm wrong as I never tried it, but I've heard with a presta valve you can blow air into the tire with your mouth. I guess that can be good in a pinch to get you back to the car if you don't have a pump.
As for schrader valves being pretty much the standard in pumps, just leave a schrader valve adapter screwed onto the presta. That way you don't have to worry about it.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong as I never tried it, but I've heard with a presta valve you can blow air into the tire with your mouth. I guess that can be good in a pinch to get you back to the car if you don't have a pump.
As for schrader valves being pretty much the standard in pumps, just leave a schrader valve adapter screwed onto the presta. That way you don't have to worry about it.
yes, you can blow air into it, but you can't blow enough into it that you could actually ride it, for all effects, it would still be "flat".
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