If you’ve ever entered a bike store to purchase an inner tube, the first thing you’ll be asked, in addition to “which size?” is “Presta or Schrader valve?” Don’t worry if this question has left you bewildered and puzzled; you’re not alone.
We’re here to clear up the Schrader vs. Presta confusion for you since people who are new to cycling (or just haven’t had to think about these things) often need clarification about which valve type they require.
One of these valves is familiar to non-cyclists since it can be found on automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles. These rather broad valves can withstand 20 to 50 psi and perhaps more. Often known as “conventional” valves, these valves are threaded on and generally constructed of rubber towards the bottom. We are discussing Schrader valves.
The second kind of valve – Presta – is bike-specific and skinnier. In addition, Presta valves are designed to withstand greater pressures and provide a more secure seal than Schrader valves.
We have barely scraped the surface of the distinctions between the two most frequent types of bicycle valves. This article will discuss Schrader valves and Presta valves, explain their similarities and differences, and show you how to distinguish between them.
Another post that will interest you is about BMX VS Mountain Bike: Which One Is Better For You?
Schrader Valve
The Schrader valve is a pneumatic (pressurized air or gas) tire valve found on almost all motorized vehicles, like cars, motorcycles, and tractors. However, Schrader valves are most common on low-end hybrid, kids’, and mountain bikes.
Schrader valves are much bigger than Presta valves. The core of a Schrader valve is inside the threaded outer.
The core is the silver part inside the golden threaded outer in the picture above. Because of this, the shape of the valve head is different, so a Schrader valve and a Presta valve need different pump attachments. A Schrader valve needs a wider pump attachment, while a Presta valve needs a narrower one.
Schrader valves are more common outside bike shops than Presta valves, so petrol station tire inflators will work if you need to pump up your tires quickly. However, you’ll have to go to a bike shop to find a floor pump that works with a Presta valve.
Presta Valve
The Presta valve is small and can be found on almost all modern road bikes, mid-range to high-end mountain bikes, cyclocross bikes, gravel bikes, and more.
You can notice the difference between Schrader and Presta valves. It is much thinner and pointier at the top because the core of a Presta valve is not hidden under a plastic cover. Instead, it is right at the top of the valve. Because the valve core is out in the open, it is more likely to get bent or broken, so be extra careful when you pump up your tires.
Compared to Schrader valves, Presta valves also work better over time because they hold air better and don’t wear out as quickly. They can also hold higher pressures, which makes them a must for track cycling, where tire pressures usually go over 120 psi.
What To Look For When Purchasing A New Inner Tube?
When you come into a bike store and ask for a new inner tube, you may be asked the following questions: What kind of tire valve do you require? What kind of tube is this? And what tire size do you have?
Which Bike Valve Do I Need?
Check which valves are presently on your bike and replace them.
We’ve gone through the differences and similarities between the Presta and Schrader valves, so you should be OK, but to summarize: the Presta valve is slender and pointed at the end. In contrast, the Schrader valve is broader and rounder.
What Kind Of Inner Tube Do I Need?
Of course, we’re going beyond the scope of the valve here, but the two are inextricably linked, so it’s useful to advise.
Unless you’re competing in the National Hill Climbing Championships, you’ll need conventional tubes frequently constructed of butyl rubber. Most inner tubes are constructed of this material since it is the cheapest and most durable. In addition, regular butyl rubber will suffice if you want a tube that can be repaired with a puncture kit.
If having the lightest weight feasible is critical, you may use a rubber inner tube alternatively. Because latex is significantly thinner and lighter than butyl, a latex inner tube will allow your wheels to move much more quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for racing, but remember that the material is more prone to punctures. They also lose air more rapidly than butyl tubes, so you’ll need to fill up your tires before each ride. Once a puncture occurs, it cannot be repaired.
You may also get self-sealing inner tubes, typically composed of butyl but containing slime or sealant inside that fixes holes before your tire deflates. While they function, you would be best served by going to tubeless tires if your wheels are appropriate.
Which Size Inner Tube Do I Need?
The size of your tires determines the size of your inner tubes. It must be large enough to fill them but not so large that it will not fit.
Fortunately, most tire manufacturers have made this a reasonably simple operation by printing the precise size on the tire’s sidewall. Examine both sides for writing; you should see a sequence of numerals that look like 700c x 28 or 650b x 47. Alternatively, riding a mountain bike can see anything from 26 x 1.25 to 27.5 x 2.2 or 29 x 2.8.
This sequence of digits initially indicates the diameter of your wheel. For example, 700c is a regular road bike wheel, but 650b is a smaller wheel commonly seen on exceptionally tiny bikes to keep everything in proportion. Meanwhile, the numbers 26, 27.5, and 29 are in inches and are designated for mountain bike wheels and tires. For example, 650b is comparable to 27.5 inches and is often used on mountain and dirt bikes.
The ‘x’ stands for ‘multiplied by’ or ‘by’ and merely denotes a multiplier, similar to how a plank of 2 x 4 lumber or a chessboard is 8 x 8.
The width of your tire is the second value following the ‘x.’ Tyre width is measured in millimeters for 700c and 650b wheels. However, mountain bike tires, which are much wider, are measured in inches, exactly like the diameter.
Inner tubes will be available in a variety of sizes. Each selection will fit a variety of sizes. A road-specific inner tube, for example, may have a size range of 700c x 23/28. This implies that it will fit a regular 700c diameter road wheel with a tire width ranging from 23 to 28mm (inclusive). Mountain bike inner tubes follow the same pattern.
If you still need clarification, check with your local bike store. They’ll gladly assist, as they deal with this subject daily. Bring your tire/wheel/bike to a store, and they will be able to inform you.
Which Type Of Pump Do I Need?
The most important thing we don’t have is a bike pump. No matter how hard we tried without it, we could never get enough air into our tires.
When looking for a bike pump, you should look for two main things: valve compatibility and pressure ratings.
Before you can figure out what kind of pump you need, you need to know what inner tube valves you have. Pumps that work with Presta valves fit Presta valves, and pumps that work with Schrader valves fit Schrader valves.
You can buy adapters that let one type work with the other, but they can be expensive and bulky, and they need to work better than having two compatible devices.
Most modern bike pumps have two heads or a head that can be changed to work with Presta and Schrader valves to get the best of both worlds. When you use these pumps, you must ensure you have the right attachment. They are usually clearly labeled.
Second, consider the pressure rating of a bike pump and how it works with your bike and tires. Some cheaper pumps can only pump up to 100 psi, and many others sacrifice pressure potential for accuracy. This means the pump’s pressure gauge is less accurate as the pressure increases.
Mini-pumps or frame pumps are great for a quick fix on the side of the road, but it is very hard to get them up to more than 80 psi. However, we have a guide on choosing the best bike pumps if you want to know more.
Should I Swap From One To Another?
Presta valves are the universal standard on bicycles, whereas Schrader valves are the norm on automobiles, motorcycles, and almost all other vehicles with tires. Is there value in exchanging one for the other?
Since Presta valves are better suited for the pressures and rigors of bicycle usage, there is no need to switch from Presta to Schrader. However, even if you wanted to, it’s doubtful you could since the hole drilled in your rim is almost too tiny for the thicker Schrader valve.
However, trading in the other direction may seem more appealing. However, we believe there is no necessity. Presta valves are meant to be able to withstand greater pressures.
However, this will never be necessary for a bicycle that arrived with Schrader valves. Additionally, you will likely require an adapter to fill the bigger hole and have limited access to petrol stations in an emergency.
Unless you’re in a pinch and can only find a Presta tube to replace a flat Schrader, save your money or put it toward another upgrade.
Also, you have to check out my post on How To Diagnose Common Bike Noises And Fix Them?
