When buying your bike wheels, one crucial decision you’ll need to make is the type of valves you will install. Schrader and Presta valves are the most common valves out there.
The bike valve you choose depends on the terrain you ride, the type of bike you ride, and your personal preference.
In this article, I will help you get a better understanding of the Schrader and Presta valves to help you become a better rider.
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Schrader valve
The Schrader valve is a pneumatic tire valve found on most motorized vehicles, including tractors, cars, and motorcycles. On bikes, Schrader valves are mostly found on low-end mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and kids’ bikes.
These valves are wider and shorter than Presta valves. They have a threaded outer wall whose bottom half is wrapped in rubber and a spring-loaded check valve in the center. The Schrader valve allows airflow in one direction only, so you have to press the inner pin down to inflate your tire.
Schrader Valve Pros
- Schrader valves are more durable
- Schrader valves are more universal since they are available in every motor vehicle
- They are more reliable with a few exposed parts
- You can inflate Schrader tubes anywhere
- Schrader valves are easier to use
- Tubes with Schrader valves are cheaper
Schrader Valve Cons
- Schrader valves are mostly found on weaker wheels
- You have to use valve caps with Schrader valves
- They have a valve spring that makes them harder to inflate
- They are too short for some wheels
- You lose a bit of air when removing the pump
- Schrader valves are too wide for some rims and tires
Presta valve
A Presta valve is narrow and mostly found on modern-day road bikes, mid-to-high-end cyclocross bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, etc. This valve is skinnier and pointed at the top and performs better than Schrader valves since they hold air more effectively and don’t degrade easily.
Presta valves are entirely made of metal, taper towards the top, and are usually completely threaded. The Presta valve is more advanced to use, having a locknut instead of a spring to ensure closure. Most Presta valves now come with a removable core, allowing riders to quickly repair damaged and worn-out valves.
Presta Valve Pros
- Presta valves can fit narrower rims.
- Presta valves are available in different valve lengths
- These valves stay straight in the rim
- It’s easier to attach your pump and inflate a flat tire
- You won’t lose air pressure when you remove the pup or stop pumping
- They have a lightweight design
- You don’t require a valve cap
Presta Valve Cons
- Presta valves are more expensive than Schrader valves
- They are quite hard to use
- Presta valves are more fragile
- These valves aren’t compatible with standard automobile tire pumps
- Some Presta valves lack removable cores
Schrader vs. Presta valve: What are the differences
A Schrader Valve Uses a Spring-Loaded Check Valve
Unlike Presta valves, a Schrader valve has a spring-loaded valve core, called a check valve. A Presta valve uses a valve core nut that holds the central pin in place. Controlling airflow through the valve is done by loosening or tightening the core nut.
Presta Valves Use a Smaller Hole in the Wheel Rim
Bike wheels have to be strong to withstand the weight of the rider and any heavy impacts while cycling. A bike rim with no holes will hold its structural integrity as much as possible. However, you need some holes in your bike rims for valves and spokes. Simply put, a bigger hole will weaken the bike rim. A Presta valve is 25% thinner than Schrader valves, so they demand a smaller hole in the bike’s rim. Therefore, wheels drilled for Presta valves are slightly stronger than Schrader rims.
A Schrader Valve is More Robust and Harder to Damage
Schrader valves are more robust and less prone to damage or bending than Presta valves. Schrader valves also have their valve core inside their stem, making it harder to damage the core when inflating your tire. On the other hand, the valve core pin on a Presta valve is easy to damage because it sits externally.
Schrader Valves are Simpler to Use
Since Schrader valves have a spring-loaded valve, they are quite easy to use. To inflate a Schrader valve, attach a compatible air pump to the valve and start pumping. On the other hand, you will have to unscrew the valve core nut before you start inflating the tire.
Schrader vs. Presta valve: Which is common?
Schrader valves are more commonly found compared to Presta valves. Almost every automobile comes with a Schrader valve to inflate its tires and has more compatible pumps. Most fuel stations, car workshops, and DIY stores have a Schrader pump for sale or one you can use free of charge or at a fee.
Although Presta valves are common in modern bikes, you will only find Presta pumps in a bike shop or sports store.
Schrader vs. Presta valve: Which is superior?
Since Presta valves are specially designed to fit on bikes, they are the best bet. Presta valves are narrow and use a smaller hole in the rim, with minimal interruption to the rim’s structural integrity than a Schrader valve. Presta valves are more reliable and can hold more pressure because the air pressure seals them tightly. What’s more, they have a lightweight design and enhance the wheel’s rolling resistance.
However, Schrader valves are easier to use, especially for novices, because they have a simple design that allows you to inflate your tires from any service station, air compressor, and pump.
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Conclusion
Ultimately, deciding which valve you use may boil down to the manufacturer’s preference. The difference these valves make is marginal, and none offers tons of benefits over the other. The most important factor to consider when choosing a valve is your rim shape. If you use wide rims, you can opt for either valve type. If you’re running deep or narrow rims, Presta valves are the best bet.
