Why Presta?

Mike TowpathTraveler said:
🥱 Little Johnny projecting his anger and jealousy issues once again on this forum, proving my first thoughts on this matter above were spot on......

By the way, my stable of Ferrari's and Porsche's are all outfitted with presta valves. Just because I can.

View attachment 82043

@6zfshdb: Just between you and me (and not Lil Johnny), that post of mine above was in jest. But don't tell Lil Johnny, I want him to know my Porsche's, Ferrari's and Lambos are all outfitted in Presta's just to elevate his BP systolic and diastolic numbers....
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Ohh TPMike... I guess you don't know me or much at all.
If you think even for a second I care about things said hear and/or I wasn't just turning your screws... Which I obviously did...then I suggest you just keep to your tow path where you can remain the smartest guy not on a mule.
Hey look... You got a like from your polish twin... Good for you!
Hey I'll give you one too!
 
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"Arm your e-bike with the latest tubed and tubeless Presta technology" :)
 
I prefer Schrader valves. In my experience I've had multiple tube failures with Presta valves. In every case the valve has failed at the seal between the valve and the tube. A crack would develop and, poof, instant flat and tube replacement. I have not had Schrader valve tube fail on me in that way. In my experience I've found Presta valved tubes to be less reliable than Schrader. My 2007 Bianchi Volpe has Prestas, and my e-bikes have Schraders. I prefer Schrader tubes when I have the choice.
 
Meh.....I have both. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Two of my bikes, including my eBike have narrow 700c rims. A schrader valve really isn’t an option, but I don’t get my knickers in a bunch because I need to loosen and re-tighten a simple valve when airing them up. Lol
 
I much prefer Prestas ... they've simply been more reliable. The only mechanical tube failures I've ever had on a Presta valved tubes have been on those using ultra light weight tubing. I've never had a regular weight Preset tube tear out at the valve where I've seen dozens of Schraders do that (seems like every single kid in my neighbourhood has come to me with that failure at one time or another). I've had Schraders freeze after sitting in below freezing temps (I assume water collected in them when the valve sat facing up. I've also seen spring failures in Schrader valves.

I've noticed debris blown out of a Schrader, but never seen that with a Presta ... so the assumption is that the open area of a Schrader valve collects dirt and debris, and I always wonder how much of this ends up inside the tube and causes those strange flats that don't seem to have any obvious cause.

I also find most pump heads seal better on a Presta valve, and it gets a bit more difficult to get to higher pressures with Schrader valves.

Prestas are more reliable and more flexible, but they do seem to require a small amount of additional intelligence to use. For smaller wheels Schraders are better suited to wheel barrows and kids bikes. ;)
 
mclewis1 said:
I've noticed debris blown out of a Schrader, but never seen that with a Presta ... so the assumption is that the open area of a Schrader valve collects dirt and debris, and I always wonder how much of this ends up inside the tube and causes those strange flats that don't seem to have any obvious cause.
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This happens to a Schrader with Dice or Skull valve caps on?
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I’ve used the adapters to go from a presta to schrader. Just multiplies the pita factor. And all my pressure gauges fit the schrader style valves. Gauges for the schrader valves are abundant.
 
Stefan Mikes said:
Why Presta?
  • They require a smaller hole in the rim, which improves rim strength.
  • They’re lighter, so high-performance wheels don’t need to be counterbalanced for the stem weight in order to spin smoothly.
  • They seal tightly on air pressure alone, so there’s no need for a mechanical check valve like on Schrader systems (which can clog with debris).
  • They are easily extendable with adaptors, making them ideal for deeper-section aerodynamic rims.
www.bicycling.com

Let's Talk About the Difference Between a Schrader Valve and a Presta Valve

How to care for them so you can properly pump your tires and keep riding.
www.bicycling.com www.bicycling.com

Presta valves are simply speaking: modern. What would you be contesting next, Fanatic? Thru-axle or self-extracting crankarms maybe? :) For myself, I'm so happy I could live up the present with its exciting technology available to anybody...

P.S. For the whole youth, I had to cope with Dunlop valves... :(
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The Presta was invented for thin rims nothing else. But it has turned into some kind of status symbol for wide rims. I probably put over 30,000 km on schrader valves with no issues. I don’t mind new stuff at all, as long as it is measurably better, simpler or more convenient. Presta has not been any of those in my experience. I am now offering a 2 for 1 rim drilling service for Schrader lovers. I’m booked all summer!😜
 
mclewis1 said:
... seem to require a small amount of additional intelligence to use.
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I applaud you on your accomplishment. It must have been a memorable day when you conquered the intricacies of the Presta Valve.
And as your reward.. now you get to pat yourself on the back with the rest of the Prestaristocrats.
Good for you! ... I'll give you a Like too!

Hey TPMike... time to head to the bedroom.. I mean stable and inflate Ferrari and Porsche for Friday night. Classy girls with those Presta valves. But go easy on them.. with all the patches they're starting to look as if they have chickenpox
 
don't need a special tool to let out the air or remove the core. well you don't need a special tool to let out the air but you need something.
 
Stefan Mikes said:
Presta valve
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Hmmmm, "modern"?🤭

"The original Schrader valve design was invented in 1891, and patented in the United States in 1893."

"Presta valve supposedly came into existence in a year somewhere in between 1880 and 1890."
 
My impression is that there may be a call for Presta valves in some situations, which are probably mostly to do with racing, and because of that for some reason, if you want to give the impression that your bike can go really fast or is very expensive, and because there isn't a lot of room to paint flames on bicycles, you go with Presta valves. For the vast majority of bikes, at least in North America, if you want to fill your tire with air or just check the pressure, you're way better off with Schrader valves, simply because they are, for all intents and purposes, universal.

If I bought a bike that came with Presta valves I wouldn't rush out and change them but I probably would the first chance I got. In the meantime, I'd carry the same pump I have now, which will work with either valve, and I'd for sure carry some Presta-to-Schrader adapters, or just leave them on the valves.

I really think Presta are way more about making an impression than having any sort of practical purpose for most people. And I think those folks who are impressed by Presta valves are probably too easily impressed.

TT
 
Sometimes you don't have much of a choice. If you have 27.5" or 29" wheels chances are that all you can find are tubes with Presta valves.

Availability of tubes while traveling is always an issue. That is one reason I usually carry at least three spare tubes on journey and make a point of patching them as well. Also that is why I map out bike shops on my journey as well.
 
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