Presta vs schrader valves

Question

Are there any advantages of presta inner tube valves over schrader inner tube valves (or vice versa)?

Presta

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schrader

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I've always wondered why 2 exist. Apart from their radically different design I don't understand why you'd choose one over the other.

Not sure about other places, but in Germany there even exist 3 valve types for cycle-valves... — , Jul 18 '14 at 07:02
@Liam For example Dunlop valve: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunlop_valve — EverythingRightPlace, Jul 18 '14 at 11:51
I'm pretty sure this question has been asked before. Presta valves have several advantages, the one main disadvantage being that the air hoses at gas pumps don't fit them. — Daniel R Hicks, Jul 18 '14 at 12:00
Too bad this one was closed, as it had a good discussion (that does not need to be repeated here): http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/8157/why-are-both-schrader-and-presta-valves-still-used-on-tubes — Daniel R Hicks, Jul 18 '14 at 12:03
When I sent it over I was pretty sure there was a dupe here - can we close as dupe? — Rory Alsop, Jul 18 '14 at 13:32
@DanielRHicks That question isn't closed. It's just protected so that new users don't flood it with non-answers. — jimchristie, Jul 18 '14 at 19:09
@liam there is a fourth type - the Italian / Regina valve, which looks like a Presta but the small threadded stem is different. I've never seen one in the wild. — Criggie, Apr 15 '18 at 19:55

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 17 '14 at 21:20

Depending on your rim (bore diameter) you don't have the choice unless you are willing to tweak your bike a bit (or use an adapter). Cross-Country or Marathon Hardtails and racing bicycles usually use Presta aka Sclaverand or French Valve (at least we call it like that in Germany). This type of valve opens when you put the pump on it (after you opened the screw). This allows for measuring the pressure but unfortunately it can be really annoying because you normally release some air when trying to set the pump correctly. Still, Presta allows for a pressure up to 15bar. This is required by racing bicycles. A disadvantage is the thin and long shaft which makes it more likely to bend the valve unwanted. Still this can be an advantage because this more elegant design reduces weight and therefore dynamic unbalance.

Schrader only allows up to 10bar pressure. Because the valve opens mechanically, we can measure the air pressure just like for Presta. The risk of loosing air/pressure at the beginning is lower because you first set the pump on the valve and just afterwards open the valve with a lever.

The biggest advantage of Schrader is that you can use pumps at gas stations without an adapter. Those adapters are really cheap and small, I always carry one in my purse between the change. But still you don't have the risk to loose that adapter when you are using Schrader valves.

The biggest disadvantage of Schrader is the relatively small pressure you are able to establish using hand pumps due to the bigger cross sectional area (p=F/A). Because of the differences in the mechanical construction and therefore the sealing, also with automatic pumps you can't achieve the big pressures compared to tires with Presta valves.

As you can see both valves have their pros and cons. Simplified, If you have

thin rims and/or
don't want to disturb the stability of the rim and the dynamics of the tire and/or
need big tire pressure and
don't care about the issues of maintenance

you should use Presta. For all other cases, use Schrader.

By the way there are more than two types of valves used for bicycles but I think the two mentioned are widest spread

The A in p=F/A is the area of the plunger in the pump. – paparazzo Jul 18 '14 at 14:22 — paparazzo, Jul 18 '14 at 14:22

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 17 '14 at 20:07

From wikipedia

Presta valve stems are 6 mm diameter, whereas Schrader valve stems for bicycle tires are 8 mm, thus requiring a larger diameter hole in a bicycle rim. While not a concern on wider bike rims, it will weaken a narrow wheel rim, precluding their use on (road) racing bicycles.

Schrader-valved are usually available at gas stations as they are the same for car tires.

Presta vs schrader valves

Presta

schrader

2 Answers2