presta and schrader valves (newbie question)

lipowicha

Hi,

I have a newbie question about inner tubes. Currently my MTB tyres/tube have schrader valves. If I buy inner tubes with presta valves would it work? And what is the difference between the two?

Thanks.

nicklouse

no probs.

presta are thinner. Presta dont have a sprung valve.

alfablue

You may want to use a hole reducer, Mavic do one for about £0.75



Alternatively, some inner tubes have a valve lock ring which is stepped, so the smaller side can go in the Schrader hole.

I prefer presta, but the valve ends can be bent or snapped by clumsy handling when pumping them up "in the field". Pumps that have a short hose rather than those that fit direct to the valve can help avoid this for the clumsier amongst us :oops:

Northwind

I preffer schrader, since they're compatible with more airlines etc, easier to use and IMO more durable (people complain about sticking schrader cores sometimes but I always suspect they've not put the caps on, personally). But it's not that big a deal really.

BlueDynamo

If I currently use presta valve inner tubes can I therefore put schrader valve tubes in the wheel instead?

supersonic

If it is drilled big enough for it yes. Hence why a reducer adaptoer can be useful for doing it the other way round.

majormantra

BlueDynamo wrote:

If I currently use presta valve inner tubes can I therefore put schrader valve tubes in the wheel instead?

Not without enlarging the valve hole, which may or may not be straightforward. Wouldn't bother personally.

Matthew