Presta vs. Schrader

[Mauriceman]

Presta valves suck. That's why I use schrader. Presta valves break off. They don't work at gas stations. If you have a presta drilled rim and a schrader tube you are out of luck. Everyone should use schrader, or at least have their rims drilled to accept schrader. Am I right, or what?

[jimilton80401]

I hope that this isn't a flame war in the making, but my experience has been just the opposite: Schraeder valves have given me nothing but grief. They haven't broken off, but they don't hold (high-pressure) air as well, they're marginally heavier, I won't fill my tires at a gas station (a floor pump is what I use and I'll use my frame pump), the drilling for a schraeder weakens the rim -and you can use a 10 cent grommet to take up the space if your rims are already drilled out. Not to mention that schraeders can easily clog with mud or ice and it seems much harder to remove a pump head from a schraeder on a bike than from a car. I always lose several psi when I do this.
I guess I'm a presta man.

Peace

[Rotifer]

Presta man here. Schraeder valves are heavy, can't be fixed, leak ... and they're ugly. :D Please don't drill your rims, give me your address and I'll send you an adapter - I have them laying all over the house.

[scout]

Disgraceful, schraeder valves are for wal-mart bikes.

[MrTB]

Presta's are a pain in the ass. Used Schraeders for about the last six years, but my new bike came equipped w/Prestas. Word on the street is, Prestas were copied from space age technology found in alien ships at Area 51. If I have to use an adapter to make it look like a Schraeder, then I have defeated the purpose of the Presta.

[Rotifer]

If I have to use an adapter to make it look like a Schraeder, then I have defeated the purpose of the Presta.

That's why they are laying around my house rather than in my bag or on my bike. ;) I don't remember the last time I used a compressor to pump up my tires and most gas stations now have devices that limit the available pressure anyway. Another benefit, manual pumps work better.

[angelo_caduto86]

i'm not smart enough for a Presta

I'm a Schraeder (He is the guy who plays piano in Peanuts right?)

Rock the Casaba

[Mauriceman]

I don't think so. I don't mind if people choose presta over schrader, But I wish more rim manufacturers would drill their rims out and provide a grommet. That way, you can use your choice of tube.

Most of the time i have to drill rims to allow for schrader use, and this is a pain.

[Roadkill611]

Schrader valves are heavy, ugly and they leak. Why the *@$% would anyone in their right mind want to use them. Also, I like the fact that presta valves have a nut that prevents the stem from sinking into the rim when intstalling the pump head. I can remember many a time when I had to completely deflate a tire just so I could put pressure on it from the other side when I was trying to inflate a schrader tube.
And if auto manufacturers would get online with new technology, those of you who do use gas stations air pumps for your bike (which is a bad idea) would'nt have a problem.

[Rotifer]

Most of the time i have to drill rims to allow for schrader use, and this is a pain.

I think Maruice is playing Devil's advocate. :D

[angelo_caduto86]

I thought he was playing quasimoto*

and yanking someone's chain
rock the casaba

[Mauriceman]

Yanking chains, yes. And yanking on Presta valves, THEY FALL OFF!:p

[Subscription Guy]

I've watched Maurice drill plenty of rims. I've drilled plenty myself. That' why the 5/16" drill bit in the Dirt Rag basement is dull as a butter knife. All we're asking is that mountain bike rim makers pre-drill rims for Schrader, and provide a rubber adapter for presta use. Is that asking too much?

[hairygrump]

My biggest problem with my presta tubes is when I forget to unscrew the little cork jobber on it and then break my arms trying to figure out why the tire isn't getting any firmer. I have done this twice because I am a moron.

Maybe if I wasn't a moron I would have a different opinion, but for now prestas confuse Jim. Jim get angry. Jim smash!

[Rotifer]

I've drilled plenty myself. That' why the 5/16" drill bit in the Dirt Rag basement is dull as a butter knife.

Well, I don't agree with you but that is why I love Dirt Rag - you guys are unique! I have a mental image of everybody fighting over the drill when a shipment of rims arrive.

[angelo_caduto86]

and they are fighting over the drill that has a dull bit...to boot.