Types Of Bike Tire Valves: Everything You Should Know
Jane Tu - December 25, 2022Schrader, Presta, and Woods are the three different types of innertube valves for bicycles.
The Schrader valve is simple to use and can be found on all motor vehicles as well as bikes with wider tires. Continue reading, you will learn more details about types of bike tire valves.
How Many Types of Bike Tire Valves?
There are three types of bike tire valves.
Schrader
The Schrader valve, which is a common component of all motor vehicles and bikes with wider tires, is simple to use. The typical procedure is to push the pump head against the valve, secure it with a lever (which presses the central stalk), and then pump vigorously. The central stalk automatically pops back up to close the valve when the pump head is removed. The cores of all Schrader valves are removable.
The Schrader valve has the drawback of needing a hole in the rim that is 8mm in diameter as opposed to a Presta valve’s 6mm. Because there isn’t enough metal around the hole to provide adequate rim strength, it isn’t suitable for narrow rims, which are used on most road bikes.
Presta
Which is more challenging. To inflate, unscrew the knurled nut on the center stalk until it is positioned at the top of the stalk. Once you hear a hiss of air after slightly depressing the stalk, attach your pump and begin pumping. After you’re done, take away the pump and tighten the knurled top nut once more to close the valve. Presta valves are simpler to use with a hose-equipped pump and a fixed pump head. Care should be taken when using push-fit hand pumps because it’s simple to bend the central stalk, which makes closing the valve challenging or impossible. You’ll need a new tube if the Presta valve doesn’t have a detachable core, which some do and some don’t.
Woods
It has a wide valve stem similar to a Schrader and is more uncommon than the other two but is still common on Dutch bikes. It needs a Presta pump to inflate. There is no knurled top nut to undo; just push it on. The large, easily removable valve core is held in place by that knurled ring.
The Different Bike Tire Valve Types Explained
You’ll find a thorough breakdown of each valve type directly below, and at the end of the article, I’ve included a few short instructions on how to switch between different valve types.
Schrader Valves
- Schrader Valve Stem – utilizes inner threading to internally house the valve core. The valve stem cap and bike pump hoses screw onto an outer thread that wraps around the top of the valve.
- Schrader Valve Core – utilizes a spring-loaded central core pin to regulate airflow entering and leaving the valve.
Schrader Valve Pros
- Strong, wide valve stem
- Schrader valve cores are normally replaceable
- Capable of holding high pressures
- Easy to operate
- Easy to find a Schrader-compatible pump
- Cheap to purchase
Schrader Valve cons
- Schrader valves require a larger hole in a wheel rim reducing rim strength
- Not compatible with Presta rims unless drilled
- Weigh more than Presta valves
- A small amount of air is lost when removing the pump
- Use short valve stems which aren’t always compatible with deep section rims without a valve extender
Use of a Schrader Valve
Once you know how to use one, a Schrader valve is very easy to use.
You can learn how to inflate or deflate a tire or system that uses a Schrader valve by following the instructions listed below.
- Before securing your pump, take off the valve stem cap and clean any visible dirt or debris from the top of the stem and the area around the stem valve.
- Depress the central valve core pin with a solid object like a pen and then abruptly release air to flush out any remaining debris.
- Connect your pump to the Schrader valve after it has been cleaned. Some pumps use a hose that twists onto the Schrader valve threads. Other pumps will simply slip on top of the valve.
- Set the tire’s pressure as desired.
- Remove the pump and replace the valve stem cap
Presta Valves
- Presta Valve Stem – internal threading secures the valve core. Rim nuts can be applied thanks to the stem’s external threading.
- Presta Valve Core – controls the airflow through the valve both in and out. the valve core nut at the top of the valve core, which opens and closes the valve.
- Presta Valve Rim Nut – prevents the valve from digging into the rim while the tire is being inflated and while the pump is attached; once the tire is inflated, it can either stay attached or be removed.
Presta Valve Pros
- Thin and lightweight
- Require a smaller hole in the wheel’s rim, minimalizing any weakness in the rim
- Air pressure is easily adjustable due to the accessible valve pin
- Unlikely to become clogged with dirt and debris
- Available in multiple lengths for deep-section wheels
- Compatible with Schrader and Woods drilled rims
Presta Valve cons
- The thin stem shaft is delicate and more prone to snapping than other valve types
- The valve core pin and nut can easily be bent or damaged if care is not taken whilst inflating
How Should a Presta Valve Be Pumped?
Compared to other bicycle valve types, using a Presta valve requires one extra step. Despite this, it is still simple to inflate or deflate an inner tube that has a Presta valve.
Follow the steps below, and you won’t have any trouble:
- Check the top of the valve core for any debris by removing the valve stem cap.
- As soon as the valve core nut is loose, unscrew it. Wipe away any grime with a dry, clean cloth.
- When a sharp burst of air is released from inside the inner tube, press the valve core pin down further. Any dust in the area of the valve’s top will be flushed out by the air, and when the valve is inflated, it won’t allow any more dust to enter.
- Fill your tire to the desired pressure using a pump that is compatible with Presta valves.
- If you have properly inflated your tire, you should hear a loud burst of air when you remove the pump from the valve. That’s perfectly normal, so don’t be alarmed!
- Be sure to retighten the valve core nut so that it is firmly atop the valve and does not allow the valve pin to be depressed.
Woods Valves
Dunlop Valve Pros
- Doesn’t require tools to maintain or replace the valve core
- Thick, robust valve stem
- Cheap to purchase
- Inflated with a Presta-compatible pump
Dunlop Valve cons
- Harder to find in the UK or USA
- Replacement cores & valve stem caps are harder to find
- Heaviest valve
- Demand a larger rim hole than Presta valves
How Should a Dunlop or Woods Tire Be Deflated?
Woods valves cannot be deflated by depressing a valve core pin, in contrast to Schrader and Presta valves.
In order to release pressure from inside the tire, you must first remove the valve core from a Woods valve.
- Your woods valve’s valve stem cap needs to be removed.
- On the valve stem, unfasten the top nut.
- Step 4 needs to be done carefully and attentively if your tires are inflated to high pressure.
- Holding the valve core firmly, slowly remove it from the valve stem.
- The valve core should start to push out quickly and air should start to escape from underneath it. Be sure to hold onto it tightly!
- After deflating, put the core back in place and re-secure the top nut and valve stem cap.
What Should You Know About Bike Tire Valves?
Pack the right pump
Some pumps can be switched between Presta/Woods and Schrader valves, sometimes requiring some reassembly. These pumps are made to work with both types of valves. Others specialize in one type, typically Presta/Woods. There are separate valve adapters, but they are easily misplaced. Better to have a pump that matches.
Pack the right innertube
The proper size valve for your rim is needed for a new innertube. The hole in a Presta rim cannot accommodate a Schrader or Woods valve. A Presta valve can fit through the larger Schrader/Woods hole, but because of its flexibility, it runs the risk of rupturing at the valve stem’s base. A rim valve-hole grommet, which you can buy for pennies, can be pushed in to properly size the hole in order to fit a Presta tube into a Schrader rim.
Is My Valve Schrader Or Presta?
It is simple to distinguish between Presta and Schrader valves. Presta valves are longer and slimmer, while the Schrader valve is shorter and thicker. Aside from the proportions, these valves operate quite differently in terms of how they retain, deflate, and inflate air.
FAQs About Bike Tire Valve Type
Which Valve Do I Need for My Bike?
Examine the valves you currently have on your bike and contrast them with the images in the article above if you’re unsure of the type of valve you require for it.
A Presta valve is probably your best option if your wheels don’t currently have inner tubes in them, especially if your bike is modern.
Presta valves are almost universally used on new bicycles and work with both Schrader and Dunlop rims, so if you’re unsure, go with them.
Can You Put Schrader Valves on a Presta Rim?
While it is possible to install Schrader valves or a Presta rim, you must widen the valve’s hole to do so.
The structural integrity of your bike’s rim may be harmed if the hole is not properly drilled, so I do not advise doing it yourself.
Most of the time, you won’t have the specialized tools needed for the job, so it might be better to buy some new rims rather than pay someone to drill your wheels for you.
Where to Find Tire Valves on Your Bike
It’s very simple to locate the valves on your bike. Short metal tubes that stick out from the front and rear wheel rims are called bicycle valves.
However, be careful not to mix up your valves and spokes!
My thorough guide to bicycle anatomy will help you if you’re having trouble locating your valves.
How to Remove a Broken Schrader Valve?
It is best to run your inner tube through a bowl of water while inflated if your Schrader valve isn’t operating properly or you suspect it has a slow puncture or leak.
Bubbles will appear in the water if the air is leaking from your inner tube.
You can purchase a repair kit to fix an inner tube that is broken on its own, or if the inner tube is too damaged to be fixed, you can purchase a new replacement.
Using a core removal tool and a replacement core, you can replace the valve core if the leak originates from it and your Schrader valve has a replaceable core.
Can You Put Presta Valves on a Schrader Rim?
Presta valves can be used on Schrader wheel rims, but because they are thinner than Schrader valves, they are more likely to be loose, which can harm the inner tube.
Your inner tube won’t catch the valve hole if you purchase a rim valve hole grommet, which will keep the Presta valve in place.
Nevertheless, using a grommet does not ensure that the rim won’t damage your inner tube. Therefore, I would only advise using a Presta inner tube on a Schrader rim if there was no other option.
What Length of Valve Do I Need for My Bike?
Your wheel’s rim depth affects the length of the tire valve you use.
Your valve length should be longer the deeper your rim is. If the valve is the right size, you can easily attach a pump and inflate the tire.
The depth of your wheel rim measured from either side of the valve hole will give you the best idea of the valve length your bike needs.
Add 15mm to your measurement of the wheel rim depth to make sure you can later assemble the valve and attach a pump!
Conclusion on Bike Tire Valve Types
I hope I’ve covered everything you wanted to know about bike valves.
I spent a lot of time writing this comprehensive guide, so I’d appreciate any comments you might have.
Please let me know if there is anything missing from this guide or if there is any way I can make the information more understandable, and I’ll make the necessary changes to make the guide’s information better for the readers in the future.
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