Presta and Schrader Bike Valves

Bike Valve Types: Presta vs Schrader Explained

Bike valve compatibility has gotten complicated with all the valve types and pump configurations flying around. As someone who’s arrived at an air pump only to discover it doesn’t fit my valve, I learned everything there is to know about this annoyingly important topic. Today, I’ll share what you need to know.

The Two Valves That Matter

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. There are two valve types you’ll actually encounter:

Schrader: The fat one. Same as car tires. Spring-loaded pin in center. Press to release air.

Presta: The skinny one. Has a small nut on top you unscrew before inflating. Common on road and higher-end bikes.

Dunlop/Woods valves exist in parts of Europe and Asia. If you have one, you already know.

Which Do You Have?

Look at your valve. Thick like a car tire valve? Schrader. Thin with a little knurled nut? Presta.

Mountain bikes, hybrids, and budget bikes usually have Schrader. Road bikes, gravel bikes, and higher-end mountain bikes typically use Presta.

Why Presta Exists

That’s what makes Presta valves endearing to us road cyclists — they allow higher pressure, which road tires need. They’re also narrower, requiring smaller holes in rims where every bit of material matters for strength.

They hold air slightly better than Schrader because there’s no spring mechanism that can leak.

The Presta Annoyance Factor

Presta requires unscrewing the little nut before pumping. Also need to push the valve to break the seal before inflating. Forget either step and you’ll pump air into nothing.

The nut is delicate. Bend it and the valve is ruined.

Pump Compatibility

Most good floor pumps handle both valve types. Reversible head or two separate holes.

Gas station air pumps are Schrader only. If you have Presta, carry a small brass adapter that screws on and makes it Schrader-compatible. Costs a few dollars, saves frustration.

Valve Length for Deep Rims

Aero wheels with deep rims may need longer valve stems (60mm, 80mm) for pump heads to attach. Standard length is 40-48mm for normal rims.

Tubeless Valves

Tubeless setups use Presta valves in removable stems that seal against the rim. Match valve length to rim depth.

Can You Convert?

Schrader holes are larger than Presta. You can use Presta in a Schrader-drilled rim with a grommet adapter. Can’t easily go the other way without drilling the rim hole larger, which weakens it.

In practice, just buy tubes with the right valve for your rims.

What to Do

Know what valve type your bike has. Carry a Presta-to-Schrader adapter if you run Presta. Make sure your pump handles your valve type. Buy spare tubes with the correct valve.

Not complicated once you know. The confusion only happens the first time you encounter the wrong pump.