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I would like to know what people think about the Presta vs. Schrader valve issue.

Personally, I”ve had a lot of trouble with Presta valve equipped tubes, and I find them to be more “fiddly” than Schraders. I had several in a row fail catastrophically where the stem just decided to divorce itself from the tube. My LBS guy tells me this is not uncommon with Presta valves, which makes me wonder why anyone would want to go on a bike tour with them if they have that kind of propensity.

Therefore, I’m converting our fleet to Schrader only. After all, our cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, wheelbarrows, etc. all use Schrader valves, so why have one exception for the bicycles?

My impression of them is that they are a snooty European solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.

:^)

Oh boy, lucky it is a Sunday, as Presta fanboys can be more insufferable than the worst Hobbit, Marvel vs DC, Star Wars fanboys combined.

Unless you have a super thin wheel that can't fit a Schrader or you are bike shop owner because you make more $$ replacing tubes, Prestas just flat out suck.

I had a bicycle with them once, and was replacing tubes constantly because every time you put air in them there is a good chance they will break. The last straw was when I put air in the tube, the pump head got stuck (another common problem of Prestas), I gave it a slight wiggle and the valve broke off

I had the tires drilled out for Schraders after that and have been much happier ever since. There's a reason they use Schraders on Cars, Trucks, Jumbo Jets, Space Shuttle, etc and not Prestas.

I like Schrader valve but many bikes have Presta valves, which (they say) are less likely to get sand inside, plus they more rapidly deflate. However, removing/replacing Schrader valves is usually easy if you have the tool (some caps serve as such).

Solution 1: buy 6 Converter Presta to Schrader Valve Adapters for about $2 on Ebay (which is usually much cheaper for parts as these). You open the Presta valve all the way (without removing the valve) and screw the adapter on (the end with the rubber gasket goes at the bottom) and then you can use a regular pump to fill it. Then you remove it and close the Presta valve, but you could then just screw the adapter on instead of the cap, which on Schrader valves is to keep dust/dirt out, not air in, but on Presta valves that is less likely to be a problem.

Solution 2: Buy two Dual Head Schrader Presta Valve nozzles for under $6 and replace your standard nozzle with it. It is what I have used extensively, thank God. They were 2 for $1 about 4 years ago!

BTW, I recommend replacing cheap, soon cracking pump hoses with 3/16 I.D. Silicone Air Vacuum Hose (about $1 a foot).