Let's Talk About Valve Stems

Telephone : {{{{bringgg bringggg}}}

Shop Rat: "Hello, Bob's Bike Shop. How may I help you?"

Customer: "Well. I have a flat tire. And I have these....funny....tubes"

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Presta VS. Schrader 101


We'll stick with these two since these are what you most often see in the U.S.


Schrader:
















Looks like your car's valve stem. Can be filled with any compressor or at the gas station.


Presta:











To fill a presta valve, unscrew the top nut (righty-tighty, lefty loosey) and depress. The tube is ready to be inflated. Most modern bicycle pumps have either "smart heads" capable of inflating either valve stem style or two holes in the pump head (the smaller hole fits the presta valve).



If you have a compressor, an old-school pump or you need to top off at the gas station invest ~$1-2 in a valve stem adapter:












A note about those little plastic valve caps: You don't really need them. Most racers toss them (extra time/extra weight) but if you really really ~must~ have those little plastic gems, just ask. We have plenty.

Welcome to "Ask A Shop Rat".

I’ve been working in bicycle shops, on and off, sometimes part-time, for over a decade now.

I LOVE what I do. I sell happiness. And freedom. And health. Nine times out of ten my customers are happy and excited to be where they are. Many of my customers either are my friends and riding companions or become so.

The purpose of this blog is not to hurt or offend. It is meant to be a) a steam-valve of sorts for myself and my fellow bike shop employees and b) educational/thought provoking for cyclists and potential cyclists.

That being said, I do have a rather dry/dark/snarky sense of humor. If I offend you, quit reading and…..GO RIDE YOUR BIKE!