Tube valves

[pistolpete]

I need to buy some spare inner tubes for my hybrid bike, I've checked out wiggle and the only tubes (700x35) I can get have a presta valve. Can someone tell me what's the advantage of presta over car type please and does it have anything to do with my wheels?

[Peter B]

"pistolpete" <usenet-forum@cyclingforums.com> wrote in message
news:GoNpc.30604$ge7.27756@fe10.usenetserver.com...
> I need to buy some spare inner tubes for my hybrid bike,
> I've checked out wiggle and the only tubes (700x35) I can
> get have a presta valve. Can someone tell me what's the
> advantage of presta over car type please and does it have
> anything to do with my wheels?

Allegedly prestas are easier to pump up to higher pressures
with a hand pump, the downside is that they can't be
inflated (without an adaptor anyway) with a garage forecourt
inflator nor a car foot pump, should you already own one.

You can use presta valved tubes in a rim drilled for car
valves (Schrader) but not vice-versa. Some Mavic rims I've
purchased have been drilled for schraders but have a factory
fitted plastic reducer inserted for use with prestas.

Bottom line: You can use presta valved tubes on your bike
but may need a new pump if your current one is not adaptable
for prestas.
--
Regards, Pete

[Pete Biggs]

pistolpete wrote:
> I need to buy some spare inner tubes for my hybrid bike,
> I've checked out wiggle and the only tubes (700x35) I can
> get have a presta valve. Can someone tell me what's the
> advantage of presta over car type please

Advantages are minor: lighter, easier to inflate with
certain hand pumps, don't need to use a valve cap.

> and does it have anything to do with my wheels?

The valve holes will be overly large. Prestas can work ok in
them sometimes as they are, but adapter grommets are
available.

Should be able to get 700x35 Schrader (car type valve) tubes
from your local bike shop. If not, from.........

www.sjscycles.com/store/vIndex.htm (£5 postage charge on sub
£50 orders)

~PB