How do I know if I have Schrader or Presta?

The visual differences between the two are obvious, with the Presta (pictured above) being slimmer, lighter and having a lock nut to close that you can see on the top. Schrader valves are wider, more robust and have a spring mechanism on the inside to keep the valve closed, rather than a screwable top section.

Are all bike tire pumps the same?

The first question when purchasing a bicycle pump is which type of inner tubes you use. The two standard valve types are Schrader and Presta (photo). Schrader valves are identical to those found on car tires. Usually, however, these pumps come with heads, which work with both types of valves.

What are the two types of bike tire valves?

But before you get pumping, you need to know what kind of valve your tires are fitted with and make sure you have the right air pump to match. There are two basic types of bike tire valves: the Presta valve and the Schrader valve.

Can you use a needle on a bike pump?

Yes, but you need an inflation needle. Inflate to 15 lbs on the guage. If the pump has no guage, pump til the ball is hard. Too much pumping can temporarily deform the ball or even rupture it.

What is the advantage of Presta vs Schrader?

Presta valves are easier to pump than Schrader, because they have no valve spring to overcome. Although a valve depressor for Schrader valves could alleviate this, it would require a check valve, impractical to house in lightweight pump heads.

Can I replace Presta with Schrader?

You can put a Presta-specific tube in a rim drilled for Schrader valves, but it’s not advisable for anything more than an emergency fix. Tubes and tires tend to move slightly on the rim. In the wider Schrader hole, a Presta can move around enough that the rim will actually cut the tube at the base of the valve.

Can I pump bike tires at gas station?

Pumping bike tires at a gas station Inflate your tires to optimal pressure in short bursts; a gas-station air pump has very high pressure, and you run the risk of popping your tire. A gas-station air pump will only fit a Schrader valve. When your tire is at optimal pressure, remove the pump head, and unscrew the cap.

Do you need a special pump for road bike tires?

Road bikes, most often, use tires that have Presta (aka French) tire valves on their inner tubes. These valves require using a pump that has a special valve head that can inflate and sometimes deflate, a bike tire with these valves. While a Presta valve can be found on a mountain bike, they are rare.

Why are Presta valves so difficult?

The only time it has been difficult is when the valve stem was too short for the deep rims I have, so there was no enough stem for the pump head to clamp onto. Solution was to buy a valve extender. With my floor pump, you can easily tell when you have a good connection.

What pressure should my bike Tyres be?

Pump it up. Proper tire pressure lets your bike roll quickly, ride smoothly, and avoid flats. Narrow tires need more air pressure than wide ones: Road tires typically require 80 to 130 psi (pounds per square inch); mountain tires, 25 to 35 psi; and hybrid tires, 40 to 70 psi.

Can you use a bike pump to inflate a football?

Once you notice your football is flat, it is time to inflate it using a pump with a low-pressure gauge and a long needle that is designed for use with the pump. It is not recommended that you use a standard bike pump to inflate a football.

Can you use a bike pump to inflate a exercise ball?

When inflating an exercise ball the most important item to have is a ball pump. The proper ball pump makes the job much easier & safer. The ball often comes will a ball plug, a ball plug remover and an adapter that can be used with a bike pump. The exercise ball should be flat and the hole should be open.