3 Best Types of Bike Tire Valves – What Are the Differences?

What are the different types of bike tire valves? When you own a bicycle, you must know the different types of tire valves available. Therefore, here we will find out the three different types of valves. These are the Schrader valve, Presta valve, and Dunlop Valve. When you have knowledge about what are the different types of bike tire valves, it can be valuable in times of emergency. 

You might have noticed while pumping tires that the majority of bikes have similar valves. These are the Schrader valves which are also found in cars. Besides, there are others that come in exotic models. These are commonly called Presta valves. So if you are thinking about why different valves are used in different models, you must read this. 

This will also become helpful if you want to know how to fix bicycle tire valves. So, without any further ado, let us check out about what are the different types of bike tire valves.

What are the different types of bike tire valves?

Despite being such a tiny component, these valves play a significant role. This will make sure that you are able to ride successfully on the bicycle. Moreover, you would need adequate knowledge to make proper use of the valves. 

Most of the time, you will find the Presta and Schrader valves. Thus here we will find out some details so that you can differentiate between the two. 

What Are The Differences Between These Bicycle Valves? 

Here is a quick overview of the differences:

	Schrader Valve	Presta Valve	Dunlop Valve
Commonly popular as	Car valve, MTB valve, Schrader Valve	Presta valve, tubular valve, road bike valve, Sclaverand valve, and French valve	Holland valve, Normal valve, alligator valve, English valve, German valve, Wood valve, Flash valve
Where is it applicable?	Mountain bike and touring bikes	MTB and road bikes	Trekking bikes and City bikes
Size of Rim Bore	8.5mm	6.5mm	8.5mm
Maximum pressure	10 bar	15 bar	6 bar

Now we can go deep and inspect every valve:

Schrader Valve or American valve (AV)

If you want to know what is a Schrader valve on a bike, you must check this. It is one of the most common types of cycle valves. These are mostly wider compared to the Presta valve. However, they typically measure the same from the top circumference to the bottom.

Most of the time, these are wrapped on wheels. Its outer wall comes with the pump head or cap. You will find the pin available in its center. This is spring-loaded to check the airflow. Valves allow airflow in one direction, and the Schrader Valve needs pressure on its inner pin for letting air in. 

The car valve is manufactured in various designs, it can be a valve with a rubberized body or a full thread with a locking nut. It is also produced in a right-angle version, which is ideal, especially for small-diameter wheels, such as cars or trucks. The classic car valve body has a length of 35 mm, but a longer, 40 mm long valve for higher rims is also produced.

How does a Schrader valve work?

It is very easy to use. We already know him from cars.

The following steps will help you inflate the tire correctly.

1. Remove the valve stem cover, and save it in our place so that you do not lose it.
2. Thoroughly clean the valve of dirt. You can also do this with a tool and partially release the air.
3. Install the pump with the required end.
4. Inflate the tire to the required pressure.
5. Close the valve stem with the cover

Is Done!

This video is also helpful:

Schrader Valve Anatomy

• Schrader Valve Stem: As I mentioned, it can be made of steel or rubber material. It’s a house with a Cap on. Hiding inside is Valve Core.
• Schrader Valve Stem Cap: Covers the valve body. It can be made of several materials. The most used plastic.
• Schrader Valve Core: Provides the main function of the valve. It also helps to deflate the tire.
• Stem Valve Nutz: It is used to ensure the movement of the valve.

What is the advantage of the Schrader Valve? 

• This can easily be pumped into a gas station. This is a huge benefit in the case of flat tires, and you do not have the proper bike pump. 
• These are the valves that have got high stability. Due to its wide diameter, it easily offers the strength that a bicycle needs. 
• It can fill up to 10 bars. This is adequate pressure for touring and mountain bikes. In the case of road bicycles, this can be a questionable option. 

Presta Valve or French valve (FV)

These have half of the width of the Schrader Valve. These are manufactured with metal. Towards the top, they are slightly tapered, while some are threaded towards the end. One can open the valve stem by unscrewing the nut available on the top. Compared to the Schrader Valve, it does not have a check valve. The seals are completely based on the pressure on the tire or tube. 

There are many Presta valves used in tubeless systems. It has a removable core. Make sure you are checking properly while unscrewing its stem. Also, don’t forget to unscrew the core accidentally. This can lead to leading the air completely out of the tire.  

Presta Valve Anatomy

• Presta Valve Stem: The main part of the valve in which the core is hidden. It is thinner than the Schrader valve and also taller.
• Presta Valve Stem Cap: Covers the valve body. It can be made of several materials. The most used plastic.
• Presta Valve Core: Provides the entire function of the valve. Repairs at any time in the event of damage.
• Stem Valve Nut: It is used to ensure the movement of the valve.

How To Inflate Presta Valve?

Using simple steps:

1. Remove the valve stem cover, and save it in our place so that you do not lose it.
2. Loosen the nut at the end of the valve.
3. Thoroughly clean the valve of dirt.
4. Install the pump with the required termination.
5. Inflate the tire to the required pressure.
6. Close the valve stem with the cover

Is Done!

This video is also helpful:

What is the advantage of Presta Valve?

• This is one of the most common valves seen in a racing bicycle. They can also be seen in trekking, racing, mountain bikes, and some other uncommon bikes. 
• This valve can be precisely adjusted and read. The inbuilt system can easily read the exact air pressure. This can be valuable for the riders. 
• These valves have the ability to withstand air pressure. It has been witnessed that these valves can withstand 15 bars of pressure. Most of the time, narrow road bikes need high pressure. Thus, these valves can offer strength on road bikes. 
• This is the narrowest option for a bike valve. This again means that these valves can offer excellent stability to the rims of wheels. There is a need for a 6.5 mm hole in the rims. Compared to the larger diameter, this can offer more stability to the tires. These valves become a great choice, especially in MTB rims and narrow rod bikes. The strength provided to the cycle comes to use. 

Dunlop Valve

● Dunlop Valve: This is a very uncommon valve type that is mainly found in Asia or the Netherlands. This is the third and unusual type of valve that is also known as Bonus or woods. The valve seems fatter than the rest of the valves and is primarily found in city bikes. 

So now that you have gained complete knowledge about what are the different types of bicycle valves, we will try to find some more details about these valves. 

What is the advantage of Dunlop Valve? 

• This is one of the most common types of valves that is used mostly in everyday bikes, trekking bikes, and city bikes. 
• One of the most common advantages of using a Dunlop valve is that the handling is effortless. 
• You do not need to use any high-end tools for assembling or disassembling.
• Due to the wider diameter, these types of valves offer better stability and do not bend easily. 

FAQ

Types of Bike Tire Valves Conclusion

So, hopefully, now you have got the answer about what are the different types of bicycle valves. No doubt that knowledge about valves is a need. Thus this can be guidance for you. Check out the table, and you can find out about what are the different types of bike tire valves and their differences.