Tube Types 1

Valve Types - Presta and Schraeder

There are two standard valve types used for bicycle tubes. These are called Presta and Schraeder (sometimes spelled Schrader or Shrader). Schraeder valves are the kind used for automobile tires and are commonly used on lower-priced bicycles in the United States. Presta valves are commonly used in Europe and on higher-end bicycles everywhere. Presta valves are used on all tubular (sew-up) tires and are lighter and more aerodynamic than Schraeder valves. The narrower profile also allows them to fit more easily inside narrow rims found on road bikes. And since the Presta valve can be locked closed, it is more resistant to leaking when the tire is pumped up to high pressures. Presta valves do have a couple disadvantages. Since the valve release is exposed, it is easier to knock it as you release the pump, releasing pressure from the tube. And the valve stem is slightly more fragile than a Schraeder stem. Overall, we strongly prefer Presta valve tubes and recommend these exclusively. They can be used as replacements for both Presta and Schraeder tubes (see "Replacing a Schraeder tube with a Presta tube" on the next page), and work better with most bicycle pumps and inflators.
	Presta	Schraeder

Tube Material - Butyl and Latex

The material used for most bicycle tubes is butyl rubber. Butyl is relatively low cost and holds air pressure for a long time. Butyl tubes come in various weights. Standard weight tubes, such as the Innova Standard Weight Road Tube and Michelin A1 Airstop Tube, weigh approximately 95 grams for a normal size road tube (700x23). Lightweight tubes, such as the Michelin A1/B1 Aircomp Tube, weigh about 10 grams less. Finally, ultralight tubes, such as the Continental Race Supersonic Tube , save another 10 grams. The lighter weight tubes have less material, but they are also made with tighter manufacturing tolerances so the material thickness is more consistent throughout the tube.

Since inner tube weight is rotational weight at the periphery of the wheel, saving a few grams actually does make a difference to how fast your wheels will accelerate. If you're racing or are an avid recreational cyclist that likes to ride fast, consider the lighter weight tubes. If you're not worried that much about the weight, the heavier tubes will be slightly more puncture resistant and will save you a little money.

The most expensive tubes are made using latex instead of butyl. Latex has more elasticity and less stiffness than butyl, resulting in a smoother ride and improved efficiency. Most of the energy lost due to "rolling resistance" is due to the heat loss as the tire and tube deform as the wheel rotates. Since Latex is not as stiff as buytl, less heat is lost during this process. The reduction in energy loss is fairly subtle, but if you're racing, every little bit counts.

Latex tubes are also lighter, less prone to pinch flats, and more resistant to puncture flats than butyl, even though lighter weight. So why isn't latex the obvious choice? Well, it is considerably more expensive and also doesn't maintain pressure as well. You'll have to pump up your tires every day (which you should do anyway) if you're using latex. Plus, latex tubes flat more dramatically and cannot be patched with a patch kit.

Tube Sizing

Butyl and latex are both fairly elastic, so it's not critical to use a tube that is exactly the correct size for your tire. For example, most road tubes are specified as 700x18-23. These tubes can easily be used in a 700x25 tire, or a 27 x 1" tire. The rubber will just be stretched a little thinner than it would be in a narrower tire. If you want thicker rubber, you can use a slightly bigger tube. For example, the a tube designed for tires 700x28-32 can be used with a 700x25 tire. We generally don't recommend this because minimal added puncture resistance doesn't offset the added weight in our opinion. It's also a little easier to make a mistake when installing the larger tube and end up with a pinch flat.

Threaded vs. Smooth Valves

Presta tubes come in both threaded and smooth valve varieties. The treaded valves are like the ones shown in the photo above. They have threads that extend to the bottom of the tube. Threaded valve tubes usually come with a valve nut (knurled metal ring that threads onto the valve stem). This is installed over the valve stem after the stem is inserted through the wheel rim. It's not that critical that these valve nuts be installed, but they will help hold the tube in place when you're inflating it and protect the valve stem from rubbing against the rim as the tire is inflated. Smooth stem tubes don't have this nut, so you need to be particularly careful when pumping up a tire with a smooth valve so that the valve stem does not rub back and forth against the rim. Some people prefer smooth valve stems because it is easier to remove the pump. The Michelin A1 Airstop Tube is an example of a smooth-stemmed tube for the typical road tire.

If you do use a valve nut, take care not to tighten it too much or it will be difficult to remove when you have to change the tube. Over tightening can also put pressure on the valve/tube junction where it passes through the rim and possibly cause a flat.

Valve Length

Tubes come with several different valve lengths to accommodate different wheel profiles. Most bicycle wheels will work fine with 32-33mm valve lengths, but higher-end bicycles are often equipped with "aero" wheels which having a higher rim profile necessitating a longer valve stem. You should have enough valve sticking through the rim to easily attach your pump. With most pumps and inflators, about a half inch will do the trick. If you think you might have a problem with the shorter valve length, using a longer valve tube will not cause any real problems. The only real downsides are increased aerodynamic drag and weight (both of which are pretty minimal) and aesthetics. Mid-length valves come in 48-52mm lengths and the longest run 60-80mm.

If you have a very deep rim profile, even the longest valve stems may not be adequate. For these cases, we sell Quality Problem Solvers Valve Extension w/ Head which screw onto the standard Presta valve to add additional length.

Next Page

Our Most Popular Articles

26 inch Cruiser Tires About Us All About Gear Inches Bicycle Lights Bicycle Parts Bicycle Wheels Bike Fenders Bike Locks Bike Seat Posts Car Racks Common Tire Sizes Cycling Leg Warmers Halogen Bike Lights LED Bike Lights Mountain Bike Road Tires Older Tire Sizes Privacy and Security Racing Bicycle Wheels Racing/Performance Tires Returns Road Bike Fenders Shipping Sidi Cycling Shoes Silca Pump Rebuild Tire Size Chart Tire Tips Tire Width Trainer Workouts Tread Patterns Tube Types 1