Comments on: How To Use a Presta Valve Adapter

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:07:59 +0000

Jaymie, I am right there with you! HUGE Thanks to Alex, I didn’t know about the tiny nut at the top of the valve, and would never have figured it out without your tutorial! Though I feel like a big dummy, I can finally get on my bike again, HOORAY! I will be checking back for more insights.

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:35:31 +0000

Your pump should have a way to set it for either presta or schrader valve. Maybe you’ll have to unscrew the end and reverse the fitting inside. Did the pump come with an instruction manual?

By: Allen

Allen — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:33:04 +0000

How do I pump a tire with a pump that already has a connection that accepts both presta and shrader? I’m just following the steps of loosening the top nut and put the pump connector next to it and clamping down the lock thing on the side. Air doesn’t seem to be going in…

By: Mickey

Mickey — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 06:59:05 +0000

I have Ksyrium rims on my road bike and have consistently had flat tires caused by the inner tubes pressing against the hole in the rim which accommodates the valve stem. The base of the valve on the inner tubes was quickly degraded to the point that it caused a rip around the edges where the hole in the rim is.

Cure: the local bike shop told me not to tighten the lock nut too much, and actually suggested I get rid of the lock nuts all together. Since then, I have had no flat tires due to inner tube at the bottom of the valve stems being ripped by pressure against the rim hole. The only time I find a use for the lock nut is when I am inflating a tire, especially when I have a flat on a ride and usually use my CO2 for inflation. Even then, I don’t tighten it all the way, just enough so I can get the tire seated correctly. Then I take the lock not off and stick it in my saddle bag.

By: jaymie

jaymie — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 06:03:35 +0000

I had to comment on this because I’ve been bummed about a flat tire I’ve had for months now and never got around the fixing. I tried a few times one day to pup it up with a regular pump and it popped right off. I finally got to searching tonight and found this amazing video showing me something so simple, but so imperative. I am SO happy to finally be able to ride my bike again! Thank you sooooo much!!!!!

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:34:51 +0000

If your pump doesn't have a gauge you'll have to get something like this that will tell you when it is at the right pressure.

By: Deandre

Deandre — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:24:38 +0000

Great tutorials and great instruction. My new bicycle has presta valves, and now I can inflate them. But how can I measure the pressure so that I don’t over-inflate them? They are rated for 35-80psi, and I want to run them close to the high end… but not over.

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:20:18 +0000

Thanks. I guess it’s just a cost/benefit sort of comparison between the convenience of not going through the exercise each time you check your tires (usually prior to each time I ride) versus accidental de-flation. I’m just trying to get away with being lazy!

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:07:20 +0000

If you leave the valve open it can be easily deflated the same way as a regular schrader valve can. Closing the valve prevents accidental de-inflation.

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:21:42 +0000

Can you leave the presta valve open and the adapter screwed on without harm or risk versus having to remove the adapter and unscrew the presta valve and then putting the adapter back on?