# Why do road bicycle tire valves have to be such a pain in the ass? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 17, 2014, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738 "2014-08-17T03:38:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/1 "2014-08-17T03:38:22Z")
My bicycle is a 2007 Specialized Allez Elite. Skinny road tires. I fucking hate, hate HATE “[Presta](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_stem#Presta)” valves. I understand why my road bike’s skinny tires need a skinny valve. But why the hell couldn’t they just make a skinnier [Schraeder](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_stem#Schrader) valve? The Presta valve is a piece of bullshit. Nevermind the need to unscrew the center part before I can start pumping air into the tire. I have a Specialized bike, and a Specialized-branded tire pump, and yet it is still a complete clusterfuck trying to get the pump’s valve to stay connected to the bike’s Presta valve. As long as I’ve had this bike, I’ve had to use one hand to physically hold the pump’s valve tight against the Presta valve, and use my free hand to operate the pump, which should be a two-hand job (because I’m trying to pump 125 PSI) When I was riding cheap $200 mountain bikes with Schraeder valves, inflating a tire was simple. But riding a $1200 road bike is an exercise in frustration when it comes to inflating a tire. Why must it be this way? ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/2 "2014-08-17T03:43:00Z")
And speaking of inflating tires, why can’t this road bike’s tires hold their air? If I’m not constantly doing maintenance, the tires go flat all by themselves. No thorns, no running over sharp objects. The tires just go completely flat for no apparent reason. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/3 "2014-08-17T03:48:57Z")
They go flat because of the high pressure. The tubes are very thin and are actually porous. Does your pump have a locking lever? Do you have a floor pump along with your on-bike pump? ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/4 "2014-08-17T03:52:19Z")
you can get an adapter to use a Schraeder chuck. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/5 "2014-08-17T04:32:18Z")
> [@Mister\_Rik](#): > > The Presta valve is a piece of bullshit. Nevermind the need to unscrew the center part before I can start pumping air into the tire. I have a Specialized bike, and a Specialized-branded tire pump, and yet it is still a complete clusterfuck trying to get the pump’s valve to stay connected to the bike’s Presta valve. As long as I’ve had this bike, I’ve had to use one hand to physically hold the pump’s valve tight against the Presta valve, and use my free hand to operate the pump, which should be a two-hand job (because I’m trying to pump 125 PSI) > > When I was riding cheap $200 mountain bikes with Schraeder valves, inflating a tire was simple. But riding a $1200 road bike is an exercise in frustration when it comes to inflating a tire. > > Why must it be this way? Get a better pump. I have never had any issues using a presta valve. Get a pump like this [http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/dbimages/bike/fn\_large/545/102179545/popup/ZE280A111\_large.jpg](http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/dbimages/bike/fn_large/545/102179545/popup/ZE280A111_large.jpg). The end of the pump hose locks onto the valve very securely. The one I have will fit either type of valve without needing an adapter. Do your tires go flat completely or just lose some pressure? If they go flat completely you’ve probably got a slow leak somewhere. It is normal to lose a bit of pressure over time though. I run my race tires at about 140 PSI and have to pump them up each day. My training tires are a different style, run at a lower pressure, and need topping up less often. ---
**Author:** ![j\_sum1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8baadc/32.png) [@j\_sum1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j_sum1)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/6 "2014-08-17T04:49:23Z")
Seconded. Get a better pump. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/7 "2014-08-17T05:25:02Z")
Thirded. Your problem is not rooted in the Presta valve. It’s rooted in the pump. ---
**Author:** ![Lanzy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Lanzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lanzy)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/8 "2014-08-17T05:27:24Z")
I use an adapter and just keep it on one of the tires, after tightening of course. My tires stay up for about 3 days before needing refreshing. I run at 115 PSI and they go down to 90 after 3 days. I also invested in a terrific pump. Oh, and I have 3 tires as I ride a catrike. ---
**Author:** ![chacoguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/9 "2014-08-17T06:02:47Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > you can get an adapter to use a Schraeder chuck. I’ve got sparkly plastic skulls on mine to keep the mud out. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/10 "2014-08-17T06:56:48Z")
I’ve drilled out a rim to convert it from Presta to Shraeder in the past, but I prefer Presta. The short stem tubes are harder to fill than the longer ones. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/11 "2014-08-17T07:51:51Z")
There is a spring in the valve of a schraeder that gives it more resistance than a presta valve. In theory this makes a presta valve easier to pump than a schraeder. In practice if you use a foot pump the point is moot. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/12 "2014-08-17T12:02:44Z")
Fourthded. Why does your pump have to be such a pain in the ass? I see Presta valves as thinner, lighter, more secure, and easier to use than Schrader. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/13 "2014-08-17T14:00:31Z")
You’d think that some company specializing in something like air fittings would have engineered something better by now. Presta valves are a PITA for a lot of reasons. I’m sure a more basic valve could be designed that wouldn’t require a cap, have to be unscrewed, and still releases air when pulling the hose off. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/14 "2014-08-17T14:20:52Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > You’d think that some company specializing in something like air fittings would have engineered something better by now. Presta valves are a PITA for a lot of reasons. > I’m sure a more basic valve could be designed that wouldn’t require a cap, have to be unscrewed, and still releases air when pulling the hose off. The problem is that any new valve would have to fit/be compatible with existing rims, pumps, gas station air hoses. I’ve found Schrader valves to be more problematical than Presta. ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/15 "2014-08-17T14:34:35Z")
Another vote for replacing the pump. We have a Topeak JoeBlow floor pump that works well. I have to refresh my tires on my race bike every couple of days (and before every race). My commuter road bike is refreshed every four days or so. I find that my commuter bike, which runs at a lower pressure (around 100 psi) loses air slower than my race bike (which I usually run at 125 to 130 psi). They both tend to stop losing air around 85 to 90 psi. ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/16 "2014-08-17T14:35:38Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > You’d think that some company specializing in something like air fittings would have engineered something better by now. Presta valves are a PITA for a lot of reasons. > I’m sure a more basic valve could be designed that wouldn’t require a cap, have to be unscrewed, and still releases air when pulling the hose off. You don’t need to keep the cap on. I always toss the cap off of my new tubes. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/17 "2014-08-17T14:57:29Z")
> [@EmAnJ](#): > > Another vote for replacing the pump. We have a Topeak JoeBlow floor pump that works well. Great pump that works on both Schrader and Presta valves. I have a Specialized Allez, but no longer the original tires & tubes. I lock it onto the valve and it’s rock solid. > [@Hampshire](#): > > I’m sure a more basic valve could be designed that wouldn’t…still releases air when pulling the hose off The hiss you hear when releasing the pump is the compressed air releasing out of the pump hose, not the tire valve. While pumping, the air in the pump hose is at the same pressure as the air in the tire. ---
**Author:** ![cmdrpiffle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b4bc9f/32.png) [@cmdrpiffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmdrpiffle)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/18 "2014-08-17T18:23:55Z")
> [@Mister\_Rik](#): > > My bicycle is a 2007 Specialized Allez Elite. Skinny road tires. > > I fucking hate, hate HATE “[Presta](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_stem#Presta)” valves. I understand why my road bike’s skinny tires need a skinny valve. But why the hell couldn’t they just make a skinnier [Schraeder](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_stem#Schrader) valve? > > The Presta valve is a piece of bullshit. Nevermind the need to unscrew the center part before I can start pumping air into the tire. I have a Specialized bike, and a Specialized-branded tire pump, and yet it is still a complete clusterfuck trying to get the pump’s valve to stay connected to the bike’s Presta valve. As long as I’ve had this bike, I’ve had to use one hand to physically hold the pump’s valve tight against the Presta valve, and use my free hand to operate the pump, which should be a two-hand job (because I’m trying to pump 125 PSI) > > When I was riding cheap $200 mountain bikes with Schraeder valves, inflating a tire was simple. But riding a $1200 road bike is an exercise in frustration when it comes to inflating a tire. > > Why must it be this way? It’s actually not that way. You’re an idiot. You are defeated by the simplest of mechanical process. Keeping an air chuck attached to a presta valve does not require you to hold it on. Most if not all chucks have a lever to lock it onto the valve stem. Even the oldest Pista and Silca pumps had a strong rubber donut to hold it on in the absence of the levers. Again, if “as long as I’ve had this bike”, and “use my free hand” are the sum of your bicycle tire pumping experiences…you’re an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/19 "2014-08-17T18:36:30Z")
> [@cmdrpiffle](#): > > It’s actually not that way. You’re an idiot. You are defeated by the simplest of mechanical process. Keeping an air chuck attached to a presta valve does not require you to hold it on. Most if not all chucks have a lever to lock it onto the valve stem. Even the oldest Pista and Silca pumps had a strong rubber donut to hold it on in the absence of the levers. > > Again, if “as long as I’ve had this bike”, and “use my free hand” are the sum of your bicycle tire pumping experiences…you’re an idiot. MODERATOR CAUTION–NOT A WARNING. **cmdrpiffle** You’re in General Questions, not the PIT. Kindly refrain from calling another poster an idiot. **samclem** , moderator ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738/20 "2014-08-17T18:43:02Z")
As others said, it’s not the valve, it’s your pump. A proper pump head will stay attached to the valve stem while you pump. The [Topeak Road Morph](http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/RoadMorphG) is the best portable road pump I’ve ever tried. I have one on every bike. For home/shop use, I’m a big fan of the [Hirame](http://www.amazon.com/KUWAHARA-HIRAME-Pump-Head-Yoko/dp/B003EIIXSG) pump head. It’s so good that [Silca](http://www.bikerumor.com/2014/07/15/silca-unveils-heirloom-quality-hiro-locking-presta-valve-for-floor-pumps/) has come out with a clone and sells it for $110. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-road-bicycle-tire-valves-have-to-be-such-a-pain-in-the-ass/695738.md?page=2)