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How to choose the right bicycle tube? Types of valves in bicycle tubes
You don't know which valve fits your bike? Be sure to read our text.
How to choose the right bicycle tube?
In the life of every cyclist sooner or later comes the need to buy a new inner tube. A seemingly simple task becomes complicated when you need to choose the right type of model from those available on the market. Here's everything you need to know to make the right decision.
Types of bicycle valves
The three main standards of bicycle valves are the most common today: Presta, Dunlop i Schrader, which are shown in the following graphic:
Presta (SV -Enslaving Valve) - also called French (FV -French Valve). This is the most common type today in sports bikes, but also more and more often in recreational bikes. It is characterized by a twisted tip, which in the graphic is in gold. Before you start pumping, unscrew it slightly before putting on the pump tip, and pressing it releases the air. Little valve diameter of 6mm, requires a small hole in the rim, which is an advantage for heavily slimmed performance wheels and their durability, but it is also indicated that it holds pressure better than other systems.
Dunlop (DV -Dunlop Valve) - called bicycle time. The least common of these, today mainly in older bikes. As in Presta valves, the tip is unscrewed before pumping, and a small cartridge must be pulled out to deflate. The advantage of the DV valve, but also a disadvantage, is the one-way design, which makes its construction and operation very simple, but it makes it impossible to measure the pressure with a manometer, which practically excludes it from more demanding applications. Diameter, like Presta - 6mm.
Schrader (OF -Auto Valve) - car valve.It is more common today in recreational bikes, but not only. It is bigger than the othersdiameter - 8mm and no twisted end. The biggest advantage of inner tubes with an AV valve is the possibility of using the same pumps as in the case of, for example, a car.
What tube to choose?
When choosing the valve type of a new inner tube, you can be guided by the type of the old one, recognizing the standard by comparing it with the graphics. If this is not possible, measure the diameter of the hole in the rim, because A car valve tube will not be compatible with a Presta valve hole rim. It is also worth measuring its height, especially in the case of high rims, so that the tube you choose has a valve of the right length. When considering a possible change of the type you have, remember that a different diameter of the valve requires a different diameter of the pump head.
In addition to the type of valve, an important feature of a bicycle inner tube is its size adapted to the wheel. If you do not know the diameter of the wheels on your bike, you can easily check it by looking for markings on the tire or the rim itself, or measure it as a last resort. The diameter will be given in inches or millimeters. It is also worth choosing the width of the inner tube appropriate to the tires you use, which will ensure their best cooperation.
