Presta valve under riding

Presta Valves and the New Tubeless Valve Stems

As an avid bike rider, you are always looking for ways to improve on your equipment, mainly your bicycle. You want to be able to go faster, longer, and stronger without sacrificing the style of bike and riding that you are used to. With new technologies and advancement in the world of biking, it is now possible to ride on a tubeless system. Presta Valve has created several models of valves that are suited to each biker’s individual needs. Learn more about what a Presta Valve is, how it works, and what models are available, before you make the decision to convert your bike to this new system.

 

What is a Presta Valve?

The Presta Valve is a valve system for tubeless tires. The o-ring is in place to create an air tight seal. The removable valve core is used for an easy access when any additional sealant is needed. There is a smooth inner surface with a wide base for the same purpose. The valve core can be hand tightened for a secure hold. These valves come in a variety of lengths from 34mm to 68mm (under WISTIO.COM brand), several models including alloy anodized, and brass, and a wide assortment of colors.

How it Works

The Presta Valve has been created for numerous mountain and high-pressure road-style bicycles. These systems utilize both an outer valve stem and an inner valve body. A lock nut is in place for securing of the system at the wheel rim, and the valve cap is used to make an air-tight seal.

These systems allow for narrow wheels to maintain the strength that performance bikers are looking for. The air pressure holds the valve shut, and a nut keeps the valve locked closed. When air needs to go in or out of the tire, the nut has to be unscrewed before attaching the appropriate adapter or pump. The screw always stays on the valve and is tightened after the proper air pressure level has been achieved. The cap is useful for keeping dirt and mud out of the valve and keeping the tube from being damaged.

Presta Valves are not accommodating to Schrader Valves, so there are adapters made available for those who wish to take advantage of all the benefits this system has to offer.

Common Uses

Presta Valves are most commonly used in high-performance bikes. The valves are lightweight and slender so there is a less of a chance for instability of the wheel. The only point to keep in mind when using a Presta Valve is that they cannot be filled up with a regular air pressure pump like the more commonly seen Schrader Valve. If going out biking, it is essential always to carry an adapter just in case a tire goes flat.

Presta Valves Go Tubeless- Alloy Tubeless Valve Stems

When considering making the switch to a tubeless Presta Valve system, be aware of what you can expect from the new system. These devices are available in wide range of anodized colors that can make your bike more unique. The diameter of the valve is larger so the tire will fill up faster, and there is less of a chance the sealant will clog up. The bases are oversized to ensure more of an air-tight seal. Another benefit is the cost. A pair can be purchased for around $20(much more lower if purchase from WISTIO directly), and they come in an array of lengths. Some models can even be custom-made to fit your bike.

Some of the other tubeless valve features include:

• A larger vulcanized rubber base
• Removable valve core
• Plastic screw on caps
• Various color options for aluminum valves
• Brass or aluminum stems available
• Sizes ranging from 34mm to 68mm including pre-fabricated and custom lengths

Benefits

When considering the move to tubeless biking and the Presta Valve system, it is essential to understand the many benefits you are going to gain as a bicyclist. Among the positive aspects include a lighter weight valve, and one that is more versatile than the original brass valves. Because they are lighter weight they have they have a less rotating mass so there is less of a chance the wheel will be put off balance.

Models

There are several different models of tubeless valve systems available. Review the specifications of each device before choosing which one is right for you and your biking hobby.

• Alloy Tubeless

The alloy tubeless model is considered to be high end, lightweight, and it comes in an assortment of colors. It is known as an alternative to the brass edition of the Presta Valve system. Round and square bases are both available to suit each rim design. When this valve is installed properly, there will be no leaks. The core is easily removable when more sealant is required.

These can be found in 34mm, 36mm, 40mm, 44mm …etc and 68mm lengths Maxinium. Custom alloy valves can also be made anywhere from 34mm up to 68mm. The colors to choose from include red, black, or blue but if you have a favorite color the custom models can be made to suit your preference.

• American Classic

The American Classic is lightweight, anodized, and made to superior standards in quality. There is a rubber o-ring that forms an air-tight seal over the rim, and the core is removable. When desiring a valve stem that can be anodized in a range of colors including red, blue, black, yellow or green, explore all that the American Classic has to offer. These are available in commonly 40mm length.or Customized 34-68mm.

 

• Brass Tubeless

If you are looking for a high-quality, strong, and reasonably priced valve, the brass tubeless has the features you want. Both square and round options are available to ensure an air tight seal on almost any model rim. This model also has an easy screw collar ring to allow for the addition of more sealant.

These Presta Valve stems can be found in 34mm, 36mm, and 40mm with custom options varying from 34mm up to 68mm.

 

Adapt Presta to Schrader

If your current bike has the Presta Valve, but you would like to use a Schrader pump, there is a durable valve convertor, Alloy & brass made available. This can easily be added to the existing valve and then those hard to seal tires can be inflated with the air compressor you have or the common units found at gas or service stations. These devices are great to carry around when biking so that when a flat occurs you can easily get pumped up and back on the road.

 

How to go Ghetto Tubeless

There are two different methods for going “ghetto” tubeless when it comes to your bike tires. With a few simple steps, you will be ready to ride. The first method involves using the tube as a rim strip and the second method requires Gorilla tape. The Gorilla tape method is perceived to be the easier, lighter way to go.

It is important to test either method out carefully as it may not work with your existing tire and rim combination. It is recommended that you use a tubeless ready tire and start with the rear tire. Ride on it for a reasonable distance before switching over the front tire.

Gather the following materials before you get started:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Clean rag or paper towel
• Gorilla tape
• Old tube or tubeless valve
• Scissors
• Knife
• Tubeless tire sealant
• Soapy water in spray bottle or on a rag

 

First, start by prepping the rim. Remove the tire and tube along with any factory rim stripping. Clean with rubbing alcohol and then let dry.

(Skip this step if using a tubeless valve.) Cut the old valve stem out. Leave rubber at the base; enough that it won’t pull through the rim but not too much to affect the bead. Make sure that it sits done on the rim’s center.

Use your Gorilla tape that is a little bit wider than the rim but not too wide to reach the sides or top of the bead hook. Place the tape all the way around the tire with 3-inches of overlap on each side of the valve hole. Make sure the tape is tight and straight. Mark an “x” over the valve hole.

Next, install the valve and mount the tire onto the rim. Try to inflate the tire. The bead may need some of your soapy water lubricant so that it slides into place. Prevent the tire from blowing off the rim by not inflating to any more than 40PSI. If you cannot get the tire to inflate or hold air, chances are the rim/tire combo you have is not going to work with this method.

Finally, let the air back out of the tire so that you can add sealant. Re-inflate using more lubricant if necessary. Use the recommended shake method to ensure an air-tight seal and then you can start riding!

When you want to ride with the Presta Valves tubeless valve system, always start by riding with caution. This system is different than the traditional tube so be very careful testing out different terrains, speeds, distances, and tire combinations.

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