Bicycle tubes – valve and tube types explained

Updated: 27/03/2021.

Most bicycles, except some tubeless models, use tubes in their tyres. Tubes are used to hold the air in, of course, while the (outer) tyre is responsible for firmness and grip with surface. This post will explain important things concerning bicycle tubes, including: dimensions (sizes), valve types (schrader, presta, dunlop…), valve lengths etc.

Replacing and repairing punctured tubes:
Patching a punctrued tube
Mounting tyre and tube on wheels

Contents:

1. Tube and valve quality
2. Tube dimensions
   2.1. Valve length
3. Valve types (standards)
   3.1. Dunlop valve
   3.2. Schrader (auto) valve
   3.3. Presta valve
   3.4. Tubeless tyre valve

1. Tube and valve quality

Good quality tube needs to be made of good rubber in order to hold air well. It should also have a good quality valve. Valve itself should have threads to hold a screw that keeps valve in place, even when the tube is deflated.

The nut prevents the valve from dropping in when the tube is deflated. It, however, should be kept loose, not tightened, since when tightened it tends to rip the valve core from the tube inside.

2. Tube dimensions

Tubes are rather flexible, so one size of tube fits wider range of tyres (with a range in tyre width, as well as wheel diameter). Manufacturers usually state which tyre dimensions does the tube fit. If a proper fit can’t be found it is a rule of thumb that a size smaller is better than a size larger tube. Larger tube will be harder to fit beneath the tyre and might not stretch properly when inflated. Tyre dimensions are explained in the post: Bicycle tyre sizing and dimension standards.

2.1. Valve length

One should also pay attention to valve length. Deep rims require longer tube valves, while thinner rims look awkward with long tube valves sticking out of them.

3. Valve types (standards)

Of all the valve standards, three are still widespread in use: dunlop, schrader and presta valve.

3.1. Dunlop valve

Also known as “Woods” and “English” valve.

This valve is outdated, but still popular in developed countries. Valve width is close to schrader valve, so can be used on the same rims. It can be inflated with a schrader compatible pump, if a schrader adapter is mounted. Schrader adapter is the same for presta and dunlop valves.

3.2. Schrader (auto) valve

A commonly used valve, seen on most car tyres, as well as many mountain bicycles. It has a core that is replaceable. It is recommended for most uses, except when a rim is very narrow, so that thin, presta valve must be used.

Unless there is a specific reason to use thinner valves, tubes with schrader are probably the most convenient.

3.3. Presta valve

Advantage of presta valve is that it doesn’t have a strong spring that a pump needs to overcome. It is easier to inflate. It is also thinner than the other two – convenient for thin racing rims and wheels. Pumps for presta valves can also be made in smaller dimensions than schrader pumps.

When inflating presta valve tubes, a locking nut should be unscrewed by several turns (picture above shows closed and open presta valve). Then the valve head should be pressed down once (letting out a bit of air if the tyre isn’t completely flat), to free the valve seal for inflation. After inflation, the locknut should be screwed tightly to prevent air leakage.

The core of presta valves can be replaceable, but they are seldom produced with replaceable cores. Only a few manufacturers (e.g. Schwalbe and Continental) produce presta with replaceable valve cores. Removable presta cores can be identified by two wrench flats on the coarse valve cap threads.

Rims have either wide valve holes for schrader, or narrow ones for presta. It is not wise to put presta in a wide hole, and it is not possible to put schrader in a narrow presta hole. So by choosing a rim, the choice is made for one of the two modern tube valve standards.

3.4. Tubeless tyre valve

Tubeless tyres have no tubes to hold the air inside, so the valve is mounted directly onto the rim, and it needs to seal properly, preventing any air from leaking between the valve and the rim.

These valves must have removable cores, because sealant needs to be poured in through the valve.

Tubeless tyres need to be inflated very quickly when they are first mounted (and inflated). This is usually done using a compressor, or CO2 cartridge pump. If they are inflated at “regular speed,” the air will slip out between the tyre and the rim, before it is able to push the tyre against the rim and create a seal. Sometimes it is better to remove the valve-core to achieve rapid-enough inflation.