Unless you’re a hardcore bike geek, and even then, you might have to stop and think when it comes to Schrader and Presta valves on your bicycle tubes. Walk into a shop and ask for a tube and you’ll likely be asked, “Schrader or Presta,” as if you should automatically know what they’re talking about! If, like many the new rider, you respond, “I’m not sure,” you might hear, “well, European or American.” Of course that doesn’t help matters for most riders.
As a sidebar, the Schrader valve (also called the American valve) was invented by August Schrader in 1891, and it is used on virtually all automobiles – as well as many low-end bicycles – to this day. To confuse matters the French adopted the Presta valve (also called the French valve, or just as commonly “European” valve), which is now found on most high-end bicycles. Confused? Well, consider that Schrader is sometimes spelled “Shrader” by many manufacturers including some tire makers and it is enough to make your head spin. Continue reading Specialized Pumps You Up With SwitchHitter Head Technology