PRESTA VALVE ADAPTER LESSON

"Good Morning, Matthews Bicycles, how can I help you?"

"Yeah, I got a new bike a couple of weeks ago, and when I tried to put air in the tire it all leaked out.  Now I have a flat and my pump won't fill it up.  What am I doing wrong?"

"What kind of valves does your bike have?  Are they Shrader or Presta?"

"Huh?"

"The valves on your tires...do they look like a car tire or a skinny brass thingy?"

"It's the skinny brass thingy."

"Ok, that's a Presta Valve.  Do you have a Presta Valve Adapter?"

"Huh?"

I can't tell you how many times I've had this conversation since I've been in the bicycle business.  The place where you buy your bike should let you know how a Presta valve works.  But, even the people at Matthews aren't perfect, and we forget.  In any case, this will help teach you what a Presta valve is, and how to use a Presta Valve Adapter!

There are two different types of valve for bikes today.  Presta and Schrader.  It's hard to know which is which just by the name so here's some photos to help you out! (Fig. 1 & 2)

 
(Fig. 1)

(Fig. 2)

Now that we know what they look like let's learn how to use the Presta Valve Adapter (Fig. 3).

(Fig. 3)

Obviously, the first thing we need to do is remove the valve cap (Step 1). I know it sounds silly to say this, but we don't want to leave anything to chance!

Step 1

Once the cap is removed, you should see a little knob at the end of the valve.  This knob (Fig. 5) needs to be unscrewed all the way until it stops (Step 2) (Fig. 6).  

(Fig. 5)

Step 2  

(Fig. 6)

Now we're ready for our trusty Presta Valve Adapter!  When you put the adapter on make sure that the knurled end is going on first (Fig. 7).  Thread it on the valve stem and turn it until it stops (Step 3).  It only has to be finger-tight, remember you have to take it back off later!

(Fig. 7)

Step 3

Once the adapter is in place (Fig. 8) you can attach your pump and fill it up! (Step 4)  Remember to check the sidewall of your tire for the proper inflation pressure.

(Fig. 8)

Step 4

Congratulations!  Your tires are now full of air!  But, we're not done yet.  We need finish it up.  Follow the steps in reverse to close up your stem.  If you don't do this, air will leak back out and you'll have to start all over again. 

As a recommendation, I like to use my Presta Valve Adapter as a "valve cap", that way I always know where it's at!  And it will be on your stem anyway when you need it!

And as always, if you do not completely understand these steps or if you have any questions, please contact a professional bicycle mechanic for assistance.

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