Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Converting from Presta to Shrader?

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 41 Posts

Phillbo

· Meatbomb
Joined
·
11,001 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm getting tired of the hassle of Presta valves and running tubeless so i want to convert to Shrader valves.

I assume it's just a process of drilling the hole out a little bigger but I may be over simplifying it.

Any way to tell if this can be done on my rims? I have the DT Swiss 520SL 29" rims.

Any have experience with this conversion? Recommended LBS I can take them too?
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#3 ·
I used to drill all my rims out so I had the option to run any set up. Some of the new rims seem so narrow it might weaken the rim. I might not do it to a rim out of the box but if you have any miles on them go for it. I take file and smooth the sharp edge off.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
MtbAZ44 said:
Now I know why you don't like going tubeless... If you had Stans Rims something tells me you wouldn't be switching back to tubes...
Click to expand...
I'm not planning to go back to tubes. Just getting tired of the rim tape getting messed up when I pop the bead to add more stans as well as the presta valves getting so clogged up that I can't add air if needed.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#6 ·
I thought the same too until I got stan's stems with removable valve cores. I would prefer Schrader but didn't want to take a drill to brand new rims and have been happy with the compromise.

Phillbo said:
I'm not planning to go back to tubes. Just getting tired of the rim tape getting messed up when I pop the bead to add more stans as well as the presta valves getting so clogged up that I can't add air if needed.
Click to expand...
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Do the stans stems allow you to inject the sealer in without popping the bead?
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#9 ·
Why is presta a hassle? i agree about tubeless, but how is presta a hassle, they've never been anymore of a hassle than my old shraders ..
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
They get clogged up with sealant and also require that you pop the bead of the tire to add more sealant.

I'm all thumbs and more times than not I mess up the rim tape in the process.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#11 ·
Phillbo said:
They get clogged up with sealant and also require that you pop the bead of the tire to add more sealant.

I'm all thumbs and more times than not I mess up the rim tape in the process.
Click to expand...
You can add sealant through a presta valve it it has a removable core. I use a baby medicine syringe or one of the pointy ones you get from dentist offices to inject into the presta valve. No mess or bead cracking necessary.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
where did you get the presta with the removable core.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#13 ·
Phillbo said:
I'm not planning to go back to tubes. Just getting tired of the rim tape getting messed up when I pop the bead to add more stans as well as the presta valves getting so clogged up that I can't add air if needed.
Click to expand...
sorry for making that assumption.. :thumbsup:

Your dt swiss valves should have a removable core too. you should check that out.

DT Swiss Tubeless Valve | Chain Reaction Cycles

On a side note I had dt swiss rims and I hated their tubeless set up. That rubber band always moved out of place and caused issues with trying to seat tires and keeping air pressure..
 
#14 ·
I too can't see the hassle you are having with Presta valves. I thought on all of them they were removable cores but I guess not, take a look at yours and see if they are. I never break the bead just to add some more sealant, just purchase one 2oz bottle of stans and you can re-use the bottle every time you need to add fluid.
Attached (if worked correct) are pics of the presta stems that you can do this with, there are some tubed versions too. look at the upper end before the tip that opens and you should see threads with a flat side on each side, if so these should be removable.
 

Attachments

Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#16 ·
Over the years using stans with Presta valves, about the only two issues I've had are the core itself gets a little booger around the sealing surface which causes a small leak. If you crank down the little brass part after inflation, you usually can get those to stop. The other issue is that the passageway into the tire will get clogged. I just remove the core and stick a piece of wire in to clear the clog.
The other thing is once you buy the stans valve stems, you can put any removable presta core in them. Also, if you buy tubes for either normal use or for emergencies, the brand "Q Tubes" have removable cores so you can actually juice up your tubes too.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
no flat spots on my cores so i need to get some removable ones in there.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#18 ·
When using the removable cores, it will help if you have a valve core removal tool from Stans: Core Remover Tool. You can also use needle nosed pliers or something similar to remove the core. But the special tool works a lot better and there's less risk of damaging the valve, which might happen with pliers. I have purchased this tool at Trailhead Bike Cafe, but most LBS sell all this stuff. Like others have said, no reason to switch to Shrader.

Bob
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#20 ·
If you end up staying with the presta valve and happen to have any left over Slime tubes, take a look at the valve on those tubes too. Most of the Slime tubes have a removable core valve and if you're handy with an exato knife or razor blade you can cut the valve out and seat it up similar to the Stan's valve. I would imagine the Stan's valve would seat just a little easier but I switched to tubeless a while back and have had good luck with those left over valves.
 
1 - 20 of 41 Posts
About this Discussion
40 Replies
25 Participants
Last post:
ShakyDog
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion