How to convert your pump from Schrader valve to Presta or the other way round
There are two common types of valves used on bicycles: Schrader and Presta. Your pump must be compatible with your bike valve otherwise it won’t fit the valve stem, rendering the pump useless. Most pumps are compatible with both valves all you need to do is make an adjustment on the pump head to switch from one type to the other. Never the less when buying a pump make sure to specify the type of valve you got just to be sure.
The Schrader valve is commonly found on bikes with wider rims, and you will also see them on most car wheels. Presta valves have a smaller diameter and are usually found on narrow rim bikes e.g. racing bikes.
The diameter of the valve is important as it dictates the size of the hole required on the rim. On narrow rims, a bigger hole for the valve will weaken its structural strength.
Presta valves are slightly trickier to inflate as they have a locking nut which needs to be manually opened. A Schrader has a spring to keep the valve closed. It’s best to fit them with valve caps to prevent water, dust and other tiny road debris entering the valve and causing a leak.
If you look at the pump head you will see an end cap at one side and a lever on the other side. The lever is lifted to lock the pump to the valve stem.
To set your pump to desired valve type first you must unscrew the end cap of the pump head.
Now you should have the main pump, a valve pin depressor, a cylindrical rubber grommet and the end cap you just unscrewed.
The Valve pin depressor has a small pointy end and a large open end.
The rubber grommet has a large hole at one end and a smaller one at the other end.
How to set the pump for Schrader valves?
To make the pump compatible with Schrader valves firstly make sure the lever at the back of the pump head is down. Put the valve pin depressor with the small pointy end facing out and then put in the rubber grommet over it with the large hole facing out. Finally, tighten the end cap. Your pump is ready. Look at the picture below for the order and correct side the pump parts go into the pump.
I will also explain this in a different way as it might be easier to understand.
Take the valve pin depressor and insert the pointy end in the small hole of the rubber grommet.
Make sure the lever at the back of the pump head is down. The valve pin depressor always goes in the pump first. Once you put the two linked components in the pump head, tighten the end cup on the pump head just over the rubber grommet.
How to set the pump for Presta valves?
To make the pump compatible with Presta valves firstly make sure the lever at the back of the pump head is down.
Put the valve pin depressor with the large open end facing out and then put in the rubber grommet over it with the small hole facing out. Finally, tighten the end cap. Your pump is ready for Presta valves. Look at the picture below for the order and correct side the pump parts go into the pump.
I will explain also this the second way as it might be easier to understand.
Take the valve pin depressor and insert the large open end in the large hole of the grommet.
Make sure the lever on the back of the pump is down. The valve pin depressor always goes in the pump first. Once you put the two linked components in the pump head, tighten the end cup on the pump head just over the rubber grommet.