I got a Trek 8000 Police bike in a government auction. The only thing it needs is new tires and tubes. Tire size is 26 x 2.1 and I can get them at Wal-Mart but the tubes are unlike anything I’ve seen before. The valve stem is half the size of a regular stem and it has some sort of thing blocking where the air goes in. Wal-Mart only had the regular tubes so should I just drill the hole in the wheel to fit a regular tube or look elsewhere?
Originally posted 2009-04-04 03:18:16.
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No, don’t drill it.
the valve type is PRESTA, dude
there are two types of valves out there, shrader and presta.
you can twist the top part like a screw, that is the part (like the cap) for a normal valve, that holds the air in securely. you twist that looser, then put the presta pump on the valve, flip the switch on the head part, then pump. when it is done pumping, flip back the switch and take the pump off. (DONE)
presta is found on bikes that are more expensive (not wal-mart junk)
Simply go to a bike shop, ask for a tire in your size but in presta.
pronounced Press-tuh (but quickly)
It is a better type of valve, you can get an adaptor cheap at your LBS (Local Bike Shop) (or REI) for a couple bucks, or you can buy a nice, sturdy pump (presta) with a gauge for 30-40 bucks. Don’t try to fill it up at the gas station, that would be stupid. (please)
I don’t suggest drilling the other hole (if you must) by yourself.
check out this site, and scroll down to Presta
My idea: Buy a pump (presta) for 30-40 bucks, and get a couple adaptors just in case
It might have clipless pedals, if you have not seen these pedals before
p.s. google presta and presta adaptor
P.P.S. NICE BIKE!
New, it’s 1600 w/o tax but with police add-ons, it’s alot more.
Go to a bike shop. Forget Wal-Mart!
Bike shops regularly carry presta tubes. They’re better than schrader valved tubes.
no no dont drill it!
its a presta valve. you need to go to a bike shop and buy special tubes. they are about $1 or so more than shreader tubes. while your there, ask them if its safe to drill out your rim for a standard tube. sometimes, the rim is not wide enough and if you drill it, it will become unstable.