What Type of Valve to Use for Touring – Schrader or Presta

Presta Valve ————- Schrader Valve

Here are a mix of feelings and observations. They probably won’t change your mind if you already have strong feelings.

On the road, it is much easier to find a pump that works with schrader valves than prestas. If you are stuck and have schrader valves you can always go to a gas station and very carefully inflate your tires. If you have prestas, you will need to find a bike shop or another rider with a presta pump. For example, in Newfoundland there are gas stations every 60 miles but about 500 miles between bike shops.

My feeling was that I had more problems with presta tubes than schrader tubes when I used prestas. They just seemed to be less sturdy. Other long distance riders I have talked with have the same feeling. This isn’t proof it is just my perception.

Yes, prestas can be easier to inflate and may have stronger rims. If you ride mostly near your home or with groups make your choice.

But there doesn’t seem to be enough of a practical advantage with prestas to off set the disadvantages for the long distance rider.

References: See Presta Tube Warning 

Fixing the Slipstrean Kickstand

Update: 4/9/08 – see SlipStream Kick Stand Fix Installed

I love the kickstand on my Longbikes Slipstream. It is like having a built in workstand and much better than the kickstand on a Vanguard. But the kickstand didn’t like staying in place after using it a few times it would turn as shown in the picture.

The fix is an easy one. Just add a piece of rubber gasket material between the the kickstand and the frame. You will have to make a hole in the center of the rubber piece for the mounting screw. Just cut out the piece the size of the kickstand top with an Exacto knife and make a square hole in the center of the rubber piece. A small sheet of rubber gasket material from the plumbing section of your local hardware store works great.

With the rubber gasket in place your kickstand will not turn.

Fixing a Slipstream Annoyance

This may not be an issue for other riders with smaller hands. But the head of the hex screw on the Slipstream's brake levers rubs against the bottom of my hand. After, years of riding a Vanguard, my riding position has gotten pretty relaxed and my hands seem to naturally slip to the bottom of the grips where the bolt head will rub the palm.

The fix is simple just remove the bolts with a hex driver and screw them back in from the inside of the brake lever instead of the outside where they were installed. The picture shows the bolt in its new position where it can't rub your hand.

A Bigger Mirror for the Slipstream

The B&M CycleStar mirror is very nicely made but just too small for my eyes. I wanted my Blackburn Mirror back. It had a nice wide oval shape that gave me a complete view of the road. With the CycleStar I had to pick spots to watch.

Hot Buy Alert – Patagonia

The Patagonia Outlet in Freeport, Maine will be having another Sale Memorial Weekend. This is usually a great chance to get excellent gear at very good prices. Prices at the Outlet start at 35% off and during the sales they knock them down another 50%.

At the last sale, I got 2 R.5 pullovers for $10 each. This is a great bicycling Jersey that usually sells for $90. I also bought Houdini pants and a Dragonfly Jacket, this is super light gear for wind and light rain protection.

If you need a large or XL, you will need to be there on Thursday, May 25. The bigger sizes disappear very quickly.

While you are there don't forget to check out the North Face Store next door. Not a lot of good deals at this store, but occasionally a great deal on tents.

You will directions and hours at Patagonia Outlet.