The valve measurements come from Schwalbe’s technical guide and the Wikipedia entry on the Presta valve, which cites the ISO 4570 standard; the lengths by rim depth come from the Rose and HED charts (checked in October 2026). The valve is the part you inflate the tube or tubeless tire through, and the valve hole is the hole in the rim it pokes out of. Valve sizes are given in millimeters, the way they’re sold in the US too.
Bike valve types
| Valve | Stem | Rim hole | Where it’s used | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presta (French, Sclaverand, SV) | 6 mm | about 6-6.5 mm | Road, gravel and mountain bikes; the Rose and HED tubeless valves are this type | Fits narrow and deep rims; weighs 4-5 g less; the tip pin bends easily |
| Schrader (American, car valve, AV) | 8 mm | about 8-8.5 mm | The same system as a car tire | Fill it at any gas station; many older pumps don’t fit it |
| Dunlop (Dutch, Woods, DV) | 8 mm | Same as Schrader | The most widespread valve in the world, according to Schwalbe | The core is easy to swap; with a classic Dunlop valve you can’t read the pressure |
The rim hole is always a bit bigger than the stem. Rose makes its Presta valve for 6.5 mm holes; Tube King gives 6 mm for Presta and 8 mm for Schrader. If you’re buying a valve or an adapter, measure your rim hole with calipers.
None of the three has a maximum pressure of its own that manufacturers publish: the tire and the rim set the limit. Wikipedia notes that Presta is the most common valve on high-pressure tubes, and it’s what practically every road bike comes with.
Valve length by rim depth
| Rim depth | Valve per HED | Valve per Rose | Minimum by Rose’s rule (depth + 15 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 mm | 37 mm | — | 40 mm |
| 25-35 mm | 50 mm | — | 40-50 mm |
| 40-45 mm | 70 mm | 60 mm | 55-60 mm |
| 45-55 mm | 70 mm (up to 50) | 70 mm | 60-70 mm |
| 55-65 mm | 90 mm (from 62) | 80 mm | 70-80 mm |
| 62-70 mm | 90 mm | — | 77-85 mm |
| 80-90 mm | 110 mm | — | 95-105 mm |
Rose’s general rule is that the valve should be at least the rim depth plus 15 mm, so it sticks out far enough for the pump head to grab it. HED is a little more generous at some depths. When in doubt, go for the longer size: a long valve only hurts the looks; a short one means you can’t inflate the tire.
How to measure and choose
- Rim depth: measure from the bottom of the channel where the tube sits to the outer edge of the rim. The number is often in the wheel’s name.
- Valves with removable cores: the core is the mechanism inside; if it comes out, it’s easier to add sealant to a tubeless tire. Valve extenders work on very deep rims if the tube doesn’t come with a long valve.
- Tubes: Schwalbe sells its tubes with valves from 32 to 100 mm. Pick the length by rim depth, not by wheel size.
- Valve lock nut: tighten it by hand only. Schwalbe warns that tightening it with pliers can damage the tube.
To get the right pressure through that valve, use the tire pressure calculator or the bike tire pressure guide. If you’re switching to tubeless, read the tubeless guide, and if the problem is a flat, the one on fixing a flat tire. Tire sizes are in the tire size conversion chart, and the vocabulary in six languages in the wheels and tires glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a Presta valve in a rim drilled for Schrader?
Yes, with a rim hole adapter (grommet). Schwalbe warns that a Presta valve in a large hole can end up cut by the metal edge of the rim. The other way doesn't work: an 8 mm Schrader valve won't fit a Presta hole without drilling it out, and that weakens the rim.
What valve length do I need for a 50 mm deep rim?
About 70 mm. Rose's rule is rim depth plus 15 mm (65 mm at least), and both Rose and HED recommend a 70 mm valve for that depth.
Which is better, Presta or Schrader?
For road, gravel and tubeless, Presta: it's narrower (6 mm) and fits narrow and deep rims. A Schrader valve can be filled at any gas station, and the Dunlop valve is the most common in the world, according to Schwalbe.