It’s easy to understand why the air-filled tired was a welcome development for people who regularly used bikes. Early bicycle tires were made of leather or solid rubber. Because of that, riding a bicycle could be rough and uncomfortable. Pneumatic tires made bicycles easier to manage and a lot more pleasant to ride. Undoubtedly this helped increased the bike’s popularity.

But pneumatic tires aren’t all sunshine and roses. They require maintenance—more so than solid rubber tires—which includes inflating the tires properly. And that’s where valves come in. Valves open to let the tire receive air and then remain securely closed, maintaining the correct pressure.

Schrader and Presta Valves

The everyday bike rider may never think about bike valves until it’s time to inflate their tires or the valve needs repair. But knowing a thing or two about valves could be helpful for bike owners. Once you have even a basic understanding, you’ll know how to handle them and what to shop for when purchasing a take-along pump.

Schrader and Presta valves are two valve types used on pneumatic bicycle tires. The valves are part of the tire’s inner tube, but it’s possible to use the valves with tubeless tires, as well. The typical Schrader valve is shorter and broader than the Presta valve, although longer Schrader valves are available. The Schrader valve’s short and chunky appearance is like a valve on a car tire, and for that reason, Schrader valves are also known as “car” valves. The Presta valve is long and thin, with a threaded screw arising from the top. The entire outside of a Presta valve may also be threaded.

The Anatomy of a Schrader Valve

A Schrader valve designed for tires is partially-wrapped in rubber. The top portion of the valve is threaded, allowing it to accept a dust cap. The threaded portion also makes it easy to fit a pump head over the opening. The valve comes with a spring-loaded center pin that serves as a check valve, meaning that it only permits air to flow in but not out.  When filling the tire with air through the Schrader valve, the pump forces the valve open by exerting pressure on the center pin. The Schrader valve is simple to use and constructed so that a typical gas station air pump can serve as an air source.

The Anatomy of a Presta Valve

The Presta valve has a slender threaded metal body. The threaded body makes it easy to secure the valve to the rim using a special nut. The Presta valve requires unscrewing a nut at the top to inflate the tube. Opening the nut requires care to avoid unscrewing the entire core because that will allow air to escape from the tire suddenly.

Special pumps are designed for Presta valves. It’s essential to follow instructions when using a take-along Presta valve pump because when the tire is unstable, it’s easy to damage the valve. Attaching a Schrader adapter to a Presta valve makes it possible for a bicyclist to pump air from a gas station air pump. Since Presta valves come in different lengths, it’s crucial to consider rim depth when purchasing a tube with Presta valves. When a bicycle has deep rims, it needs tubes with longer Presta valves.

Is a Schrader Valve Better Than a Presta Valve?

In the end, the decision of which valve you use may come down to the manufacturer’s preference. Presta valves have some advantages that make them complement high-end and performance bikes. The air pressure in the tire itself creates a strong seal, so there is no need for a check valve. Presta valves allow for higher tire pressures and are lightweight, contributing to a smoother ride. A Presta valve’s slim size means that the hole where it fits inside the rim is smaller, making the rim stronger.

However, Schrader valves are standard on many bicycles and scooters, including SWAGTRON’s® eRideables. They’re much more convenient for the casual or occasional rider, letting them add air pressure at any gas station without worrying about adapters or losing the valve core. The sturdy construction of a Schrader valve makes it a good choice for children’s bikes. Schrader valves also work well on mountain bikes, although you might find some mountain bikes with Presta valves. The typical air pressure gauge is designed for use with the Schrader valve but adding a Schrader adapter to a Presta valve makes it possible to use the gauge with a Presta valve.

Imagine whizzing by your super-fit neighbor. You know the one. The one who’s always jogging before work. Looking at your rusty 10-speed in the garage, this may not seem like an attainable goal. But with an electric bike, it very well could become your new reality.

Electric bikes provide an excellent way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and improve your level of fitness. Physical activity is the best way to release stress, stay fit and create energy, and eBikes for fitness are a great way to get started. Plus, they offer a great way to show off — everyone loves to be on the cutting edge of technology.

You don’t have to be a super athlete or a CrossFit warrior to enjoy high-performance bicycling with an eBike. Electric bicycles help reduce the amount of physical effort required, making them a great segue for individuals who want to become active cyclists.

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

We all know that exercise and a nutritious diet can positively impact your life. We’re told this every day — in commercials and movies, from doctors and the health care industry. And healthy people tend to have a stronger immune system, helping them fight disease more effectively. Regular exercise is also the number one thing you can do to help prevent serious illnesses and medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.

The good news is that you can enjoy a fit lifestyle without becoming a mass of muscles. Healthy lifestyles are less about “getting swole” and more about eating well and exercising regularly.

Starting an effective fitness routine can be difficult at first. But eBiking is an excellent transition for many people. You’re not only getting a solid workout, you also gain access to scenic sites, alternative transportation and the opportunity to breathe in crisp, fresh air. If you aren’t a fan of exercise, a change of scenery alone could be enough to motivate you.

Biking Is a Low-Impact Exercise

Compared to a high-impact cardio workout such as running, biking puts much less stress on your joints. A study reported by Cycling Weekly found that runners suffer from 133-144% more muscle damage compared to regular cyclists. In addition, the study found that runners showed over 256% more signs of inflammation. In short, if you’re looking for a low-impact exercise that you can start right away, bicycling is the one for you.

This also means that choosing to eBike makes you a bit smarter than your super-fit neighbor who runs by every morning. A little bit of smug satisfaction will feel good as you fly past them on your way to work.

Electric Bikes for Fitness Help Inspire New Riders

Electric bikes that are used to enhance fitness can also help inspire new riders who otherwise might not have tried bicycling as a sport. Many people like the idea of wind in their hair as they bike down forest paths or along roads, but the actual exertion required can be intimidating. People who question their physical fitness are often wary of tackling a big bike ride out of fear they won’t be able to complete it.

An eBike helps take away that fear. If you start getting a bit tired or winded, the e-powered bike can always pick up the slack. Many people start commuting to work regularly because of the confidence an eBike offers them, and over time, they find they use the electrical-powered support less and depend on their own manual power more. An eBike allows riders of all abilities and physical fitness levels to enjoy the benefits of biking and is a wonderful way for someone to introduce themselves to the world of cycling.

eBikes: The Same Level of Exercise as Regular Bikes

With all this talk of assistance, you might start to wonder if you get as much exercise on an eBike as you would on its more traditional counterpart. Interestingly enough, a study published by Newsweek from the Journal of Medical Internet Research indicated that the heart rates of cyclists on eBikes and conventional bikes reflected the same amount of exertion when ridden for the same period of time.  Most electric bike riders switch between manual power and electric power, which means they get plenty of exercise on an eBike.

Remember, the electrical component in an eBike simply augment the natural human power the rider provides. It doesn’t replace the power — like a moped or motorcycle does. In addition, some eBikes’ pedal-assist only activates when the rider is pedaling, so to get the additional power, you have to be physically engaged in the process. The result? You get to be faster and just as fit as your neighbor. Not a bad outcome for a beginner!

Electric Bicycles Can Help Riders of Mixed Abilities

Electric bikes cater to bikers of mixed abilities, letting them ride together. If you have a friend or loved one who is a devoted cyclist, you may be intimidated by the idea of riding with them. But with an eCycle, you don’t have to worry about running out of stamina. You can rely on the bike as you need to so that you can enjoyably complete the ride.

Nearly everyone can cycle with the support of an electric bike and its handy little battery pack. Electric bikes erase fear and uncertainty and replace them with strength and confidence. With an eBike, you can go anywhere and cycle with anyone. Daily commutes to work, long rides with friends on the weekends or simple trips on the bike trail become possible with the assistance provided by electric bikes.

Choosing an Electric Bike

Electric bikes come in a wide variety of styles. Fat-tire mountain bikes for rough terrain and trail riding. Low step-through frame for riders with limited mobility. No matter your need, there’s an eBike that can check all the boxes you need. Thanks to a host of physical benefits, eBikes are worth a look for your new exercise adventure. Many SWAGTRON® customers enjoy the smooth but challenging ride that our eBikes provide. If you need a low-impact, highly enjoyable form of exercise, an eBike may be the perfect solution.