BICYCLE TECH TIPS SERIES TIP #1 and 2

TECH TIP # 1

BICYCLE TUBE VALVES

The two most commonly found tube valves on modern bicycles are SCHRADER and PRESTA

1)      SCHRADER VALVE: This is found on Entry and Mid level Mountain Bikes and Hybrid Bikes. This valve is same as on Motorbikes and Cars (it is also called Auto Valve AV)

2)      PRESTA VALVE: This is found on all Road Bikes, this valve is much thinner and is suited for thin rims on Road Bikes. Presta valve is also found on High End Mountain and Hybrid bikes.

TECH TIP # 2

TIRE PRESSURE

The pressure is built up by Action-Reaction between tube and tire – Air exerts outward force on tube which in turn exerts outward force (Action) on tire and tire in turn exerts Inward force (Reaction) on tube thus, building up the pressure.

UNIT OF TIRE PRESSURE : there are two popular tire pressure units 1) The PSI (Pounds Per Square inch) and 2) Bar

THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE RANGE IS MENTIONED ON THE SIDEWALLS OF the TIRE

THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE DEPENDS ON THE TUBE, TIRE and the RIM

LOWER PRESSURE (Within the Range) gives better traction/grip but higher rolling resistance

HIGHER PRESSURE (Within the Range) gives lesser traction/grip but lowerrolling resistance