Basically, there are three different types of valves for bicycle inner tubes:

Presta valve / Sclaverand valve (SV) / French valve (FV): The names Presta, Sclaverand (SV) and French valve are used synonymously for the same type of valve. This valve has a diameter of 6.5 mm and is used mainly on bicycles in the sports sector (road bikes, MTBs). The biggest advantage of the Presta / Sclaverand / French valve is that it can withstand very high air pressure of up to 15 bar. Due to its small diameter (6.5 mm), it also has less weight than, for example, a Schrader valve. The valve length can also be selected according to your needs: Presta / Sclaverand / French valves are available in different lengths between 40 mm and 100 mm. Which length you should choose depends on the rim height of your own bike. The valve needs to be longer than the height of the rim to secure the pump on it to inflate the tube. Alternatively, you can work with a so-called valve extension. For Tubolitos please make sure you use a valve extension which you can screw on the opened valve core as our valve cores are glued in and cannot be removed.

Schrader valve / American valve (AV): The Schrader valve / American valve has a diameter of 8.5 cm and the valve core is completely hidden in the valve stem. The robust construction and the larger diameter give the Schrader valve / American valve a high stability. Deformations during inflation are therefore not possible.

Bicycle tubes with Schrader / American valve are very common on everyday bikes and touring bikes. One advantage is that this valve is identical to that of the car and can therefore, very conveniently, be inflated at the gas station. These valves can withstand an air pressure of up to 10 bar. Schrader / American valves are slightly heavier than Presta / Sclaverand / French valves.

Dunlop Valve (DV) / Woods valve / English valve: Named after its inventor John Boyd Dunlop, the Dunlop valve was widely used especially in the 1970s and 1980s. Even today, it is still used on many everyday bikes. A big advantage is the simple handling as the valve can be replaced without tools. A major disadvantage is though, that it can withstand only a maximum air pressure of 6 bar. This makes it impossible to use on road bikes and gravel bikes. Also, the air pressure cannot be adjusted quite accurately, which is why it cannot be used on MTBs.