Bicycle nipples: features and types

Over the period of its existence, the bike suffered many changes, a number of spare parts acquired a more complex structure. The only part that retained its original appearance and function was the bicycle nipple.

Nipple called a tube connecting the bicycle chamber and an existing non-return valve that holds air, in addition, it serves to pump it. The valve is called the valve, under the pressure of the outside air it opens and closes when the air begins to press from the middle of the wheel. The closure density of the valve depends on the pressure inside the wheel, and the higher it is, the stronger it is closed.

The main function of this device is to keep air tight in the chamber. Such valves can have slightly different shapes, even for nipples of the same type, spools can partially vary.

Nipples are mainly made made of brass, although steel models are sometimes found. It’s better not to purchase such ones, since their quality is rather doubtful.

The cap on the nipple is an integral part of this device. The main objective of the plastic caps on the Dunlop models was to protect the nipple from dirt, and they also slightly retained the air that was passed through the rubber tube. Modern models have become more functional, they are also used as a special key to unscrew the spool. Presta caps protect the nipple from contamination and mechanical stress, they are not very strong, therefore with strong pressure, they can break even from working with the bicycle pump.

Designers represent a fairly wide and diverse range of such devices. Caps can be divided into 2 types:

• decorative serving mainly spectacular decoration of the vehicle;
• backlit (neon)In addition to the aesthetic function, such caps make the bike noticeable in the dark, thereby ensuring safety.

Nipples come in 3 types:

• Dunlop;
• Schrader;
• Presta.

Dunlop is an obsolete rubber model that is almost no longer used. In the USSR, such standards were set on all bicycles. Now you can still meet her on children's bicycles or old-style bikes. The diameter of the hole is similar to the automotive standard - 8 mm, and in its functionality to the Presta model. The design of such a nipple is rather unreliable and, in addition, is very vulnerable to dirt.

Tiny pebbles or even sand that fall under the spool’s gum can block the movement of air. Although such devices are no longer used in the manufacture of bicycle tires, they can easily be found in specialized stores. A universal pump was not suitable for the Dunlop nipple, since its thread was rather small. This has become a significant drawback of this variety. To pump air into tires with a similar device, it was necessary to use a bicycle pump, or remove the tip from the car and stick the tube into the nipple.

Schrader, or the automobile nipple (it is also sometimes called the American nipple), is considered the universal standard, because it is suitable for both automobile and bicycle tires. The characteristic opening diameter is 8 mm. This variety is most often used in the manufacture of tires. Due to its fairly wide distribution, almost any automobile pumps are suitable for this standard, although models without a clamp are not suitable for it. As a distinguishing feature of the Schrader design, you can highlight the presence of a special valve - if you press it, air is completely released from the tire.

There are models in which the valve is designed so that the air comes down almost at the moment. The cap in such cases protects the valve from dirt and mechanical damage, but does not seal it tightly. This type of nipple is characterized by rather high strength and durability.

Presta, or the bicycle nipple, is most popular. It holds pressure in the tire much better and has a more modern design. But at the same time, it will not be possible to pump up such a tire with the help of a car pump, for this a special nozzle or pump for bicycle wheels is needed. And also the valve for this type of nipple is quite fragile, it can break even when pumping the camera. Because of this property, many manufacturers make screw-in models. The diameter of the Presta spool bore is 6 mm.

Such a device is installed mainly on sports and road bikes, as well as mountain bikes. With its dimensions, it is slightly thinner than a car nipple, but has a longer length - 42-80 mm. A distinctive feature of this design is the location of the valve stem, it is placed outside, and not in the middle. In addition, the cap also has a nut, which helps to retain air in the chamber.

Air injection with this design is carried out as follows:

• the cap is twisted and put close so as not to lose;
• unscrew the lock nut, but do not remove it to the end, you just need to release the shaft;
• insert the pump and fix the clamp;
• pump air.

Presta and Shrader are the most common spool models, and they also have pretty similar characteristics. When choosing a device, first of all, you need to pay attention to the rim holes - if their diameter is 6 mm, then only the first standard is suitable. If it is necessary to install Shrader, it is necessary to drill a diameter of up to 8 mm, but it should be borne in mind that after this the faces must be protected.

To avoid damage, remember to have caps even if they do not have sealing properties. When choosing a nipple, you also need to consider that For Presta you need to use a bicycle pump, and the air injection procedure must be carried out carefully, without strong pressure.

You can use a pump with auto-nozzle, for this you need to perform several actions:

• unscrew the nut;
• pull out the rubber with the sleeve;
• turn the cork down a narrow part;
• place the rubber cone with the wide part down and fasten the nut.

So, without much effort, you can change the nozzle for the pump from the car - to Presta. Shrader is suitable for wide tires, including for children's cycle cameras, and Presta - mainly for sports models. Keep in mind that nipples have different lengths (33-80 mm), this variety depends on the rim parameters.

See how to pump the Presta nipple in the next video.