Most bicycle tires consist of an outer rubber tire with a separate inner tube. The outer edges of the tire hook over the rim of bike wheel and air pressure in the inner tube holds everything together. Bike tubes are rubber without a rigid structure. They are inserted into the tire and inflated to proper pressure. The difference in bike tubes is the stem or valve type. The type of stem depends on the type of tire on your bike.
Schrader Valve
A Shrader valve is similar to a standard automobile tire valve. It can be spelled Shrader or Schraeder. Both names are correct. These valve stems are universal so you can fill your tire anywhere car tires can be filled. The Shrader valve is commonly used on less expensive and consumer bicycles in the United States. It has a standard plastic cap and if you have ever filled a car tire, then you know how to fill a bike tube with a Shrader valve. All you need to do is take the plastic cap off the valve, connect the air hose and fill the tire tube, according to Bike South's Tech Tips.
Presta Valve
The Presta valve is thinner and mainly used on high performance bikes, according to the Bicycle Glossary. The valve assembly is smaller, requires a smaller hole and does not fit the standard air pump connection. You will need an adapter to use a standard car air hose. In addition, they have built-in air caps that need to be opened before air can be pumped through the valve. The cap cannot be removed; it is loosened before pumping. It needs to be tightened after filling and can leak slowly if the cap is not tightened correctly. The advantage of the Presta valve is they are easier to pump with a hand pump because they do not use a spring.
Woods/Dunlop Valve
The Woods valve is less common in the U.S. and mostly found in Europe and Asia. It is also referred to as the Dunlop valve. The base is designed similar to the Shrader valve, but can be filled with a Presta pump. The most common type of tube in Japan is fitted with the Woods valve, according to the Japan Cycling Navigator.
Tubular Tires
Another type of tube is actually sewn into the tire. It is called a tubular tire. The tire edges are sewn together around the tube, according to the Bicycle Glossary. These types of tubes are used on high-performance bikes and require special rims. They are not as popular as they used to be and are not as common as the regular type of tube. Tubular tires are lighter, have better traction, less prone to pinch flats and it is easier to change out the tire as opposed to replacing or fixing a tube. The downside on the tubular tire is they are more expensive, harder to repair, you have to carry a replacement in case of a flat and properly glued tubulars can easily roll off the rim.
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