I leave my adapter screwed in to my CO2 quick-fill pump which resides in my camelback.

I won't use CO2. Regular old hand pump for me, thanks. I've seen too many of them either not work, run out of CO2, etc, etc, and they wind up breaking out their back-up hand pump anyway. I'll just start with my hand pump and skip the whole CO2 bullshit to begin with.

btw - the two girls I helped this past Saturday had CO2 pumps that didn't work. I used my hand pump to get them back on the trail.

oh I have a pump....and a CO2 patch kit under my seat

It's a nice convenient place to store the adapter either way. :)

No issues with presta for the past 8 years or so here, no CO2 issues either.

The justification I've heard for Presta is that the rim is stronger due to the smaller hole that is drilled in the rim. Unless you are busting down Mt Everest then I don't think it will matter for most people. Another benefit is that if you lose the cap then mud is less likely to get stuck in the valve.

Be sure that before you fill up a presta valve that you press the valve down a few times to release air which helps get dust and debree out.

I've never had a problem with the Presta. Infact what I do love about Presta is when you get a flat and change the tire and need to pump air into it. Because of the nut on the valve you don't have to hold the other side of the tire to put pressure on the valve.

I've been using Presta valves since the early 90s without problems. I find them easier to fill (because of the nut that holds the valve stem in place) when low. Shraders sink back into the rim when you try to put a pump on them and it's a PITA. Even if I have Shrader drilled rims, I still use Presta tubes.

I've also never jacked around with those CO2 cartridges. Those are reserved for racing purposes. If I'm just out riding, I use a hand pump.

Schraeder valves on everything. Then again, I have the econo Fleet Farm $59.99 bike :lol: