Официально есть три системы нипеля (наверно, больше, но я их не знаю)
Presto, Schrader и Dunlop (Woods). Первые два наиболее распростанены.
The Dunlop valve, (also called a Woods valve or an English valve) is a type of pneumatic valve stem in use in some countries, such as Japan, Czech Republic, India, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, the Netherlands, Germany, Britain, Finland, Sweden, and developing countries. It has a wider base than a Presta valve, similar in size to a Schrader valve, but it can be inflated with a Presta valve adapter. The inner mechanism of the valve can be replaced easily, without the need for special tools. The inventor was C.
// Дальше — en.wikipedia.org
The Presta valve (also called Sclaverand valve or French valve) is a valve commonly found in high pressure road style and some mountain bicycle inner tubes. It comprises an outer valve stem and an inner valve body. A lock nut to secure the stem at the wheel rim and a valve cap may also be present.
The outer valve stem is manufactured in various lengths for different applications, and has a narrower diameter (6 mm) than the Schrader valve (8 mm). Since Schrader valves are compatible with automotive tires, they are considered preferable for most applications.
// Дальше — en.wikipedia.org
The Schrader valve (also called American valve) is a brand of pneumatic tire valve used on virtually every motor vehicle in the world today. The Schrader company, for which it was named, was founded in 1844 by August Schrader. The original Schrader valve design was patented in the United States in 1893.
The Schrader valve consists of a valve stem into which a valve core is threaded, and is used on virtually all automobile tires and motorcycle tires and most wider rimmed bicycle tires. The valve core is a poppet valve assisted by a spring.
// Дальше — en.wikipedia.org
Преста и Шрадер используются в великах. Преста тоньше, значит не так сильно вредит ободу. Особенно тонкому. А в более широких шинах Шрадер вполне себе идёт. Скажем, у меня на 32 мм шинах стоит Шрадер.
Преста чисто для великов и имеет механизм завинчивания, чтобы закрыть полностью, а Шрадер — только на пружинке.
Dunlop — это старый очень стандарт, распространённый в Англии, Голландии.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/.../328px-Schrader_valve_tall.jpg — Schrader
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/.../328px-Presta_valve_close.jpg — Presto
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/.../328px-Dunlop_valve.jpg — Dunlop