I hate presta valves. I have used both for a long time now, and I never have as much trouble with the schrader valves. I especially hate inflating completely empty tubes with presta valves, but the trick I read somewhere of inflating it by mouth first helps. Maybe my pump is the culprit, I dunno. I think pumps lock down in different ways by the way, depending on the type.
Winter riding is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery. - malkin
1995 Kona Cinder Cone commuterFrankenbike/Selle Italia SLR Lady Gel Flow
2008 white Nakamura Summit Custom mtb/Terry Falcon X
2000 Schwinn Fastback Comp road bike/Specialized Jett