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Rather than try to improve upon presta or Schrader valves, Schwalbe designed a whole new valve and pump head that is easy to operate and airtight.
German tire maker Schwalbe has introduced a new valve for bike tires. Schwalbe’s Clik Valve (SCV) aims to make valves simpler, more foolproof as well as improve the interface between the valve and the pump head.
The Clik Valve is the same diameter as a presta valve, but it requires a new pump head. The pump head snaps onto the valve with little pressure—Schwalbe says just two fingers are enough—and in snapping closed, it creates an air-tight seal.
The primary market for the Clik Valve will be cyclists running tubeless tires, in part because the valves allow a 50 percent greater airflow through the valve than with traditional presta valves.
For those using presta valves with inserts, it is possible to replace the insert alone, rather than replacing the entire valve, which would necessitate removing the tire.
Schwalbe makes both a replacement pump head and a pump head adapter, depending on how the existing pump head attaches to your pump. They will begin producing tubes using the SCV soon. No word yet on whether they will produce tubes for 20-in. and 26-in. tires.
Schwalbe does make a valve cap to protect the inner mechanism—it’s possible to release air with your fingernail—the cap simply pushes on and pulls off.
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As someone who has been dealing with presta valves, pumps and ill-fitting pump heads for longer than Pearl Jam has been together, Schwalbe’s Clik Valve sounds like a dream come true. It would be nice not to worry about the pump head lever pinching fingers or hands or having to pump furiously to overcome a leaky pump head/valve interface.
Schwalbe will sell tubeless Clik Valve sets €23.90($25.83), a conversion kit including two valve inserts with either the pump head €16.95 ($18.32) or the pump head adapter and pairs of just valve inserts €13.95 ($15.08).
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