Schrader valves, Presta valves… Clik Valves? That is proper, another choice for getting air into your tire debuts in the present day. Invented by John Quintana, the brand new valve is supposed to deal with the primary complaints that riders have concerning the present prevailing valve designs, promising elevated sturdiness, higher air stream, and fewer clogging from tubeless sealant. The design does require a brand new pump head for one of the best expertise, however it’s backwards suitable with current pumps so there isn’t any must seize the pitchforks simply but.
Schwalbe is the primary firm to make use of the brand new valve design, and it is formally referred to as the Schwalbe Clik Valve (SCV). The identify comes from the sound that the pump head makes when it is pushed onto the valve – there is a distinct ‘click on’ after which inflation can start.
At its core (no pun meant) the valve’s design is sort of easy, and it appears to mix components of Schrader and Presta valves right into a best-of-both-worlds configuration. The outer dimensions match that of current Presta valves, and inside a spring loaded poppet valve retains the air in. When a pump is placed on the valve is pushed open, permitting air to stream.
There is no tiny nut to loosen or tighten like there’s with a Presta valve, and there is additionally no must lock the pump in place to create a safe match throughout inflation. The highest of the valve is protected sufficient that no cap is critical, and it extends simply sufficient which you can let somewhat air out with a fingernail or one thing just like cut back air strain.
In use, pushing the pump head on is fast and simple, and solely requires one hand. Most pumps as of late aren’t precisely tough to make use of, however there isn’t any denying that the Clik Valve makes issues even simpler. The quantity of air stream is claimed to be 1.75 to 2 instances greater than an everyday Presta valve, and that is plausible primarily based on the couple of tires that I’ve put in with a Clik pump head and valve. Whereas the quantity of airflow is bigger than an everyday Presta valve, it does not transfer fairly as a lot air as a excessive stream valve just like the Reserve Fillmore, which boasts a 3x enhance in airflow. I have never had any sealant clogging points but, however it’s nonetheless somewhat too early to touch upon that side of the design.
It is going to be fascinating to see the place the Clik Valve goes – will this change into the brand new customary, or are Presta and Schrader valves too firmly entrenched after over 100 years of existence to get replaced? Schwalbe’s been an early adopter earlier than – bear in mind ProCore? – however the truth that they’ve already dedicated to creating tubes with the design together with tubeless valves and adaptors exhibits they’re assured within the idea.
The Eurobike tradeshow kicks off tomorrow, which would be the first likelihood to see what different firms will likely be rolling out Clik Valve suitable equipment.