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RIP Presta and Schrader? Schwalbe reckons its "revolutionary" new Clik valve is set to become cycling's new tyre inflation industry standard

Schwalbe wants to make bike tyre inflation "child's play" with its new take on the humble valve, that can be latched onto using a compatible pump with little force and just two fingers

While not the most glamorous or exciting thing we've seen at Eurobike 2024, we reckon the new Schwalbe Clik Valve might just have the potential to be one of the most significant for years to come. A new take on bike tyre inflation, the Clik promises much easier attachment and operation, no risk of air loss and 50% more air flow rate, plus it can be retrofitted to your existing valves with a conversion kit. It's not just us who are getting all giddy about valves either, as the Clik has also bagged Schwalbe a Eurobike award for innovation. 

Schwalbe Clik valve eurobike

Boasting that the Clik Valve will be a "revolution for bicycle valves" and "solve problems that have existed for over a century", Schwalbe reckons its valve is far more intuitive than Presta, Schrader or Dunlop. While other takes on the valve do exist, such as Reserve's Fillmore Valves, these have usually been novel spins on the existing 'big three' valve types rather than completely new designs. 

The story goes that Clik's inventor John Quintana was inspired to act because the aforementioned inflation systems were too tricky for his kids, so we're told. Using his little ones as enthusiastic guinea pigs, the appropriately named Quintana tried out numerous prototypes before coming up with his completed design. 

Schwalbe CLIK VALVE-7

"The associated pump head can be clicked onto the valve with little force and removed again very easily after successful inflating - handling couldn‘t be easier", says Schwalbe.  

"The entire operation is possible with just two fingers." 

Tubeless fans will also be pleased, because the air flow rate is said to be 50% higher than standard valves. Schwalbe also claims there is no risk of air loss and you won't experience any wear on the pump head, because "the function of the pump head remains constant". 

Schwalbe Clik Valve-1

In terms of pricing, availability and compatibility: Schwalbe is starting out by selling conversion kits at £5 a pop, that can convert all existing valves and most pumps to the new Clik. SKS is already making a Clik-compatible pump too, and more manufacturers will follow according to Schwalbe. 

The pump head adapter can be integrated into the pump head of current floor pumps or mini-pumps. What if you get a flat and don't have a Clik-compatible pump to hand? You can also inflate a Clik valve with a Schrader pump too, so you'll rarely have any issues there. 

The valves should be found on the shelves of your local Schwalbe stockist in Q3 of this year. You can find out more on Schwalbe's website

Jack has been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of the website including tech, news and video, and also contributed to eBikeTips before being named Editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master's degree in print journalism and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it's a long story). 

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38 comments

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BalladOfStruth replied to brooksby | 4 months ago
2 likes

I read the title and my instant reaction was to post the XKCD "Standards" comic.

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Sredlums | 4 months ago
2 likes

How is it possible no one has commented on this?

It is the perfect setup for a good fight. Presta fans and Schrader fans fighting which valve should definately needs no replacement, modernists versus traditionalists, Schwalbe fanboys versus haters, criticl thinkers trying to find a design flaw… come on people, step up your game!

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trinityboy replied to Sredlums | 4 months ago
2 likes

And what's with the new Schwalbe logo, wasn't like that in my day, why change something that works? (etc.)

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IanMSpencer replied to trinityboy | 4 months ago
4 likes

It is of eternal disappointment to me to have discovered that Schwalbe translates as Swallow rather than Swift. 

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chrisonabike replied to Sredlums | 4 months ago
3 likes

Sredlums wrote:

It is the perfect setup for a good fight. Presta fans and Schrader fans fighting which valve should definately needs no replacement, modernists versus traditionalists, Schwalbe fanboys versus haters, criticl thinkers trying to find a design flaw… come on people, step up your game!

Wait - you oldies are still inflating your tyres??  Through valves?

(from here - though not pulling the trigger * on one until they've made a plasma-confining version) * AKA signing up to a waiting list to see if they make some

Avatar
Sredlums replied to chrisonabike | 4 months ago
0 likes

Novel approach, but not going anywhere for anything but - maybe - casual use, I think.

Avatar
chrisonabike replied to Sredlums | 4 months ago
2 likes
Avatar
Sredlums replied to chrisonabike | 4 months ago
1 like

Casual use  3

(On a serious note, I was talking about bicycles of course)

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