Schwalbe makes bid for new ‘industry standard’ tyre valve: CLIK VALVE

Move over Presta and Schrader? Schwalbe has created what it calls a ‘revolution for bicycle valves’, the Schwalbe CLIK VALVE (SCK), with SKS already offering its own relevant pump at Eurobike.

The system came about when John Quintana wanted his children to be able to inflate their own bicycle tyres, annoyed that it was too complicated for them with the “old” valves  (both technically and for reasons of space on the children‘s bike).

“Set to become the new industry standard in the medium term” CLIK VALVE’s 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, said Schwalbe. The entire operation is possible with just two fingers.

There is no longer any risk of air loss, and signs of wear on the pump head are a thing of the past, said the brand. This is because the function of the pump head remains constant (with other pumps it deteriorates with time/use). For tubeless use, the Schwalbe CLIK VALVE offers another huge additional advantage, as the air flow rate is 50% higher compared to the previously used SV valve, it added.

As a first step, Schwalbe is offering conversion kits for all existing valves and most pumps. All you have to do is replace the valve insert (Sclaverand aka Presta, Dunlop, tubeless valve) and there is an adapter for car type valves. This must be screwed over the valve and can also be unscrewed again – so it is still possible to fill the tyre with air at petrol stations (although in the UK at least quite a few filling station pumps advise against using them to inflate cycle tyres).

The pump head adapter can be integrated into the pump head of current pumps (by clamping or screwing it in), which also applies to hand pumps. The SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE can also be inflated with normal SV pumps – so thanks to this reverse compatibility, you are never at a loss in any situation, said Schwalbe. The conversion kit includes the pump head adapter or pump head (depending on your choice) as well as a newly designed dust cap. SKS will already be offering its own pump at Eurobike. “Other pump manufacturers will follow”.

Schwalbe will soon be producing its first tubes with the new SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE.

There’s a handy summary of how the conversion works:

At the valve:
SV+DV: Simply unscrew the current valve insert (tool for SV is included) and screw in the SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE by hand, and the valve is ready.

AV: The adapter for the SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE can simply be screwed onto the car valve.

On the pump: Simply integrate the adapter into the AV pump head (clamp or screw in). The pump is then ready to “CLIK”.

The busy R&D department at Schwalbe recently revealed 70% of all Schwalbe tyres will be made with recycled carbon black (rcB), with the remainder of the range seeing continuing research to edge that percentage higher.