Tubeless tyres: 13 parts for stress-free tyre changes
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The Sclaverand valve is one of those great cycling success stories. The slim valve with the screw cap was invented by Frenchman Étienne Sclaverand a good 130 years ago, which is why it is commonly referred to as the "French valve". Compared to Dunlop or Schrader valves, it combines a slim design, low weight and high pressure resistance and is still THE valve of all when it comes to high-quality bicycles.
Well, why until today? Because the way in which tyres are set up has changed significantly in recent years and tomorrow new valve systems may have replaced the Sclaverand valve on the world's bicycle rims. Especially with tubeless setups, the slim design has decisive disadvantages: The core must first be removed to inflate via the valve shaft.
In addition, the thin stem only allows a little air to pass through, which is why tubeless tyres can hardly be inflated without a compressor. And in combination with the sealing milk, the inside of the Sclaverand valves tends to clog. Not to mention all the kinked valve heads that I'm sure we've all had to deal with.
So here come the manufacturers' new, clever valve solutions for easier tubeless set-up, faster tyre inflation and less maintenance:
Muc-Off Big Bore Hybrid
Ball valve
The British have drilled a core hole in their tubeless valves and removed the insides - this should allow up to 254 percent more air to flow into the tyre and prevent clogging. A ball valve opens the flow, and sealing milk also flows past tubeless inserts into the rim via the additional openings at the end of the valve. Available in four lengths and six colours. Price: 45 Euro >> available here.
Schwalbe Clik Valve Conversion Set
Everything at a click
Clik Valve is set to revolutionise valve handling: no complicated screwing on, no jamming of the pump head, no air loss when pulling off. Click on the pump head and start pumping - it's that easy! Schwalbe also promises 50 per cent more air flow for tubeless setups. The adapters fit all standard Sclaverand valves. Alternatively, there are also complete valves and Clik-Valve tubes made of butyl and TPU. Price: 13,95 Euro >> available here.
Topeak Tubihead Upgrade Kit
Corkscrew
Tubeless set-up with a normal floor pump? This usually only works if you remove the valve core before pumping. If you then remove the pump - pfffft - all the air is gone again. The Tubihead can remove the valve core when the pump head is attached - how clever is that? Once the tyre is on the rim, the core can be screwed back in and the pump removed - without any loss of air. Price: 29,95 Euro >> available here.
Muc-Off Hey Dipstick!
Baton
What looks like the baton of mad maestro "Lenny" Bernstein is actually a dipstick for tubeless systems. So that you are not left high and dry the next time you have a puncture, you can simply use the dipstick to check whether there is still enough sealant in the system and top it up before the tour if necessary. Price: 13,99 Euro >> available here.
WTB Max-Flow Tubeless Valves
Globe valve
WTB has a classic high-flow valve in its range, which is designed to ensure more air flow with its enlarged bore diameter. Four large openings on the valve base ensure that the sealing milk can flow freely even when using an insert. The valve core remover, which is integrated into the stylish aluminium cap, is particularly practical. Only available in black and 44 millimetres long. Price: 28,95 Euro >> available here.
Reserve Fillmore
Core competence
Reserve has equipped its Fillmore valves with a continuous core. This should not only triple the air flow, but also prevent sealant from clogging the innards - the core hermetically seals the valve end. This means that tubeless tyres can usually be fitted with standard pumps - without having to remove the core first. Price: 39,99 Euro >> available here.
SKS Air-X-Plorer Clik Valve 10.0
Plug connector
SKS is one of the first manufacturers to jump on the Clik Valve bandwagon and, in addition to retrofit pump heads, also offers complete pumps for the practical plug-in system. The Air-X-Plorer Clik Valve 10.0 has a solid steel cylinder, a rubberised T-handle and an easy-to-read precision pressure gauge and can achieve a maximum pressure of 10 bar. The pump comes with a Clik Valve conversion set for Sclaverand and Dunlop. Price: 49,99 Euro >> at Rose or Amazon available.
BBB CoreCap
Shell game
Clogging, bending or even breaking off - these are the common problems of classic Presta valves. BBB wants to eliminate all of these weaknesses with the new CoreCap valve - and also increase the air flow by 300 per cent. Clever: The new valve is compatible with all common pumps - including the car valve head at the petrol station. Available as an adapter or complete valve. Price: from 16,95 Euro
Stan's Tubeless Exo-Core Valves
Field service
The Exo-Core valves should not only simplify handling, but also make tubeless set-up and cleaning easier. The core sits on the outside of the two-part valve stem, which should improve the air flow and prevent clogging. An eighth turn of the easy-grip knurled screw enables micro-venting, while a full turn opens the valve completely for maximum pump efficiency. Price: 54,95 Euro >> available here.
Topeak Tubi Valve Cleaner
Pipe-free
Once the pipes are leaking, it's usually a painstaking and time-consuming job. This applies to drains as well as tubeless valves. You should therefore remove clumped sealing milk from the valve stems from time to time. The Tubi Cleaner makes this very easy - even on the go, because the tiny tool with an integrated valve core tool fits in every jersey pocket. Price: 12,95 Euro >> available here.
Feedback Sports Pneuma CC
Leverage
Some tyres are as stubborn as a camel and don't want to jump into the rim bed despite the high-flow valve. This is where the Pneuma CC, whose aluminium cylinder also functions as an air tank, comes to the rescue. A powerful blast of air and plop, and the tyre sits on the rim. With the lever folded down, the Pneuma CC becomes a high-pressure floor pump with an extra-long hose and fat pressure gauge. Price: 150 Euro
Milkit Compact Kit
Infusion set
The Swiss again: small rubber flaps on the tubeless valves from Milkit prevent air from escaping when the valve core is removed. The sealing milk is then injected into the tyre as an intravenous infusion from the reusable syringe. Swab it on, done. No mess at all. Clever: The syringe can also be used to easily check the fill level of the sealing milk. Price: 61,95 Euro >> available here.
Lezyne ABS Pro Clik Chuck + Clik Valve Cores
Click bringer
If you want to switch to Clik Valve, you don't have to buy a completely new pump. We recommend upgrading your tried and tested model with the high-quality Lezyne ABS Pro Clik Chuck. A mix of aluminium and composite material increases durability, the 90-degree design and a drain valve make handling easier - simply click on and pump away. Also available as a set with two Clik-Valve cores. Price: from 19,95 Euro >> available here.
