The Presta valve was patented in 1897 - and can still be seen largely unchanged on every bicycle today. But the thing is actually a nonsense: the tire sealant clogs it. It has too little air flow for tubeless mounting. The inner piece breaks off from time to time. And anyone who uses a Lezyne pump can tell you all about their valve woes. This part really belongs in the annals and not in the workshop. The Santa Cruz bike brand Reserve is taking the first step and is (finally) introducing new valve technology with the Fillmore.

This is what the new valve can do: a new, large-volume design enables three times the air flow rate. A self-draining valve cone prevents blockages. Releasing the air is simple and precise with the large threaded cap. And with direct injection, sealing milk can be easily filled into the tire. It is also compatible with all existing pumps for Presta valves. In short: the valve is like the wet tubeless dream.

How it works: The seal is no longer created via the upper part of the valve but via the valve end inside the tire. The sealing plug is pressed on by screwing on the cap, so that milk can no longer penetrate the valve. To inflate, unscrew the cap, the plug remains tight due to the air pressure inside the tire. It is then pushed out with the pumping strokes, allowing the air to flow through. Put the cap back on and the system is secure. The Fillmore valve is a practical way of quickly releasing some air. Just unscrew the cap a little and press it onto the valve - and the air comes out. Somehow ingeniously simple. But one question remains unanswered: why has no one had this idea yet?

And last but not least: The valves will be available from around mid-November (CHF 55.- for a pair / 2 pcs.) from all Swiss Santa Cruz dealers or the online store at santacruzbikes.ch

reservewheels.com