The most important facts in brief

Schwalbe Clik Valve (SCV) is a completely new valve system that works without a classic valve core. It requires a corresponding pump head that is clicked onto the valve. Hence the name of the system. Instead of a Clik-Valve pump head, a small adapter can be used, which fits easily into a trouser pocket. The valve insert can be combined with standard valves. Simply unscrew the existing heart and screw the "Clik Valve" back in, using only light manual force and without tools. This new system promises a 50 percent higher air flow and an end to bent or broken valve heads. The only disadvantage: The SCV complete valves are not designed for use with tire inserts, as their valve base has no side openings where the sealing milk can flow through.

First impression

Schwalbe has put a lot of thought into the launch and is bringing a comprehensive range to the market. From simple valve heads for conversion for most available systems to complete valves and bundles with the pump head adapter and retrofit pump heads from SKS, everything is included. Almost. The most important thing - especially for a test editor - is missing: a suitable air pressure gauge. Existing models are not compatible. On request, Schwalbe supplies 3D-printed attachments for their Airmax device. The quality of the attachments is not sufficient for sale and they are prone to breakage, but one of the two adapters lasted until the end of the test.

In use

Three sets of the valves were in use for over six months. Changing them was child's play, as was pumping with the adapter. Just as we would like everything to be these days: convenient. Because gone are the days when the pump head had to be fixed in place with an additional folding lever or even laboriously screwed onto the valve. And when unscrewing, the entire valve core is often unscrewed and the whole game starts all over again. No, with the SCV it's "plug and pump".

The valve core does not need to be unscrewed for the tubeless setup. With a compressor, it presses the tire onto the rim in record time and even with a normal floor pump, this is still quite quick. Releasing the air is a little more complicated, as the small pin is just one millimeter wide. If the valve cap is used for this, it works moderately well. An Allen key from a mini tool or a long thumbnail is better. If the air pressure pumped with the adapter is measured, it is relatively accurate. As accurate as an analog display on a floor pump can be.

In everyday use, the SCV is inconspicuous and the occasional re-inflation is due just as often as with standard valves. When it was time to refill all three test bike sets with sealing milk after six months, one of the six valve cores could only be loosened with pliers. It was that sticky. But other valves are not consecrated to this either.

Conclusion

In the six-month test period, there were no problems with the other eleven test products apart from the one stuck valve core. Pumping is quicker and easier than ever before. It is good that bent or broken valve heads are now a thing of the past. It remains to be seen how well the SCV system will hold up in long-term use and whether it will stick if not used for several months.

Recommendation

For all those who still ride with a tube: Anyone using those with a removable valve core can also retrofit the SCV system and benefit from its advantages.

Manufacturer

www.schwalbe.com