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This video takes an engineering look at the Clik Valve tyre valve and answers the question nobody ever seems to ask. Is it actually better or is it just another solution looking for a problem.
I go through how the Clik Valve works, how it differs from a standard Presta valve, and why the internal geometry matters more than the marketing waffle. We look at airflow, sealing behaviour, spring loading, pressure balance and why Presta valves rely on pressure to seal in the first place. There is also a comparison against Schrader where relevant.
I have been running these valves for months so wear, leakage and real world downsides are shown rather than ignored. That includes pump compatibility, tubeless performance, clogging, inflation speed and why adoption is the real Achilles heel here.
Short version. From a technical standpoint the Clik Valve is clever and in some respects superior. From a commercial and real world standpoint it has some big hurdles, mainly cost and the fact that most shops still don't support it.
As always this is engineering first, marketing second and feelings last.
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Bike part mentions in this video
TiresSCHWALBE CLIK Valve (Conversion Kit)
Created: February 27, 2026The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of the SCHWALBE CLIK Valve system, which is a conversion kit for Presta valve stems. They explain its operation, comparing it to Schrader and Presta valves. The reviewer states it is technically superior in design, offering higher air flow rates and easier inflation with its specific adapter, but suffers from limited market adoption, higher cost, and practical issues like wear leading to leaks, difficulty in deflating tires, and incompatibility with some rims and valve stems. They note it is mainly sold online and adopted by Schwalbe in Europe, but not by other major tire manufacturers.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Very easy to use (click on and off)
- Technically superior design compared to Presta/Schrader
- Higher air flow rate (25-30% more than Presta)
- Leak-free connection when new (with O-rings)
- Switching is dead easy (unscrew old, thread new)
- Acts as a deterrent against opportunistic tire deflation due to recessed pin
Cons
- Suffers from wear leading to small leaks over time
- Not easy to let tires down (requires a pin or screwdriver)
- Does not work with all Presta stems (requires threaded stems, doesn't work with some molded-in valves)
- Not enough flow rate to seat a tubeless tire easily with core in (requires high-pressure compressor or core removal)
- Can clog with tubeless sealant (though reportedly better than Presta)
- Expensive (costs about as much as a whole tube)
- Slightly heavier than Presta valve (marginally)
- Not widespread adoption (most bike shops don't support it)
- Requires a fair length of stem; risk of recessing too far on shallow rims
- If using a Presta adapter on it, it still has the Presta pressure equilibrium issue
- Marketing claims are not entirely accurate (e.g., 'compatible with any Presta stem')
Key Points
- It is a hybrid valve, similar to Schrader but with a pin like Presta.
- Uses a specific CLIK valve adapter for inflation.
- The valve core is spring-loaded and manually opened, not pressure-sealed like Presta.
- The valve head is wider than a Presta valve.
- The internal gap/geometry allows for higher flow rates.
- Mainly available online; local bike shops often don't stock it.
- Adoption is limited, primarily by Schwalbe in Europe.
- Does not have industrial certification.
- Can be inflated with a Presta pump head but fit is not ideal and may give rogue pressure readings.