Schwalbe Clik Valve in Review

True to the motto "Better late than never," Schwalbe presents, over 100 years after the invention of the first standardized bicycle valve, the Schwalbe Clik Valve, a revolutionary click valve for bicycles. Unlike the famous and infamous Sclaverand, Dunlop, and auto valves, the pump head can be clicked onto the bicycle valve with minimal effort and easily removed after successful pumping. Even at high pressure, the head remains securely on the valve and is 100% airtight. Additionally, the airflow in conjunction with tubeless is 50% higher than with conventional SV valves.

History of Valves

Source: ChatGPT-4-Version

Complicated bicycle valves are finally a thing of the past - thanks to the collaboration between Schwalbe and the inventor of the Clik Valve, John Quintana. His motivation was simple: he wanted his children to be able to pump up their bicycles effortlessly themselves, as traditional valves were too cumbersome for them. Out of this frustration, Quintana developed the Clik Valve and started the partnership with Schwalbe. The valve is produced by the specialists of the Italian company Record.

As far as the internal structure and design of the SCV standard are concerned, Schwalbe remains discreet. However, it is clear that the Schwalbe Clik Valve can basically be attached to any bicycle valve. There are already retrofit kits for the three common bicycle valves (Sclaverand, Dunlop, and Auto valve). The prerequisite for the Sclaverand valve is that the valve insert is replaceable.

Note: While tubeless valves and conventional butyl tubes with a metal valve stem can be easily upgraded, there might be issues with the sealing on valves of some lightweight and specialized tubes. Schwalbe plans to produce the first tubes with Clik Valve soon, including their Aerothan tubes.

Existing valves can either be converted by unscrewing the valve core (tubeless, Dunlop, and Sclaverand; an SV tool is included) and screwing in the SCV by hand. Alternatively, there is a silver metal adapter for car valves. Since this adapter can be screwed on and off, it remains possible to inflate the tire at gas stations.

The SCV can also be used with many conventional SV pumps - at least with those that have a plug head. Thanks to this backward compatibility, you are not left stranded even without an SCV pump. Note: Ordinary pumps or CO2 adapters with a pure screw mechanism are expected not to work.

Schwalbe SCV Products

Schwalbe currently offers conversion kits for all common bicycle valves and most pumps. Depending on the choice, the conversion kit contains either two valves, a pump head adapter including two valves, or a complete pump head with two valves, as well as two newly designed dust caps that can be attached and removed.

Schwalbe's innovative SCV system works excellently. Especially the attachment and removal of the pump head is significantly simplified. The diameter of the SCV adapter corresponds to that of a car valve and thus fits most bicycle pumps. Those who use a pump for SV valves with a plug-in mechanism can also use it without an adapter and benefit from some advantages; for example, no air escapes when the pump is attached. However, a "click" is only heard with the adapter, and a precise air pressure display only works with SCV.

Our tip: If SCV, then best with the matching pump (or adapter).

The only limitations we know of currently concern pumps and CO2 adapters that have a pure screw mechanism and cannot be attached far enough. Also, some "special" lightweight or Aerothan tubes could have problems with tightness. In this case, it is better to wait for the new SCV Aerothan tubes.