Clik Valves, Cores, and Pump Head: Final Review

 Note: Guitar Ted received a suite of products from Clik Valve for test and review at no charge. Guitar Ted is not being bribed nor paid for this review. All opinions are Guitar Ted's.

Clik Valve, a new valve type for bicycles, was introduced last year. Earlier this year I received a set of valves, valve cores, and accessories to test out. My last update on Clik Valve product in April was quite a while ago, so you may want to go back and click the hyperlink to catch up on things. 

If you are a long-time, regular reader of this blog, you probably have already seen my mentions about the Clik Valve over the course of this year. You might have a good guess as to what I think about the Click Valve overall already. But if you are new to this blog and the review of Clik Valve products, read on. 

Another New "Standard"

Yeah....I know it is wearisome and it seems "The Industry" is out to get you to buy something The "Marketing Machine" cooked up. I see your commentary about other so-called innovations and I know how many of you feel. Why do we need another valve standard? Presta is "good enough", and "I'm not changing everything over just because it is a new thing". 

Yep! I get it. However; believe it or not, this valve system is better. Not by just a little bit either. It exceeds the functionality of previous Presta and Schrader valves and it is exceedingly easier to use. This mostly due to how Clik Valve interfaces with inflation devices equipped with compatible Clik Valve pump heads. 

Long-Term Performance:

I've used this new Clik Valve exclusively on one of my gravel bikes while keeping everything else I own the same. Day-in, day-out, Clik Valve is just so much easier to live with, it is simply no contest. On this basis alone I would swap everything over to Clik Valves. 

Kind of Presta, kind of Schrader, uniquely Clik

But in terms of riding, air retention, and maintenance, this valve system is as good or better than Presta in every way. No wonder, since it really is kind of an evolution of the Presta valve when you get a look at how Clik Valve works. 

Downside:

Like anything new which requires specialized accessories, Clik Valve is still a bit of a drag. You cannot just go buy a Clik Valve pump anywhere, although more brands are offering a Clik Valve compatible option. Gauges are available, but again, you just cannot pick one up anywhere. 

The same goes for parts. Valve cores can be purchased for Presta and Schrader vales almost anywhere. Heck, you can scavenge valve cores from old tubes. Clik Valve is still so new and not as ubiquitous as the other two entrenched valve standards.  

However; if Clik Valve continues the momentum it has garnered since its introduction, I see no reason why Clik Valve wouldn't be the preferred inflation valve for cycling within the next decade. Time will tell if brands will support Clik Valve and if consumers demand it. 

Brands like Wolf Tooth (shown) and Lezyne have started offering Clik Valve

Final Verdict:

Clik Valve is a superior system for the inflation of bicycle inner tubes and tubeless systems. Period. There just is no way anyone can convince me otherwise. I wish all bicycles had Clik Valves and were this easy to maintain air pressure. 

Yes, it will be an uphill grind to displace the current entrenched valve standards. But it would be well worth doing so, especially for new and casual cyclists who are often frustrated by Presta valves.  

If you want to give Clik Valve a go, you can get cores which replace your current Presta valve cores and a pump head from Clik Valve. It probably is the least expensive way to check this system out if you have a pump you can dedicate to the system. Or you could purchase a Lezyne, Wolf Tooth, or SKS pump. Some have said a normal Presta valve pump will also work, but those will not "click" easily on the valve and you may as well just be using a Presta Valve at that point. Half the benefit of Clik Valve is the design itself which makes inflation so much easier. But it is nice to know that in a pinch, a Presta valve pump might bail you out. 

As for myself, I will likely start to transition my fleet to Clik Valve. Especially my Surly Big Dummy, which has a rear tire that is frustrating to inflate with the current Presta valve tubes. I'm betting if you give Clik Valve an honest try, you'll be as impressed as I am.