Schwalbe’s new butyl inner tubes come equipped with Clik Valve, marking the company’s aim to simplify tire inflation and establish a new industry standard.
Founded in 1922, Schwalbe has grown from a trading company into one of the most influential players in the global bicycle tire market. Headquartered in Reichshof, Germany, the family-owned business is known for high-performance products and, increasingly, for its sustainability initiatives, such as tire recycling and climate-neutral manufacturing. Its latest launch, however, tackles neither performance nor environmental impact directly. Instead, it takes on a century-old annoyance: the act of inflating a bicycle tire.
“At the root of many problems with pumping tires is the valve itself – something no one has dared to rethink for over 100 years,” says Markus Hachmeyer, Head of R&D at Schwalbe. “With the Schwalbe Clik Valve, we are introducing a true revolution. In contrast to Sclaverand, Dunlop or car valves, pumping bicycle tires is finally child’s play thanks to the intuitive click system.”
The Schwalbe Clik Valve works by snapping the special pump head onto the valve with a “click” and removing it after pumping, preventing any air loss. The pump head presses down on an internal pin in the valve to release airflow, while air is let out when the same pin is pressed again. The system is designed for easy one-handed operation and offers better airflow compared to traditional valves.
In a first step, Schwalbe launched retrofit kits for existing valves and pumps. Now comes the next phase: Butyl inner tubes factory-equipped with the Schwalbe Clik Valve. The initial rollout includes the company’s most popular tube sizes: a 28-inch version ideal for city, touring and gravel bikes, and a version that fits 27.5-, 28- and 29-inch wheels – again targeting touring and gravel applications. “More than 30 additional specifications will follow within a few months,” Hachmeyer adds, pointing to a broader product expansion.
By integrating the Clik Valve directly into the tube, Schwalbe eliminates the need for riders to retrofit their existing setups. “The availability of butyl tubes and the new Aerothan tube with the SCV is the next step in establishing the valve widely on the market,” Hachmeyer says. “This eliminates the need for conversion. The Clik Valve is installed directly on the bicycle. This makes inflating intuitive and easy for all cyclists.”
Even more interesting: OEM integration is already on the roadmap. “The tubes will also be available to OEMs from 2026 onwards – another key factor in continuing the success story of the Schwalbe Clik Valve,” Hachmeyer notes. “The more widely and naturally the valve is used, the more people can see its advantages.” In sum, the company sees the Clik Valve as more than a usability upgrade; it’s a foundational shift in how cyclists interact with their bikes.