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The set-up of tyres has changed considerably in recent years. The classic inner tube is increasingly becoming a discontinued model. Tubeless systems promise faster rolling, less susceptibility to punctures, lower weight and greater damping. In line with this, the width of tyres has also increased significantly - regardless of which bike category you are looking at.
However, one thing has always remained the same despite the developments in bicycle tyres: The type of valve. The standard on high-quality bicycles is still the Presta or French valve - but this reaches its limits when it comes to tubeless use due to its design. Advantages such as the lightweight design or the core with non-return valve, which makes the Presta valve suitable for high air pressures, are now becoming its Achilles' heel.
These are the high-flow test candidates
- CushCore Hi-Flo Valves >> e.g. available here
- Dynamic Barkeeper tubeless valve kit >> e.g. available here
- Lezyne CNC TLR Valve Pro >> e.g. available here
- Muc-Off Big Bore Hybrid Tubeless Valve >> e.g. available here
- Reserve Fillmore Tubeless Valves >> e.g. available here
- Silca Ultimate Tubeless Valves
- Stan's Tubeless Exo-Core Valve >> e.g. available here
- Topeak Turboflow Valve Kit >> e.g. available here
- WTB Max-Flow Tubeless Valves >> e.g. available here
Presta valves at the limit
Due to the cramped valve core, only a small amount of air gets into the tyre - inflating large-volume tyres is correspondingly tedious. Not to mention the initial fitting of a tubeless tyre. A small hurricane from the domestic floor pump is required to initially press the tyre bead into the rim bed. On its way through the Presta core, however, it dies down to a gentle breeze. The valve core therefore has to be removed to get the final bang when the tyre jumps into the rim - and then completely reinflated.
Tubeless is generally the shock word where every Presta valve retracts its valve head. The sealing milk in particular is a problem for the slim tubes. Filling? Only possible with the core unscrewed. A tyre insert for better puncture protection? Cannot be inflated with a standard Presta valve because the air and sealant are blocked by the insert. It becomes particularly problematic when the tubeless milk foams up during inflation or penetrates the valve core when adjusting the air pressure. The milk stagnates there and blocks the already limited space for the air - then it means: no more air.
The solution is very close
A new generation of tubeless valves is intended to solve these problems. Hi-Flo, Big Bore, Fillmore - the names already hint at what the new valves are supposed to achieve: improved air flow, easier inflation, no more sticking and tyre insert-compatible to boot. The manufacturers promise up to three times the flow rate. The diameter of the valve stem remains the same, as the valves should still fit through the approximately 6.5 millimetre rim holes. So how do the manufacturers achieve their ambitious goals?
The problem with the tyre inserts is easily solved: Instead of just one hole at the end of the valve stem, all high-flow valves have two to four additional side openings at the base of the valve, from which air and sealing fluid can flow past the insert into the tyre - so simple, so good.
Limiting factor Presta core
Things become more difficult when it comes to airflow because, as we already know, the limiting factor is the cramped Presta valve core. This is where some manufacturers get creative: Stan's and Topeak rely on valve cores that are screwed onto the outside of the stem. The non-return valve no longer sits in the stem, but above it, which increases the installation space. Reserve solves the problem with a continuous plunger that closes the stem from below when the valve cap is tightened - a completely new interpretation of the non-return valve. And Muc-Off? The British company completely dispenses with a valve core and instead uses a ball valve - similar to a water pipe. Advantage: where there is nothing, nothing can block or clog. Disadvantage: For weight-sensitive racers, the big bore valves are hardly an option due to the higher weight and the associated imbalance on the rim.
For better comparability, we used the ratio of stem length to total weight to assess the weight of the individual valves. Not all manufacturers were able to supply valves of a standardised length for the test.
The other valves in the test continue to rely on a classic Presta core and are therefore nothing more than pimped-up aluminium tubes. Extended openings on the valve base allow the use of tyre inserts, while tools integrated into the dust cap make it easier to remove the valve core. With Lezyne, an integrated Torx even helps with mounting the valve in the rim. However, as far as air flow is concerned, the valves from CushCore, Dynamic, Lezyne, Silca and WTB offer no advantages, nor can they prevent the problem of clogging.
Our measurement method for the air flow
To find out which valve offers the best airflow, we carried out extensive series of measurements. However, the effect can be most clearly demonstrated directly on the wheel. The basis is a 29 x 2.4 inch wide MTB tyre, which is inflated to 2.0 bar using a digital pressure gauge. In several runs, we measured how much air escapes in five seconds when the respective valve is fully open. In this test, we opted for a mountain bike tyre because it has a significantly larger volume and the measurements can therefore be reproduced more reliably.
While all Presta valves - with deviations of +/- 2 per cent - are in the range of 34.1 per cent, twice the amount of air flows through the Topeak valve in the same time. At Stan's we measured an air loss of 78 per cent, at Reserve 87.4 per cent. The coreless Muc-Off achieves 100 percent air flow, which means that after five seconds there was no measurable pressure left in the tyre. This makes it by far the best tyre in this comparison.
More openings do not improve the air flow
To check whether the additional openings in the valve base affect the airflow, we came up with the "water bottle test". Here we measured how long it takes for 0.5 litres of water (weighed on a calibrated scale) to flow through the cored valve. The result: no significant differences. The limiting factor here is not the number of openings at the valve base, but simply the diameter of the valve stem.
It is also clear that as long as a valve relies on a Presta core, it does not achieve any advantages in terms of air flow. The difference is noticeable when inflating the tyre. The resistance at the pump is noticeably lower with the valves from Muc-Off, Reserve, Stan's and Topeak. Even better: all four valves can be used to inflate tubeless tyres without removing the core. Admittedly: With some uncomplicated tyre/rim combinations and a suitably powerful floor pump, the bead pops into the rim bed even with Presta valves. However, in the case of complicated tyre-rim combinations, where previously only the compressor could help, the assembly here also works with pure muscle power.
Blocked valve - what can be done?
And the problem with the dried-up sealing milk? Here, too, it depends solely on the type of valve core. Additional openings at the valve base do not prevent milk from penetrating the stem. As long as a Presta core is present, the valves will continue to clog. Reserve's solution is particularly clever because it closes the valve stem from below. However, Stan's and Topeak also tend to clog much less and can also be filled without removing the core. However, the Big Bore from Muc-Off also performs best here: the sealing fluid can be easily filled in via the large opening. And bottlenecks where the milk could get stuck? There simply aren't any.
The 10 high-flow valves in the test
CushCore Hi-Flo Valves
- Weight: 5,78 gram
- Valve length: 45.5 millimetres
- Available lengths: 44/55/66 millimetres
- Valve head: Presta
- Outlet openings / insert-compatible: 3 / yes
- Special features: 14 colours, valve core tool included
- Price: 30 Euro >> at Maciag Offroad or Bike Components available at a reduced price
Rating & Conclusion - CushCore Hi-Flo Valves
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 2,0 |
| Handling (20%) | 3,0 |
| Airflow (30%) | 3,9 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 4,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 3,4 |
Conclusion CushCore Hi-Flo Valves
The CushCore is a stylish tubeless valve that is particularly suitable for visual tuning thanks to its many colour options. The wide knurled nut makes installation easier, while two holes in the valve base allow the use of tyre inserts. However, the valves with the standard Presta core do not offer a higher air flow or better protection against clogging. Little equipment for the money.
Dynamic Barkeeper tubeless valve kit
- Weight: 5.9 gram
- Valve length: 44 millimetres
- Available lengths: 44/60/80/100 millimetres
- Valve head: Presta
- Outlet openings / insert-compatible: 5 / yes
- Special features: Valve cap with tubeless tool, two additional Presta cores, sealing rubbers for different rim profiles
- Price: 27,99 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Rating & Conclusion - Dynamic Bartender
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 2,0 |
| Handling (20%) | 2,3 |
| Airflow (30%) | 3,5 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 4,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 3,1 |
Conclusion: Dynamic Bartender
The Dynamic Barkeeper fits many rim shapes thanks to different sealing rubbers and is easy to fit using a 4mm Allen key. Top features: the valve core tool in the cap and two additional Presta cores. However, due to its standard design, the Barkeeper valve offers no advantages in terms of airflow or protection against blockages. Many lengths and the extensive equipment make it an inexpensive tubeless valve for normal use
Lezyne CNC TLR Valve Pro
- Weight: 6,47 gram
- Valve length: 44 millimetres
- Available lengths: 44/60/80 millimetres
- Valve head: Presta
- Outlet openings / insert-compatible: 5 / yes
- Special features: Cap with Torx screw-in aid and valve core tool, 4 colours
- Price: 22 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Rating & Conclusion - Lezyne CNC TLR Valve Pro
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 2,5 |
| Handling (20%) | 2,3 |
| Airflow (30%) | 3,6 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 4,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 3,2 |
Conclusion: Lezyne CNC TLR Valve Pro
Lezyne offers a high-quality standard valve that scores highly in terms of features and handling. The knurled nut sits comfortably in the hand and the Torx on the dust cap helps with assembly. This also includes a tool for the valve core. However, this is also the crux of the matter: the standard Presta core clogs easily and also restricts the air flow to a minimum. Good price-performance ratio.
Muc-Off Big Bore Hybrid Tubeless Valve
- Weight: 9,89 gram
- Valve length: 45 millimetres
- Available lengths: 30/35/45/60 millimetres
- Valve head: Schrader
- Outlet openings / insert-compatible: 5 / yes
- Special features: No valve core, ball valve, wide opening for filling with sealing milk, assembly tool, various sealing rubbers for different types of valve. sealing rubbers for various rim designs. rim designs
- Price: 45 Euro >> at Bike Components or Rose available at a reduced price
Evaluation & Conclusion - Muc-Off Big Bore Hybrid Tubeless Valve
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 4,0 |
| Handling (20%) | 1,1 |
| Airflow (30%) | 0,5 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 1,0 |
| Overall grade | 1,5 |
Conclusion: Muc-Off Big Bore Hybrid Tubeless Valve
By dispensing with a core, the Muc-Off achieves maximum airflow. The ball valve is also easy to operate and effectively prevents clogging. The wide knurled nut and a 4-piece Allen insert in the valve base make installation easier. Sealing milk can be easily filled in via the wide opening. Please note: only suitable for Shrader pump heads, but can also be used for the initial fitting of tubeless tyres.
Reserve Fillmore Tubeless Valves
- Weight: 5,55 gram
- Valve length: 46 millimetres
- Available lengths: 50/70/90 millimetres
- Valve head: Presta-compatible
- Outlet openings / insert-compatible: 1 / yes
- Special features: Continuous valve core, micro-adjust by turning the cap, core closes valve base, can be filled directly
- Price: 40 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Rating & Conclusion - Reserve Fillmore
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 1,5 |
| Handling (20%) | 1,8 |
| Airflow (30%) | 1,1 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 1,5 |
| BIKE NOTE | 1,5 |
Conclusion: Reserve Fillmore
The special design with continuous valve tappet helps the reserve to significantly increase the air flow. By tightening the dust cap, the valve base closes tightly and effectively prevents sealing milk from penetrating. In addition, the air pressure can be finely regulated with the cap in place - quite a clever solution. However, if you lose the cap, the expensive valve is worthless.
Silca Ultimate Tubeless Valves
- Weight: 6,46 gram
- Valve length: 60 millimetres
- Available lengths: 50/70 millimetres
- Valve head: Presta
- Outlet openings / insert-compatible: 4 / yes
- Special features: Valve core tool, 4 mm hexagon socket
- Price: 33,34 Euro
Evaluation & Conclusion - Silca Ultimate Tubeless Valve
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 1,0 |
| Handling (20%) | 2,3 |
| Airflow (30%) | 3,6 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 4,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 2,9 |
Conclusion: Silca Ultimate Tubeless Valve
As is typical for Silca, the Ultimate valve impresses with its high-quality workmanship and easy installation - an Allen key insert is incorporated in the valve base and a valve core tool in the dust cap. The low weight should appeal to racers in particular, while the slots on the underside allow it to be used with tyre inserts. However, due to the Presta core, the Ultimate offers neither increased air flow nor additional protection against dried-on sealing milk residues.
Stan's Tubeless Exo-Core Valve
- Weight: 6,84 gram
- Valve length: 49.15 millimetres
- Available lengths: Regular / Medium / Tall / Extra Tall
- Valve head: Own system, Presta-compatible
- Outlet openings / insert-compatible: 5 / yes
- Special features: Air release via twist function, special valve core with enlarged diameter, twist and pull cap, colour-customisable
- Price: 54,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Rating & Conclusion - Stan's Tubeless Exo-Core Valve
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 2,5 |
| Handling (20%) | 2,3 |
| Airflow (30%) | 1,5 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 2,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 2,0 |
Conclusion: Stan's Tubeless Exo-Core Valve
The assembly of the Stan is somewhat more complicated because the knurled screw with integrated sealing ring runs slowly and there is no Allen insert in the base. However, the elaborate design with an external core pays off. Significantly more air flows through the valve and the handling when adjusting the air pressure is also pleasing. Milk can also be filled with the core in place and yet the Stan's is less prone to clogging. Coloured valve caps offer the option of customisation. Unfortunately quite expensive.
Topeak Turboflow Valve Kit
Rating & Conclusion - Topeak Turboflow Valve Kit
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 1,0 |
| Handling (20%) | 1,4 |
| Airflow (30%) | 1,6 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 2,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 1,6 |
Conclusion: Topeak Turboflow Valve Kit
The Turboflow delivers the best compromise between high airflow, low weight and easy handling - a small tool helps with assembly. The external valve core can be unscrewed without tools, is compact, but still allows filling with sealing milk and a good airflow. Cleanly finished and inexpensive to purchase, no other valve offers a better price-performance ratio.
WTB Max-Flow Tubeless Valves
- Weight: 5,14 gram
- Valve length: 49.35 millimetres
- Available lengths: 44 millimetres
- Valve head: Presta
- Outlet openings / insert-compatible: 5 / yes
- Special features: Valve core tool, ribbed nut with integrated rubber ring
- Price: 28,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Rating & Conclusion - WTB Max-Flow Tubeless Valves
| Category | Grade |
| Weight (20%) | 0,5 |
| Handling (20%) | 2,6 |
| Airflow (30%) | 3,8 |
| Protection against clogging (30%) | 4,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 3,0 |
Conclusion: WTB Max-Flow Tubeless Valves
With its heavily milled knurled nut and slim valve base, the WTB is unbeatable in terms of weight - unfortunately, it is currently only available in one length and is not suitable for rims with a higher profile. The integrated valve core tool is a nice feature, but the Presta core does not allow for improved airflow, nor can it prevent the annoying "cloggig". Lightweight standard tubeless valve at a fair price.
Stefan Frey
Editor
