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    Clik Valve “Backward Compatibility” reality check – Lezyne & Topeak compatibility issues?

    I really liked the concept of the Clik Valve system, but the real-world accessory compatibility is making me want to switch back to Presta.

    Claiming this system is seamlessly backward-compatible feels misleading when several standard pumps don't work with it:

    1. Lezyne Mini Pump (Pocket Drive): The threaded ABS flex hose requires standard valve threads to attach. Since the Clik Valve / adapter has no threads for it, the hose can't thread on or seal.
    2. Lezyne CO2 Inflator: Same issue as the mini pump—thread-on inflators are completely useless with Clik Valve nipples.
    3. Topeak JoeBlow Sport: I installed the Clik pump head adapter into the JoeBlow lever chuck, but the 90 degrees adapter just doesn't have the right diameter and I cannot connect it without cutting off from the tube.

    Having to replace or adapt every single pump, mini pump, and CO2 head in my toolkit makes this upgrade way too expensive and frustrating.

    Am I missing an obvious workaround, or is this just the reality of adopting Clik Valves right now? Anyone else end up switching back to Presta because of this?

    by Twi2122

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    11 Comments

    1. Twitchp7 on

      At least 1. is partilaly wrong, the adapter works perfectly fine witht the pump and threads into hose (schrader side)

    2. Barde_ on

      It’s still pretty new, and coming after more than 100 years of presta i’d say it’s normal that it would take a lil bit to adapt. For now, I’m fine with carrying my adapter.
      You could buy another track pump and use the Clik head instead of the adapter, but it’s pretty expensive.

    3. WasteResearch7701 on

      I never entered this hell because I have no desire to be a product tester for a company when I’m also paying for the products. The reality of it all is you are committing to an eco system, and you have to sit there and wait for the rest of the industry to adapt to this system, but will it… ?

      Personally I will just kick back and watch from afar. I’m using easily rebuildable high flow valves now which just work.

    4. OvulatingScrotum on

      All of my standard pumps work perfectly fine with their system. So I disagree on your general claim.

      The floor pump I have (trek charger) worked perfectly fine with the adapter. I eventually switched the entire chuck with Clik.

      The frame pump I have (silca tattico) works perfectly fine with the adapter. I kinda want to get a frame pump with a Clik head, but I actually like the silca one. So I probably won’t switch and carrying an adapter is not an issue.

    5. Antpitta on

      IMHO too much hassle for too little benefit for those of us with several bikes and various pumps of various makes. If at some point they become a standard I might think about it but for now it’s too little benefit to be worth even thinking about it.

      Similarly to the Santa Cruz valves that work differently. Sure they work differently but they don’t actually make life any better or easier. 

    7. slowtreme on

      for years I have been carrying around a Shrader to Presta adapter in the event I only have access to a car air hose. It’s pretty much the same thing.

    9. AlexxxRR on

      I am not interested to the click valve and I seem to remember that the adapter wouldn’t work with Lezynes with flex hose.

    10. ThatAgainPlease on

      I bought 2 starter kits so I could have an adapter for my electric mini pump and my floor pump. I don’t think it’s Clik’s fault that you have so many inflation devices.

    11. unclebumblebutt on

      Lezyne makes adapters that work on their pumps and thread in in place of the regular Presta/Schrader one they sell. They also have Clik compatible hoses for the mini pumps.

      Yeah it’s kinda expensive to swap everything over if you have a lot of pumps.

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