High tech innovation and tubeless valve stems may not often come up in the same conversation, but Speed Evolution’s new alloy models at least get them in the same room.
Creator Derek Hermon has been tinkering with the (patent pending) design for six years, looking to create something that’s lighter, works better and is more versatile than the typical brass valve stems most of us are probably using. Anything that’s lighter and comes in various anodized colors immediately has our attention. When it promises to work better, too, we really perk up. He says they’re about half the weight, which means less rotating mass, particularly important on a part that can throw off the balance of the wheel, too.
The real “tech” comes in the design and features, though…
The inside diameter is larger, which helps move more air through them for quicker inflation. It also means sealant is less likely to clog it up.
The vulcanized rubber base is oversized -Hermon says it’s fat enough to seal a Schrader valve hole- and has a raised center section to help keep sealant from pooling in the hole. A thick o-ring and oversized “nut” on the outside create a solid seal from the outside.
The valve core is removable, and the subtle bonus are color-matched plastic caps. Length is 35mm. They’ll retail for $20 a pair, and dealer pricing is available. Gold, pink, red and green available now. Blue, black and gunmetal coming soon, as is a 48mm option. He’s even working on a dedicated Schrader valve version, as well as a website. In the meantime, hit him up on Facebook or through Bear Valley Bikes to get some. We found them on eBay, too.