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Are my Presta valve cores removable? (I want to convert them to Clic valves)

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Sophie777

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I have a Trek Powerfly FS7 2019. I want to convert the Presta valves to Clik. I thought I could see flats on the Presta valve core, so I purchased a Clik Valve Starter Kit. The metal valve core removal tool that comes with the kit catches on the valve core, but I can't turn the valve core loose.

Did the Trek Powerfly FS7 2019 come with removable valve cores?

Can anyone tell from the two photos I uploaded of the Presta valve on one of my bike tires whether the valve core is removable?

20260503_192634.webp
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20260503_192650.webp
 
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Astro66 said:
That looks like it has tubes. The tubes quite often don't have removeable cores.

Nearly all the tubeless stems have removeable cores.

Have you converted your bike to tubeless ? If not, it probably has tubes with non-removeable cores.
Click to expand...
HandsomeDanNZ said:
Doesn't look like there's a flat spot for a valve core wrench, so my guess would be no.
As Astro said above - looks like a standard Tube setup.
Click to expand...
Yes, I should have mentioned that I'm still using tubes in my tires.
Thanks so much for your replies!

Here are two more photos of the Presta valve on the wheel of my Trek Powerfly. One photo is taken without flash, the second with flash.

Did I damage the threads on the valve core in trying to remove it?

20260503_212618.webp
20260503_214042.webp
 
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Why are you removing the cores? Shouldn't you be converting to tubeless and installing new Clik valves during that process? All the Clik valve kits I see on their website are full valve+stem combos for a net-new tubeless install.

edit: I see the offer valves alone as well, but I stand by the statement that you should probably install tubeless to get all the benefits, or stay with tubes and enjoy not needing sealant for that setup (at the expense of more flats). Tubes without sealant don't clog valves, which is (IMHO) the main reason to run high-flow valves in the first place.
 
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Sophie777 said:
Did I damage the threads on the valve core in trying to remove it?
Click to expand...
Looks fine Sophie. As long as your valve cap still screws on it should be fine.

If you want staying with tubes. Try your Local Bike Store for tubes that have removeable valve cores. I have bought TPU tubes that have removeable cores. They were AUD$8 on Aliexpress. I can send you a part number if you decide to go this way.
 
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ArmyOfEvilRobots said:
Why are you removing the cores? Shouldn't you be converting to tubeless and installing new Clik valves during that process? All the Clik valve kits I see on their website are full valve+stem combos for a net-new tubeless install.

edit: I see the offer valves alone as well, but I stand by the statement that you should probably install tubeless to get all the benefits, or stay with tubes and enjoy not needing sealant for that setup (at the expense of more flats). Tubes without sealant don't clog valves, which is (IMHO) the main reason to run high-flow valves in the first place.
Click to expand...
For me, tubeless would be too messy and too much of a hassle (I also live in an apartment) - so it's not for me :cautious:.
 
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Astro66 said:
Looks fine Sophie. As long as your valve cap still screws on it should be fine.

If you want staying with tubes. Try your Local Bike Store for tubes that have removeable valve cores. I have bought TPU tubes that have removeable cores. They were AUD$8 on Aliexpress. I can send you a part number if you decide to go this way.
Click to expand...
Thanks again for your reply!
Yes, the valve cap still screws on.

I am going to stick with Presta for now, at least until I get a flat or have to change my tires.
I don't have too much confidence in TPU tubes.
I thought I saw some time ago butyl tubes with removable cores, though I can't seem to find them now :(
 
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I can highly recommend TPU tubes, not all but most of them have removable cores and I use Clik valves with them. Last season I also put a little bit of vittoria tire sealant into the tubes before putting on the clik valve so I can have some protection for punctures without the mess.
 
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thongraegu said:
I can highly recommend TPU tubes, not all but most of them have removable cores and I use Clik valves with them. Last season I also put a little bit of vittoria tire sealant into the tubes before putting on the clik valve so I can have some protection for punctures without the mess.
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I was punturing on heavy technical downhill rock gardens at least once a month, so I tried EXO casings with Tannus Armour Liners and TPU tubes. Never punctured again and it's slightly lighter than DD casings, tubeless stem and sealant.

I can run 20psi front and 22psi rear, and the traction is amazing. The Amour liners also have an amazing dampening property when hitting bumps too. Much less Pingy.

Love this setup.

I still run Presta cores for the weight saving. Otherwise Clik seem a good idea.
 
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Sophie777 said:
I have a Trek Powerfly FS7 2019. I want to convert the Presta valves to Clik. I thought I could see flats on the Presta valve core, so I purchased a Clik Valve Starter Kit. The metal valve core removal tool that comes with the kit catches on the valve core, but I can't turn the valve core loose.

Did the Trek Powerfly FS7 2019 come with removable valve cores?

Can anyone tell from the two photos I uploaded of the Presta valve on one of my bike tires whether the valve core is removable?

View attachment 183768 o

View attachment 183769
Click to expand...
Does turn loose . Get a bike mechanic to do it if you can’t. I c
Sophie777 said:
Yes, I should have mentioned that I'm still using tubes in my tires.
Thanks so much for your replies!

Here are two more photos of the Presta valve on the wheel of my Trek Powerfly. One photo is taken without flash, the second with flash.

Did I damage the threads on the valve core in trying to remove it?

View attachment 183770View attachment 183771
Click to expand...
yes does turn loose. Get bike mechanic to do it if you can’t. I changed to schwalbe click valve. Love them.
 
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If your tubes dont have removable valve cores the tubes I got from Schwalbe for my wifes bike has removable valve cores. I have 3 EMTB's on Click valves for a year now and I love them.
 
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Sophie777 said:
I have a Trek Powerfly FS7 2019. I want to convert the Presta valves to Clik. I thought I could see flats on the Presta valve core, so I purchased a Clik Valve Starter Kit. The metal valve core removal tool that comes with the kit catches on the valve core, but I can't turn the valve core loose.

Did the Trek Powerfly FS7 2019 come with removable valve cores?

Can anyone tell from the two photos I uploaded of the Presta valve on one of my bike tires whether the valve core is removable?

View attachment 183768 o

View attachment 183769
Click to expand...
Hiya Sophie 777,
I just wanted to put my two cents in on the mention of TPU tubes... they are the BOMB! No more need for messy sealant or topping off, super lightweight-reducing spinning weight is vital & more puncture resistant than my old, heavy butyl tubes. I beat the hell out of these wheelsets, hard downhill & harsh woods single track. I'll lower the tire pressure to below mfg recommendation & haven't yet had a pinch flat.
I just wanted to let you know that these TPU tubes were a complete game changer for the way I ride.
Stay safe, upright & on two wheels,

zaskarmark
 
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@Sophie777 I wasn't certain what a TPU tube was so I Googled it. It seems I already have some! I use them as spares to carry in my backpack in case my tubeless tyres incur a problem that need a tube to fix it. They are significantly smaller and lighter, see pic below. These are Tubolito; they are signficantly more expensive than ordinary tubes, but the benefits are also significant. Each one weighs about 40 gm!
Tubolito 1.webp
Tubolito 2.webp


I have also added the Google Gemini search result:

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) tubes for mountain bikes (MTB) are high-performance inner tubes made from a specialized, lightweight, and durable plastic rather than traditional butyl rubber. They are significantly lighter, smaller, and more puncture-resistant, often weighing up to 70% less than standard tubes while being tougher, making them an excellent lightweight spare or alternative to tubeless setups.
Key Characteristics and Benefits
  • Reduced Weight: MTB TPU tubes are extremely lightweight, shaving significant grams off rotational weight, which improves acceleration and climbing efficiency.
  • Puncture Resistance: The material is often stronger than butyl, offering better protection against sharp debris, though they can still suffer from pinch flats.
  • Compact Storage: They are far more compact than traditional tubes, taking up less space in a backpack or seat pack, making them ideal as spares.
  • Lower Rolling Resistance: Due to their elasticity, they have lower rolling resistance, allowing for a faster ride.
TPU Tubes vs. Alternatives
  • Vs. Butyl: TPU tubes are lighter and more durable, but generally more expensive and harder to repair (requiring specialized glue-less patches).
  • Vs. Tubeless: While they provide similar weight advantages to tubeless systems, they are generally not designed for the extremely low pressures allowed by tubeless, although they offer a better ride quality than butyl tubes.
  • Vs. Latex: TPU tubes are much more compact and durable, with better air retention.
Usage in MTB
  • Spares: Due to their compact size, many riders use them as a "get me home" spare for tubeless setups, taking up minimal space.
  • Racing: Used by XC racers looking to minimize weight without going fully tubeless.
  • Compatibility: They work with both disc and rim brakes and are available for 26", 27.5", and 29" MTB wheels.
Popular brands in this market include Tubolito, Schwalbe (Aerothan), Pirelli (SmarTube), and RideNow.
 
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Sophie777 said:
I have a Trek Powerfly FS7 2019. I want to convert the Presta valves to Clik. I thought I could see flats on the Presta valve core, so I purchased a Clik Valve Starter Kit. The metal valve core removal tool that comes with the kit catches on the valve core, but I can't turn the valve core loose.

Did the Trek Powerfly FS7 2019 come with removable valve cores?

Can anyone tell from the two photos I uploaded of the Presta valve on one of my bike tires whether the valve core is removable?

View attachment 183768 o

View attachment 183769
Click to expand...
This may help…
 
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