SILCA Launches New Tubeless Tire Valve System and Tape

Born out of frustration with “overly stiff tapes, weak adhesion to carbon rim surfaces, heavy brass valve stems that imbalance wheels and worst of all, overly lightweight aluminum ones that are easily broken”, the Italian brand turned American that’s known for its bespoke air pumps, says they’ve come up with the perfect solution for tackling the shortcomings of tubeless tire technology.

As a result, SILCA claims to have developed the world’s best tubeless tape for both carbon and aluminum rims, as well as the best aluminum valve stems, which ensure both a perfect seal and balance between lightweight with strength, while also eliminating scratching to rims and annoying rattles. 

In addition, SILCA claims to have developed a new stem and valve system they call Speed Shield, which they say not only provides a better and more protective interface with the valve nut and rim, but also provides a little aerodynamic benefit for those looking to cheat the wind in any way that they can. In fact, Slica claims its aero-valve stem, can save cyclists 0.5 watts at 30mph.

Bring on the wind-tunnel! 

Specifications 

Speed Shield Stems: 

• Less than half the weight of brass valve stems
• 50-200% Stronger than typical aluminum valve stems
• Ultimate level, fully machined brass valve cores with improved airflow
• SpeedShield Improves wheel aerodynamics while protecting carbon rims
• Spherical nut eliminates bending forces on valve stem for improved strength
• Available 44, 60, 80, and 100mm lengths
• Kit contains 2 Valve Stems, 2 Spherical Valve Nuts and 2 SpeedShield Rim Protectors

MSRP: 44mm: $26, 60mm: $28, 80mm: $30 & 100mm: $34 (includes tape)

Platinum Tape:

• 25% stronger tape material allows for 25% thinner tape for better conformability to your rim
• Full Synthetic adhesive system is stronger than traditional adhesives on aluminum and optimized to be up to 30% stronger on carbon surfaces
• 15% thicker adhesive layer better fills porosities and surface imperfections for improved sealing
• Reduced thickness improves tire installation/removal compared to thicker tapes.
• 21mm Tape Fits 15c-19c Rims, 25mm Tape Fits 21c-27c Rims
• 2 Wraps of tape for Road Wheels, 1 Wrap for Mountain and CX
• 9m Tape Per Roll will Wrap 2 Road Wheels, 4 CX/29’er Wheels or 5 26″ MTB Wheels
• 2 Wraps on Road Wheel = 9 grams, 1 Wrap CX/29’er = 4.5 grams
• Can be used as ultra-light rim tape with inner tubes (2 wraps required)

MSRP: 21mm Wide x 9m Roll: $16 & 25mm Wide x 9m Roll: $18

more from SILCA …

Recently, we’ve found ourselves converting nearly all of our Mtn., Road, and Gravel/Adventure wheels to tubeless. The latest tubeless tires have finally matched and in many cases surpassed the best clincher tires in terms of rolling resistance, and they do it with superior puncture protection and ability to run low pressures.

However, we’ve also found ourselves frustrated with overly stiff tapes, weak adhesion to carbon rim surfaces, heavy brass valve stems that imbalance wheels, and worst of all, overly lightweight aluminum ones that are easily broken. While seeking a solution for all of this, the team at SILCA has completely re-thought tubeless as a system with a primary focus on optimizing components for carbon wheels.

During this process, we’ve developed the world’s best tubeless tape for BOTH Carbon AND Aluminum rims: Aluminum Valve Stems that perfectly balance lightweight with strength, and a rim protection system that improves valve stem sealing, eliminates rim scratches and rattling, and improves aerodynamics.

These exciting products will allow you to enter the brave new world of tubeless with increased confidence and reduced frustration.

SILCA