Stans Exo-Core Tubeless Valves – Pair

Stans Exo-Core Tubeless Valves are a brand-new design, a reimagining of the Presta valve aimed at simplifying inflation and eliminating clogging issues. Overall, they perform well too, though I don’t think they’re quite as intuitive as Stans suggests and they’re also pretty pricey.

Technical

The Exo-Core valves retain some features of the familiar Presta valve, including a threaded core to open and close the valve and a pressure-activated valve mechanism. The key difference lies in the larger, fully removable core, which allows for easy cleaning and removal of dried sealant.

Inside, the valve uses a flexible stopper that conforms to the rim’s internal shape. There are horizontal holes in addition to the main air exit port, which enable air flow even if you’re using tubeless rim inserts.

Stans offers four sizes: regular for shallow rims under 20mm, medium for rims between 17-26mm, tall for 27-36mm and extra tall for 37-46mm depths.

The alloy valves feature a larger internal bore than a standard Presta valve, promoting high air flow for both air and sealant installation. The push-fit valve caps replace traditional screw-on caps, but the valve stem is threaded for compatibility with pumps that require a threaded connection.

Performance

Installing the valves is straightforward, following the usual tubeless valve process with one difference: the valve comes in two parts. The internal section is threaded and locks into place, allowing sealant injection if desired. The valve core section then threads over the top, rather than inside.

The external valve core section has a wide diameter, making it easy to grip and adjust without tools. A full turn opens the valve completely, while as little as an eighth of a turn enables micro-bleeding.

I tested the valves with both a standard track pump using a snap closure and a compressor with a push-fit design – both worked seamlessly. Air flow was ample, making inflation a breeze, though the total airflow depends on the rim and tyre interface. In my setup, the rim fit was good but not overly tight. The valve core is housed internally rather than being exposed as it is on a standard Presta valve, eliminating the risk of bending the valve core tip. Many riders – and this includes me – have likely experienced this issue, especially when using certain pump designs that are more prone to causing damage, so removing this makes it one fewer thing to worry about.

> How to change a tubeless tyre

Over several months, I experienced no significant air loss through the valve. Pressure checks required only minimal top-ups, proving the valve’s reliability. While Stans markets the design as intuitive, if you’re used to using a conventional Presta valve, you might not find unscrewing what appears to be the entire valve a little counterintuitive.

Sealant build-up inside the valve core was not an issue, largely due to my choice of slow-drying sealant. If clogging does occur, you can remove the brass core for cleaning without the need for replacement parts – which can be the case with a traditional Presta valve.

One area where I encountered a small problem was the push-fit ‘Tap Cap’. While largely cosmetic and not required for preventing air loss, after a tyre blowout that required a tube replacement, I dropped the cap and couldn’t find it. Finding a replacement for the Exo-Core Tap Cap is likely to prove challenging, but given the valve is threaded, you can simply replace it with a standard screw-fit Presta valve cap.

Value

At £50 per pair, these are firmly in the premium price bracket. Muc-Off’s £40 Big Bore Lite valves and the 76 Projects Hi Flow No Clog Tubeless Valves, which cost £25, offer similar solutions at lower prices.

While the Exo-Core valves perform well, they are expensive. Swapping Presta valve cores in conventional tubeless valves may be frustrating, but it is significantly cheaper. Bulk packs of standard cores are available for around £5 for ten, and even Muc-Off’s branded options cost only £13 for a pack of 10.

With wider rims becoming more common, Schrader valves could eventually become a viable alternative because of their larger diameter, eliminating the need for specialised valves altogether. Until then, if you’re struggling with a stubborn wheel and tyre combination you may find Stans Exo-Core valves worth considering for their improved air flow and reliability.

However, with a maximum rim depth of 46mm, deeper rims are out of reach. For rims within the size range, the Exo-Core design works well – if you can justify the expense.

Verdict

Good air flow and performance but expensive and limited length options

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