Muc-Off’s new ‘Big Bore’ Tubeless Valves up the ante in high-air-flow tubeless tire systems with a simple mantra: Big bore + no core = Extreme airflow.
With its revolutionary ‘Straight-through’ internal design and cutting-edge integrated ball valve and lever system, the valves boast an airflow rate that’s up to 254% higher than traditional Presta valves, turbocharging and simplifying inflation and the sealant filling or top-up process, giving riders the ultimate airflow hit.
Traditional Presta valves have several limitations, including restricted airflow, sealant clogging, and a time-consuming tubeless setup.
Crafted from lightweight and durable 7075 aircraft-grade CNC-machined aluminum, this valve features a unique stainless steel coreless ball valve and an integrated lever.
It’s simple to add air to the Big Bore from a compressor, floor pump, hand pump, or an electric mini pump. Connect the pump to the valve, open the lever, add air, and then close the lever. Riders can quickly open and close the valve for effortless airflow control and fine-tuning of tire pressures on the move, which is particularly beneficial for those riding on a range of different terrains.
The new valve’s straight-through internal bore design prevents sealant clogging and valve core removal during sealant filling, making tubeless repair and maintenance more straightforward.
Impressions
Tested version: Big Bore Lite
Installing the Big Bore was relatively simple, as the initial steps are similar to those of most other tubeless valve systems.
Next, thread the Big Bore body and tighten it down with their included tool, if needed. However, I seemed to get it set up using finger strength.
It’s easy to add air through the Big Bore valve using any typical bike pump device, such as a compressor, floor pump, hand pump, or electric mini pump. You connect the pump head or hose to the valve, open the lever, add or top off the required air, and then close the lever. Simple!
Some nitpicks: I found that the levers can sometimes be challenging to open and close; they aren’t very long, which is exacerbated by my old hands. When connecting and disconnecting a pump, ensure the lever is in the proper position; otherwise, air can leak out, or you may pump into a closed head unit. The tips of the valve head are thin, so be cautious when cranking on them with pumps or air gauges. I did find that some air guages weren’t compatible with the tips.
The innovative straight-through coreless design is sealed by a ball valve that’s actuated by an external lever (similar to a water plumbing system). When popping on a new tire with a compressor, the bead quickly snapped into position, greatly aided by the 3.3mm internal diameter valve head, which supposedly offers up to 230% greater airflow than a standard Presta valve (not verified). Monster Air Throughput!
Adding and topping off sealant with the Big Bore was a joy, since all you had to do was slowly release some air and then use a hose-type sealant adapter.
Bottom Line
I find standard Presta valve cores annoying, with their sealant clogging issues, poor air throughput, and tendency to bend. You’ll love the Muc-Off Big Bore Tubeless Valves. The valve’s massive air throughput makes seating tubeless tires much easier, even without the use of an air compressor. Additionally, the ease of installation, operation, leak-free performance, and simplicity of sealant additions.
The Big Bore range is available in three different versions, offering various levels of airflow firepower: Big Bore Lite, Big Bore Hybrid, and Big Bore Ludicrous. MSRP $50
- Big Bore Lite is designed for Presta valve enthusiasts seeking compatibility with Presta rim holes and inflation. The stealthy design features a 3.3mm internal diameter valve head and offers up to 230% greater airflow than a standard Presta valve.
- The Big Bore Hybrid features the same Presta-style valve stem but a wider Schrader valve head, offering a 5.7mm internal diameter. This provides riders with up to 254% greater airflow than a standard Presta valve, while also allowing them to utilize Schrader-compatible pumps and inflation systems. It is also Presta rim hole compatible. This means that even a gas station car pump can be deployed if pressures drop, so there is no need for any adapters to get a quick air hit on the move.
- Big Bore Ludicrous is big-bore munitions for your bike! Compatible with a Schrader rim hole, it’s constructed with a 5.7mm valve stem and 5.7mm valve head to deliver an unobstructed straight-pipe airflow setup that provides a whopping 264% greater airflow than a standard Presta valve.
These new Big Bore Tubeless Valves are available in four different stem lengths – 30mm, 35mm, 45mm, and 60mm – to suit a range of rim depths and cater to riders seeking a more slammed look for their valve and rim combo.
Click here to buy the Big Bore Lite Tubeless Valves.
Click here to buy the Big Bore Hybrid Tubeless Valves.
Hey Dipstick!
Running tubeless tires with free-flowing sealant prevents flats and maintains riding performance. With the ‘Hey Dipstick!’, the job got a ton easier, so you can focus more on enjoying your ride and less on maintenance.
Quickly check your sealant level and optimize your tubeless performance with the precision-machined ‘Hey Dipstick!’
Engineered to glide seamlessly inside the valve stem, this latest innovation from the Muc-Off Dev Lab allows you to quickly check the health of your sealant inside the tire without breaking the bead or removing the tire!
Impressions
The little metal Hey DipStick is genius in its simplicity. It features high-quality machining, and the ridges at the bottom of the stick provide an indication of the amount of sealant in the tire. Just like an oil dipstick! It can be used for any tubeless tire setup, and besides checking the fluid level, the metal body is excellent for declogging a valve stem. The latter is terrific for standard Presta valve systems.
- Aircraft-grade CNC-machined 6063 aluminium.
- Knurled handle gripper
- Durable 304 Stainless Steel dipstick with machined sealant level indicator grooves
- Lightweight
- $15