An addition to the “Diminishing Returns … or Genius?” file ….

"A slight name change marks the start of 2023 for Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, which remains on Cube bikes this year. ………..

"The riders have new wheels from Cube’s Newmen brand too. These hide a Schrader valve within the rim, which is covered by a cap to make a smooth rim profile. The team says this will save it around one watt over an exposed valve." (https://www.bikeradar.com/features/p...rldtour-bikes/)

Back to filling tires at the local gas station?

But, I mean … One Whole Wattt …. Who would pass up energy savings like that?

I never knew Schrader valves disappeared. I still have them on two bicycles.

Nothing in the pictures in the bikeradar link that shows what it really looks like, but it appears to say its a sideway-install (parallel with the body of the rim I'd guess) that needs an adapter to function(?) which might make it a little more complex for a mechanic.

I'm not seeing the images if there are supposed to be any?

I prefer presta, but the (positive) conveniences of the ole automotive air valves are nothing to discount. Just how well does a presta out perform a schrader in the practical purposes as intended is where I'd choose which one to settle for. IE: country life living in the ole USA, I might opt for schrader.

If they're hiding it in the rim, maybe it's a Schrodinger's valve-both a Presta and a Schrader until you look inside..