<p>A rigid air valve comprises a valve body and a valve stem. The valve body has a shoulder for abutting an inner cylindrical surface of the wheel. A first protruding portion extends radially outwardly from the shoulder into a valve hole. The first protruding portion extends to a tire-side surface of the wheel. A second protruding portion extends both radially inwardly and axially outwardly through a hole in a center plate of the wheel to thereby define a curved air passageway extending from a first opening in the first protruding portion to a second opening in the second protruding portion. The valve stem has external threads for engaging complementary internal threads inside the second protruding portion. The valve stem includes a valve for selectively admitting air into a tire when mounted on the wheel. This valve is robust and durable, reduces inflation time and eliminates leaky spuds and O--rings.</p>
