quality tire levers
#1
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quality tire levers
is there much variation in tire lever quality?
I have heard bad things about the MEC brand of lever but have trouble beleiving they are really that bad, does tire lever quality really vary that much?
I have heard bad things about the MEC brand of lever but have trouble beleiving they are really that bad, does tire lever quality really vary that much?
#2
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Yes. There is quality in the material. The shape. How much leverage it gives you. Strength of design. Versatility. Unfortunately, there isn't really one that does meets all of that admirably.
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The VAR Super-Tyre Tool (British import) weighs next to nothing. It fits easily in a small seat-bag or pocket. And it makes getting super-tight clinchers on/off the rims a breeze. A larger one is the Kool Stop Tire-Jack - which is really too big to carry - works on the same Archimedes principle.
I suggest that if you purchase, copy down the instructions on the seller's website. The guy is honest and fast - no worry buying from him.
https://cgi.ebay.com/VAR-Super-Tyre-T...4.c0.m14.l1262
I suggest that if you purchase, copy down the instructions on the seller's website. The guy is honest and fast - no worry buying from him.
https://cgi.ebay.com/VAR-Super-Tyre-T...4.c0.m14.l1262
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I have the Portland Design Works 3 Wrencho and love it! It is metal so you have to be a little careful on the rim, but I hear they are coming out with a rubber covered one sometime. https://www.ridepdw.com/goods/tools/3wrenchoraw
On my other bikes, I have the Pedro's yellow levers. Those things are tough plastic and you can get a good grip on them.
On my other bikes, I have the Pedro's yellow levers. Those things are tough plastic and you can get a good grip on them.
#6
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I use the Spin Doctor steel core levers. Plastic with a steel core, fat enough to get a good grip on, alloy-friendly, and not too heavy to throw a pair in my seat bag.
I also picked up a Crank Brothers Speed lever recently, and I have to admit, it's a sweet tool. Fast and surprisingly easy, even with some tight tires.
I also picked up a Crank Brothers Speed lever recently, and I have to admit, it's a sweet tool. Fast and surprisingly easy, even with some tight tires.
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I've heard of people breaking the plastic levers while trying to mount a tire with a rigid sidewall, like a Specialized Armadillo. I've had no such problem, not even close, which leads me to believe those people don't know how to properly change a tire.
#8
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Growing up, I always used the handles of a couple of large spoons. Now, I try very hard not to use levers at all, whether fitting or removing the tyre, unless absolutely necessary. Maybe there are rims where this isn't an option.
I deflate the tire and just start to pull.. i dont have a low center on my rim on which to squeeze the tire into.
#9
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That's where the VAR excels - for those ultra-tight tire-rim combos. Check out the physics. I'll never use a traditional tire-iron again. It fits on one side of the rim, while the other side is a hook that captures the bead on the side that won't pop into place. Then you pull back and the bead is pulled up and dropped into the rim.
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The VAR Super-Tyre Tool (British import) weighs next to nothing. It fits easily in a small seat-bag or pocket. And it makes getting super-tight clinchers on/off the rims a breeze. A larger one is the Kool Stop Tire-Jack - which is really too big to carry - works on the same Archimedes principle.
I suggest that if you purchase, copy down the instructions on the seller's website. The guy is honest and fast - no worry buying from him.
https://cgi.ebay.com/VAR-Super-Tyre-T...4.c0.m14.l1262
I suggest that if you purchase, copy down the instructions on the seller's website. The guy is honest and fast - no worry buying from him.
https://cgi.ebay.com/VAR-Super-Tyre-T...4.c0.m14.l1262
I got mine from the North Road Bicycle Imports in Yancyville NC.
They just got a shipment of the Var tire jacks in. I don't believe that they
advertise them on their website www.northroadbicycle.com.
I used their toll free phone number 800 321 5511
Jerry
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Since u're in Toronto. Check out the Canadian Tire ones. They are quite good. I've used them a few times now. Solid and unlike metal will not nick your rims.