Originally Posted by
BarryJo
For $2 US I'd buy the levers.
New tires can be a b*tch to get on and off the rim.
And yes, practice changing a tire is essential. Especially getting the rear wheel off and on the first couple of times.
+1 No reason not to carry levers. Even a loose tyre is a pain with cold/wet hands. And if you lack confidence changing a tube,
here's a good (video) guide.