I got my first set of wheels built up a few months back, was all full of grins, then tried to install my Kenda Kalientes on them. I lost exactly 40 layers of skin, and most of the bones in both of my thumbs. I'm pretty sure a few more hairs stopped growing on my head, too. Worst tire-rim experience of my life!

Since them, I bought some Maxxis Re-fuse tires, and they go on a lot easier. I emailed Sun-Ringle about their rims to ask why the tires were so damn hard to install, and the guy who wrote back said he's had lots of issues with Kendas and a few other brands (in my email, I had never mentioned I was installing Kendas, so he wasn't just b.s.ing me).

I have a Crank Bros. Speedlever and I love it. I highly recommend buying a couple, so you have one in your home shop and another to take along on rides.