have we done this? best tire levers?

[eddief]

I have 3 bikes, 3 saddle bags, 3 different sets of levers. And then a couple sets in the garage too. When removing a tire, I like to be able to get the lever under the bead and then push it around the rim to get the whole side off in one fell swoop. The worst ones I have to do this action are the one from Park. Actually the Park ones seem badly done in all respects. Strong, but too fat to get very far under the bead and then the tip of the lever is just a small hook that is challenging to get very far under the bead.

I have some cheapo ones that allow for the slide move mentioned above, but those are too crapily made to do lever on a really tight tire.

Are there ones that are narrow to do the slide off maneurver and strong enough to lever on a tight ass tire? Prefer plastic ones so as not to scratch the rim.

[sjbraun]

Version 2 of the Speed lever, (which I never cared for.)

Slips tires on to tubeless ready rims like no body's business.

Small enough to fit in a saddle bag, too (unlike version 1.0)

http://cart.crankbrothers.com/tools-pumps/speedlever-1.html

-Steve

[LegendRider]

Pedros are the best IMO.

[CunegoFan]

Kool Stop

http://www.bikepro.com/products/tubes/tubes_jpg/m_sport_levers.jpg

[pinkshogun]

The pink Pedros are all i ever use

[regularguy412]

Used to have the 3-set of these Specialized tire levers (pictured below), but have managed to break 2 of them , over the years. They are VERY stiff plasic, have a ridged thumb grip, a notch for clipping to a spoke and the the tip is slim enough to get under most tire beads. I've not seen them for sale in a long time; so I suspect they are no longer available. I'd buy again, if I could find them.

I'm now using some that are very similar to the Kool Stop levers shown above.

Mike in AR:beer:

[eddief]

https://de-de.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=533224036706975

I just mounted a brand new Michelin Lithion 2 on a brand new Velocity A23. Maybe the tourghest mount ever. I'd like to try the leverage of the Crank Bro for seating the last 10 inches of that bead. It were a be-atch.

[ultraman6970]

I think the best levers are the var ones.

[thirdgenbird]

Anyone try Campagnolo? If they developed them using their own wheels they almost have to work...

[SolidSnake03]

Another vote for Pedro's here, they are super stiff plastic and I prefer the wider body as it feels better in the hand. Local shop uses them and everybody seems pretty happy with them, no issues, cheap, light and work well.

[#campyuserftw]

Used one of these today:

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/king-cage-titanium-tire-lever-pair

[ctcyclistbob]

I've been using Continental levers for a couple of years, with good results.

For mounting I use the Var if needed.

[avalonracing]

I don't know whether it is a lack of marketing or what but the Quik Stik is the way to go and not many people seem to know this. I've been using them for over 20 years (along with a few friends who have been doing the same) and we all swear by them. You only need one and in twenty years I think I'm on my second Stik.

[buldogge]

SKS tire levers are my hands down favorites...thin but super strong.

Most of my saddle bags just have regular old Parks though.

My bikes with Nucleons on them have metal cored levers (Origin 8, Lezyne, or Park TL-6)

Pedros are too wide/thick...BTW...Park has 4 or 5 styles...regular run-of-the-mill TL-1 (use these a ton)...TL-4 (like Pedro's...yuck.)...TL-6 steel cores...TL-5 steel levers...off the top of my head.

-Mark in St. Louis

[DHallerman]

Overall, I prefer the Pedro's too. Sturdy and works well.

Someone mentioned QuikStik, and that lever works well...but only when the tire is not too tight on the rim. But when things are tight, the QuikStik doesn't give enough leverage.

Dave, who uses levers only for removal and uses hands and fingers for installation

[CircuitHero]

I don't know whether it is a lack of marketing or what but the Quik Stik is the way to go and not many people seem to know this. I've been using them for over 20 years (along with a few friends who have been doing the same) and we all swear by them. You only need one and in twenty years I think I'm on my second Stik.
With this guy.

And you only need one.
http://allseasonscyclist.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/quick-stick-1.jpg?w=645

[maj]

Another vote for Pedros. Strong, as mentioned before, but also have a fairly thin scoop tip for very tight fitting tires.

[weehastogopee]

Pedro's +1!!!
I haven't found a reason to try anything else.

Definitely beats Spin Doctor's steel core levers...and some Bontrager ones I've tried before.

[aaronf]

Another good word for the VAR. Pricey and a little harder to procure, but a great setup.
Otherwise standard style, like the KoolStop seem to work well for me.

Haven't tried the CrankBros, looks like a good ergonomic design. The hook for install can be mimicked (albeit a little thicker) with the spoke-hook end of any of the standard style levers, and is a pretty reliable method on tight tires once you get the hang of it. Only on folding tires though, wire bead won't flex acutely enough.

[572cv]

I've read that Michelin makes excellent levers, but they are not sold in the US. True, on either/both counts?

[1centaur]

I went through a few before I got to Pedro's. Right combo of flex to get under there, strength so they don't snap or bend too much under max effort, and tip shape so they don't puncture the tube.

[mike p]

I guess I'm the only one that uses good old Park tire levers? Perfection. Small, incredibly strong and they come to a thin scalloped point to help get under the tire bead. They've never let me down.

Mike

[eddief]

the hook at the tip only tapers backward a bit and then then the handle turns square and makes it challenging to stick the lever a little deeper under the bead.
http://www.backcountry.com/park-tool-tire-lever-set-tl-1?CMP_SKU=PAR0030&MER=0406&CMP_ID=PLA_GOc001&mv_pc=r101&mr:trackingCode=2A541A26-A661-E211-A87C-001B21A69EB8&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=26467793625&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=20762933025&mkwid=saTwqJrZ6_dc|pcrid|26467793625&origin=pla&gclid=CLndw4TIpboCFeRxQgodT0IAnA

I guess I'm the only one that uses good old Park tire levers? Perfection. Small, incredibly strong and they come to a thin scalloped point to help get under the tire bead. They've never let me down.

Mike

[Tony T]

The best are Michelin's (but very hard to find)
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb7478755/p4pb7478755.jpg

Next best are Schwalbe Bicycle Tire Levers
http://www.dutchbikebits.com/image/cache/data/42880-500x500.jpg

[sales guy]

In my collection I have the following

Quik stik
Park
Crank bros 1 and 2
Minoura alloy levers
Pedro's
Finish line
Kool stop
Lezyne
Vetta multi tool levers
Mavic hub adjuster tool with tire lever on it.
Original Pedro's milk levers.
Var
The Reem boxed patch kits, can't remember the name but they had a mountain kit that had levers also
Park shop version of the speed lever

Honestly, the ones I always go back to are the quick stik and original speed lever by crank bros.

The quick stik, it is breaks, cut it down and grind in a new hook! Brilliant ability.

I usually have one of each in my lezyne bag. Lower level compartment.

[false_Aest]

Honest question:

What rims + tire combo are ya'll using to necessitate using a tire lever?

I've been able to take my Michelines, Vittorias and Contis off of my Kinlin + Easton rims w/out a lever since day 1. Same thing with putting them back on.

[gomango]

Honest question:

What rims + tire combo are ya'll using to necessitate using a tire lever?

I've been able to take my Michelines, Vittorias and Contis off of my Kinlin + Easton rims w/out a lever since day 1. Same thing with putting them back on.

Neutrons and Veloflex Masters

A23s and Challenge PR clinchers

Really ugly moments with these.

Doesn't help that I have the beginning stages of RA my hands.

Yet another gift of middle age I reckon'.

[thirdgenbird]

I don't use levers (stubborn) but I've had trouble getting veloflex tires on Campagnolo wheels. I've also had to give up mounting a pair of tires on a set of wheelsmith accelerator rims.

[Brian Cdn]

Friends don't let friends use Park Levers.

(if you do, wear safety glasses)

They snap, crackle and pop.

[ultraman6970]

I got that problem with park ones, the best so far for me is the VAR one.

[93legendti]

Quick stik and Pedro's.

[veggieburger]

Those yellow Michelins. Amazing.

[bluesea]

The best are Michelin's (but very hard to find)
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb7478755/p4pb7478755.jpg







Those look like the Conti levers that come with a free tube and saddle bag.:cool: Great levers.


http://i.imgur.com/kilg9L7l.jpg (http://imgur.com/kilg9L7)

[umami]

+1 for the Crank Bros speed lever. Cheap and effective.

[R3awak3n]

Pedros.

[YoKev]

Wow, I didn't realize there were so many different lever options.

I've always used the Minoura alloy levers and have no complaints.

[wc1934]

With this guy.

And you only need one.
http://allseasonscyclist.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/quick-stick-1.jpg?w=645

+1. I just put on a new conti today - I usually struggle, but was so easy, with just one lever.

[vqdriver]

Friends don't let friends use Park Levers.


+1

only disappointment from park. i broke both mine with some challenge PR. i was so convinced of park tools' superiority, i bought another set thinking it was a fluke. it wasn't.

just went back to my generic lbs branded cheapies. work fine.

[GRAVELBIKE]

It's really hard to beat the Pedro's levers (http://www.gravelbike.com/?p=1168), IME.

If I encounter a rim/tire combo where the Pedro's levers won't fit, I'll break out the yellow Michelin levers or my vintage Wheelsmith Wheel Peeler levers.

[Flaroc01]

I also used the quick stick. Bought the original dark blue one with black soft plastic handle 25 years ago. I had two of them for really stubborn tire/rim combos but most of the time I just used one. Unfortunately, I just bent the tips of each of them within the last few months. Hope the next set lasts me that long.

[rustychisel]

Michelin's if I need a lever.

Never seen the need to look elsewhere.

[Llewellyn]

The best are Michelin's (but very hard to find)
http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb7478755/p4pb7478755.jpg

Next best are Schwalbe Bicycle Tire Levers
http://www.dutchbikebits.com/image/cache/data/42880-500x500.jpg

Those Michelin ones are exactly the same design as the Continental ones I've used for years, but the Conti's are a dull orange colour. The Conti's are great.

[seanile]

+1 for pedros

[martl]

Michelin yellow, hands down. Never snapped one of those.

http://images.internetstores.de/products/paul_lange/BI_FA003468221[1000x700].JPG

In the workshop, i also keep a set of Park Tool TL5

http://www.veloplus.ch/images/shop/artikelimg_popup/320238_0_TL-5_Reifenheber_PARK_TOOL.jpg

for the rebellious stuff, new Nokian spike tires and such.

[cetuximab]

"Pedros are the best"
+1
I have bent cheaper plastic one.
I broke a plastic park lever
Metal levers mark/dent the rim
The Pedro's work great
They do not break or bend. I have them on every bike and in my garage.

[bewheels]

Used to have the 3-set of these Specialized tire levers (pictured below), but have managed to break 2 of them , over the years. They are VERY stiff plasic, have a ridged thumb grip, a notch for clipping to a spoke and the the tip is slim enough to get under most tire beads. I've not seen them for sale in a long time; so I suspect they are no longer available. I'd buy again, if I could find them.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697869399&stc=1&d=1382230790



I have one of these left as well. My favorite by far over the years.


One the main things I look for is a thin tip to get in/under the lip quickly.

[AngryScientist]

the aluminum lezyne ones are my favorite.

http://www.bikyle.com/images/Accessories/Lezyne_alloy_levers.jpg

[donevwil]

These Airace aluminum levers are it. Plastic insert to protect the rim and very thin, well angled blade, or whatever one calls it. I went through numerous tire levers trying to find the one best suited to my wife semi-easily getting the tires off the tubeless rims her idiot husband (that would be me) had built for her.

1697881741

[Dired]

Apologies if this has been covered previously, but where does one but the michellin levers?

[CunegoFan]

The only thing I learned from this thread is that everyone likes a different lever and everyone is convinced their favorite is the best.

[bluesea]

^ Unless you have to have yellow. :bike:

http://www.planetcyclery.com/continental-road-saddle-pack-bag-w-700c-presta-42mm-valve-tube-and-levers

[palincss]

I have 3 bikes, 3 saddle bags, 3 different sets of levers. And then a couple sets in the garage too. When removing a tire, I like to be able to get the lever under the bead and then push it around the rim to get the whole side off in one fell swoop. The worst ones I have to do this action are the one from Park. Actually the Park ones seem badly done in all respects. Strong, but too fat to get very far under the bead and then the tip of the lever is just a small hook that is challenging to get very far under the bead.

I have some cheapo ones that allow for the slide move mentioned above, but those are too crapily made to do lever on a really tight tire.

Are there ones that are narrow to do the slide off maneurver and strong enough to lever on a tight ass tire? Prefer plastic ones so as not to scratch the rim.

I think the best thing is to not use tire levers at all. I can remove almost all my tires without tools. As for levering on a tight tire: NO! That's an almost sure-fire recipe for puncturing the tube.

[veggieburger]

Michelins, the Chris King of tire levers!

http://tenerife-training.net/Tenerife-News-Cycling-Blog/michelin-the-worlds-best-tyre-lever/

[ericssonboi]

Depends on the rim type. I usually prefer to use plastic Zefel levers, but for those hard tough rims like the Ambrosio 19 Elite's; I use aluminum levers.
Or working at home, the shop size ones are easy to use


http://images.mec.ca/fluid/customers/c822/1808-153/generated/1808-153_NOC02_view1_720x720.jpg
http://images.mec.ca/fluid/customers/c822/5022-383/generated/5022-383_NOC02_view1_720x720.jpg
http://images.mec.ca/fluid/customers/c822/5012-356/generated/5012-356_NOC02_view1_720x720.jpg

[AngryScientist]

These Airace aluminum levers are it. Plastic insert to protect the rim and very thin, well angled blade, or whatever one calls it. I went through numerous tire levers trying to find the one best suited to my wife semi-easily getting the tires off the tubeless rims her idiot husband (that would be me) had built for her.

1697881741

damn you for posting these, i just impulse bought a set.

[donevwil]

damn you for posting these, i just impulse bought a set.

You won't regret it.

[AngryScientist]

You won't regret it.

i'm a sucker for shiny objects.

[ColonelJLloyd]

The VAR tool is awesome. I use it for everything that's not roadside. For a crazy stubborn install (i.e. Challenge PR) the Kool Stop Tire Jack is in the tool box at the ready.

[gearguywb]

I think the best thing is to not use tire levers at all. I can remove almost all my tires without tools. As for levering on a tight tire: NO! That's an almost sure-fire recipe for puncturing the tube.

While true, come on over some time. I double dog dare you to get tires on the wheels that Ergott built me. I don't remember at the moment but they may be the Pacenti rims. I have tried a couple of different tires...what a mother to get on!

[palincss]

While true, come on over some time. I double dog dare you to get tires on the wheels that Ergott built me. I don't remember at the moment but they may be the Pacenti rims. I have tried a couple of different tires...what a mother to get on!

I don't doubt it. There are some rim/tire combinations that are very difficult indeed. But proper technique makes a big difference, too, and I see many people trying to remove tires on rides who skip the important step of going around the tire pushing the bead off the seat and naturally, without the slack that gives you, it's much tougher to stretch the tire over the edge of the rim.

And some tires (thinking now of the Parigi Roubaix) simply cannot be mounted without initial pre-stretching without a tube installed. I had to use a toe strap to hold a brand new Parigi Roubaix in place just to get the first bead on all the way around the wheel. Once stretched, though, they mount just fine and can be removed without tools (on my rims).

[martl]

The only thing I learned from this thread is that everyone likes a different lever and everyone is convinced their favorite is the best.

true, that :)

Thing is i broke a couple of Zéfal ones, and the conti ones are a copy of the Michelin's, only fatter at the blade.