tyre levers

trevtherev

Having had a puncture yest morn and spent 1 hr sorting out ...the main problem being I could not get the tyre (ultra gatorskin 23c) back on the wheel....I was wondering is there a substitute for park tyre levers? It's that last bit of tyre, it's murder trying to get on to the wheel, I had cut fingers and burst blisters by the time I got to work...it should not be this difficult I realize that you can use metal levers but I presume they will spoil the rim of the wheel...is there a good substitute for the park levers...or must I just grin and bear it!!
has anyone used these are they any good?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Inten ... 360024777/

Erudin

The Topeak shuttle levers are good. After watching this video from Spa Cycles homepage I find getting my ultra gatorskins off and on a lot easier.

YouTube Link: How to fit a Marathon Plus Tyre

sungod

a bit of spit on the rim/bead can help get it over the last bit

just going a few mm at a time can work where larger efforts fail

btw it's worth having a pair of mechanics disposable gloves in the saddle bag, gives you a bit of finger protection, especially as the weather gets colder

Red Devil

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgLY3HfT ... =1&index=3

Wiggle about £5 looks good aint used as yet though

Good reports from others.

Chris

father_jack

I wouldn't use steel levers anymore, can damage the rims.

Cleat Eastwood

Had exactly the same prob with same tyres. It was about an inch of tyre that wouldnt budge, didnt realise how blisteresd fingers were till next day. In the end I had to put one foot on the wheel and press down reaalllly hard with the lever.

I've seen a vid on youtube where the guy just rolls the tyre on. I'm guessing these are the fold up type. Thems gonna be on my xmas list thats for sure.

sparkins1972

I use the Crank Brothers Speed levers and I can't recomend too highly. Needs a bit of practice as it is not a standard lever as such.

MattC59

I've got a couple of sets of these, they're really good.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28714

They have a stainless steel core, which has a reinforced plastic outer and tip. They don't bend, don't damage rims and I've had no problems with the most stuborn of tyres.

If anyone finds a set on the Penhyd trail at Afan, they're mine.......... the second set I've lost there !!!!

rick_chasey

father_jack

lol even my mate who does kung fu and kick boxing couldn't put on new tyres onto a rim, needs two people.

Taking off though is not too bad, although saying that my tourer rear wheel is a right pig, can't understand it. Taking off the tyre is really really difficult. Wonder if he used a 650 rim? :?

Barteos

It's about the technique, not the levers.
I use Park levers at work, every day and they are more than than perfect for any job.

father_jack

I agree, but one of mine is a pig, normally just zips around in 10 seconds, but not that one.

trevtherev

I think i will have to perfect my technique.........the video on Spa cycles at hartlepool looks a great way to put on and off a tyre and without the use of levers