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Changing tires on the go is a nightmare if you don't have the correct tools to do it. That's why a tire lever should always be in your toolset.
Road bike tires are exposed to extreme conditions such as heat and sharp bumps on the road. They are also vulnerable to punctures and other damages, which is why having tire levers is essential.
In this article, we'll discuss the importance of tire levers and review some of the best ones you can get.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Road Bike Tire Levers
- OUR TOP PICK: Pedro's Bicycle Tire Lever
- RUNNER-UP: SCHWALBE Bicycle Tire Levers
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: FunFitness Bike Tire Lever
Comparison of the Best Road Bike Tire Levers
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What is a Tire Lever?
It is essential to carry a small pump wherever you go and minimal tools if your bike needs an instant fix. In the same way, you need a tire lever to change tires or apply puncture fixes if the tire goes flat.
A tire lever essentially works to remove the tire from the rim. It works efficiently without damaging the rim or tire of your bike. It is very similar to a car jack. It maximizes the force you apply on one pressure point.
How Do Tire Levers Work?
It functions exactly like a normal lever. It sufficiently reduces the amount of force required to slide the edge of the tire. If you were supposed to do the same job using a stick or metal rod, you'd risk breaking the rim or the stick.
The tip of the lever is inserted right to the inside edge of the tire with adequate pressure. The rim's surface acts as the fulcrum point, and the edge of the tire becomes the load point. At this point, the user has to apply minimal effort, and the tire will start coming right off.
Are Road Bike Tire Levers Universal?
Yes, the majority of tire levers are universal. They all feature the same design and have one purpose: to lift the tire off the rim. However, some levers might be more durable than others, and some might be designed for different types of vehicles.
For example, you might have to invest in a sturdier lever for wider and larger tires since they are the hardest to come off. In the same way, radial and tubeless tires require special levers as well.
More or less, their purpose remains the same in most cases, as well as their design and mechanism.
Review of the Best Bike Tire Levers
There are several types and brands of tire levers out there on the market. We have curated a list of the best bike tire levers you can find. All of these are reviewed thoroughly so you can easily find the perfect pick.
Best Overall:
Pedro's Bicycle Tire Lever
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers keep this helpful tool in their saddle bag in case they need a sudden tire change. Although a few of them reported that it is quite big and hard to fit in a smaller sized bag, people could still carry it with them on their drives. Many pro-level users enjoyed the unit's durability and construction quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Pedro's lever is composed of refined plastic, which means it is break and bend-resistant. The chiseled tip makes it easy to slide under the edge of the tire. The thick shape prevents it from slipping from the user's hand.
The company claims this unit to be the strongest available on the market. It has the power to separate even the tightest tires. For easy storage, it is shaped in such a way that once you are done using it, both pairs snap together. As a result, people with small garages or storage spaces should choose these. The high-quality plastic construction is another reason why this unit is so practical and durable.
Bottom Line
These levers have a strong reputation among cyclists because of the quality construction and low price. They work perfectly on every tire/rim, and the lurid color allows cyclists to spot them easily.
Runner-up:
SCHWALBE Bicycle Tire Levers
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
All buyers love the simple and straightforward design and usage of these levers. Particularly, beginners were really satisfied with this product. There are no hooks and holes to complicate the assembly and disassembly of the tires. Every cyclist could take this tool in all types of terrains.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Even though the design of this tool is simple, it does not compromise on performance. The thin design easily slips beneath the tire and removes it without any scratches or gouges. This SCHWALBE model is great if you are looking for a handy tool that effortlessly fits in your saddlebag.
The thin and light structure is easy on the user's hand. It doesn't leave any bruises and requires minimal effort to get the work done. Moreover, it can be suitable for tighter tires or heavy casings.
This tool works flawlessly without any issue at all. You might have to use two or three at the same time for tighter tires. Incorporating more than one can get the job done quickly.
Bottom Line
Changing a tire has never been easy, but thanks to Schwalbe, this task has become easier. Just insert this unit on the rim and disassemble the tire. This tool is light and minimalist, and the performance is great. The dark blue color is easy to find even in the dirt.
Best for the Money:
FunFitness Bike Tire Lever
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers are very much satisfied with this tool because it gets the job done in minutes. Buyers report that it does not require much power to remove the tire. Even a kid and the slightly aged people could use it because of how easy and lightweight it is.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Amongst many other incredible features, we find the chamfered end quite simple and easy to use. It allows the tool to go under the bead and remove even the tightest tires. This useful unit is made of plastic, but its construction quality does not feel cheap. If you are going to use a tire lever less frequently, this budget-friendly alternative is the best pick.
In addition, the purchase is backed up with a time-saving replacement policy. The 4.9-inch lever is easy to locate. Additionally, they can be clamped together for convenient storage.
Bottom Line
Overall, with the Funlever model, it is easy to change a wheel rim or fix a flat tire without any hassle of holding screwdrivers for a long time. The most valuable part of this tool is that it does not damage the rim.
4. Gorilla Force Ultra Strong
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
Users like the option to choose between a metal and plastic lever. This allows them to choose the material that best matches their tire's rims and protects it from damages. People also find this to be a sturdy and lighter tool that is great to remove any bike tires. A lot of the buyers carried this tool with them on challenging terrains and got the job done flawlessly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Featuring a unique curved shape, this Gorilla Force unit guarantees easy removal of a tire and gives a great grip to your fingers. There are lesser chances for you to put a strain on your hand using this lever.
Moreover, this unit is made of premium plastic, which won't gouge or scratch the rims. You will notice a better tip shape in this product, which is quick enough to hold the tire bead. The hook at the end is broad enough to clip around both bladed and round spokes.
Bottom Line
Although Gorilla Force offers a free replacement with a lifetime guarantee, you won't be needing the replacement because this tool is almost indestructible and weighs only 0.6 ounces. Additionally, you can also remove wheelchair tires using this tool.
5. 50 Strong Easy Grip Bicycle Levers
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers expressed a great deal of trust in this brand and model. Most of them praised the durability and comfort of this product. According to them, the textured grip felt good and it didn’t fade off, even after continuous use. The comfortable grip also prevented any strain.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Do not let a flat tire ruin a perfect day for cycling. Quickly fix it with the help of this 50 Strong lever. This tool is designed by a cyclist for cyclists. It is easy to hold and grip on, thanks to the custom grip with an ergonomic shape.
It does not require the toughness needed to remove a flat tire. You can easily fit these levers in your saddlebag. This lightweight and the compact tool come in an incredible pack of four. The spoon-shaped end easily fits beneath the tire bead and detaches the tire easily. These heavy-duty sets of levers are durable, and they won't be snapping any time soon.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, we think that this unit features an ergonomic design that is easy on the hands and doesn't exert much force. If you're looking for an affordable tire lever with exceptional performance, this might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros and Cons of Road Bike Tire Levers
Road bike tire levers have cemented their place in our toolbox and saddlebags because of their purpose and functionality. They make sure that our bike fixing experience goes as painless as possible. However, they don’t come without their share of drawbacks.
Let's discuss some of the pros and cons of bike tire levers.
Pros
Following are the pros of using a road bike tire lever:
Portability
These tools are designed to help you in challenging times when you're in remote locations with little help. They are portable and always with you. If anything happens to your tires, just stop and pull out a lever to fix it.
Painless Experience
Ever tried pulling your tires off the rim without using any lever? If yes, then you might remember how painful that experience was. Bike tire levers make sure you apply the maximum moment-arm on the bead to make the tire come off. This also saves your hands from straining.
Variety
In the past, tire levers were based on a simple design, which some people would argue that it wasn't even efficient. However, with time, their design has improved, and there's more variety on the market than ever.
Cons
On the other hand, some cons of this tool include:
Damage
Some bad levers might end up damaging the tire or tube. To avoid this, always invest in a tire lever that has no sharp edges at all.
Durability
Most of the tire levers these days are made from plastic, which isn't the most durable material out there. It's prone to bending and breaking if not used correctly.
How to Use a Road Bike Tire Lever
Everyone hates flat bike tires. It is always essential to carry an air pump and tire lever with you in case anything bad happens. Your tire might get punctured or your tube might be damaged. In such scenarios, you must know how to use a bike tire lever. Here are some simple steps:
- Check your tire if it has air or not. If it has air, then make sure to deflate it. Attempting to lift an inflated tire might break the lever.
- Once the tire is deflated, attempt to slide one end of the tire lever along the rim's edge. Once it is inside the tire, you can try lifting it. You may want to use two levers at this point for further efficiency.
- The tire will start prying off from the rim. Repeat this along the entire circumference of the tire until it gets loose and pops out of place.
- In the same way, you can use the lever to install a tire, just place it over the rim.
- Use the lever to grab one edge of the tire and gently put it inside the rim. Repeat this all over the tire, and you are done installing it.
Conclusion
Road bike tire levers are an essential component of every rider's saddlebag. Without it, you might have to suffer great misery just to change the tire. By this point, you should be equipped with a good amount of information to choose the right product for yourself. Just remember to check the specifications of the lever correctly before investing in it.
People Also Ask
Let's get this straight; not everyone knows road bike tire levers or how to use them. We've gathered some frequently asked questions related to these tools, specifically to help out beginners.
How Do You Take Off a Bike Tire Without a Lever?
It is practically possible to take off a tire without using a bike tire lever at all. You can use a wooden stick or even a spoon to achieve the same purpose. However, these are not recommended since they're malleable and might break easily.
In some cases, you might even cause damage to your rim and tire.
How Many Tire Levers Do I Need?
One tire lever might be enough for most cases. However, to get the tire out as quickly as possible, it is recommended to use two to three levers at once.
Can You Use Tire Levers on Carbon Wheels?
No, you cannot use tire levers on carbon wheels. Carbon wheels are built with no separate rim and can't be removed using a tire lever. If you attempt to remove a carbon wheel using a lever, you might end up damaging your carbon wheel altogether.
