Tyre levers

[pete.keys]

can anyone suggest what tyre levers I should get for doing GS bike tyres. I have had a look on ebay and there are a gazzillion different ones. from 12" to 24" with different ends.

cheers
-Pete

 

[Steptoe]

A lot depends how you're going to use them = carry them on the bike or keep them in your garage ?

 

[Steptoe]

Don't forget you can carry tyre levers up the frame tube under the tank.

 

[pete.keys]

Don't forget you can carry tyre levers up the frame tube under the tank.

Ah ha - so measure the frame tube and see how long they can be. But where will I put my pump then

I don't care how big they are - I just want to be able to do the job. I have tried in the past and find it really difficult - with enven the longest screw drivers

When it comes to a big road trip - i'll carry what ever I've got that work - size not so important. If they're too small to work there's no point in having them.

 

[Steptoe]

If they're too small to work there's no point in having them.

I'd get some practise in and carry the smallest available.

 

[Redboots]

When it comes to a big road trip - i'll carry what ever I've got that work - size not so important.

I carried 3. 2 long'ish and a 6 incher. Velcro'ed upright inside the pannier. You could also velcro them inside the pannier lid, (alu boxes).
Never used them.

John

 

[MickDB1]

I got a set of buzzetti ones up my pipe
there are first class and do all me tyres ( and bloody Skygods )

 

[fayeslane]

Don't buy cheap ones, you'll regret it.
As Steptoe said, practice in the comfort of your own home, rather than learning on the side of a road somewhere.

 

[electric_monk]

When you decide what you are getting, get a piece of bicycle inner tube and cut it 2-3 inches longer than the levers. Insert levers and fold and tape the 2 ends over and then cable tie them to a convenient piece of frame. Don't forget to carry spare cable ties to re-attach them after use.

 

[Timpo]

Melco TL65 (7") or TL75 (12") should do you.
I have two TL65 in my pack, they do the job.
a good technique saves you having to carry excessive kit.
Lube the tyre bead with soapy water, and it will aid removal/refitting no-end.

T.

http://thomasmeldrumltd.co.uk/TyreBayToolsandGarageEquipment.aspx

 

[pete.keys]

Is 12" long enough? I have tried doing tyres before and being a 10st wimp - I found it pretty difficult. Is longer better?

 

[ChasF]

I find the hardest part is breaking the bead and then trying to get the tubeless tyre to seal on the rim - I use CO2 when out and about. The small tyre levers in the R100GS tool kit are OK but one longer one is handy

 

[Beemerboff]

The trick is getting both beads right down into into the well, and as has been said , plenty lube. Then one 8" one and the tool kit will do

I use a G clamp to break the bead before removal and to hold beads together when refitting.

 

[(RIP) maverick]

I have been down this road before and if you really only want to buy this once then get the

Pro Tyre Levers from Racespec. They are £7.50 each but mine is still going strong after many years and many tyres + tube changes.

I think they are the buzzetti type and have a little lip on the one side to prevent pinching the tube when you get the tyre back on the rim. Three of these should last you a lifetime

 

[ballistic]

I got a set of buzzetti ones

I have the Buzzetti ones also... great bits of kit.
I had mine stowed under the rear seat, where the U-lock goes. Only problem was, they slipped forward and prevented the seat lock operating... had to break one of the seat lugs to remove it.
They are securely fixed with a couple of cable-ties now

 

[pete.keys]

thanks everyone - buzzetti levers now on order!