The A-to-Z Guide to Lever Tyres: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Lever tyres, also known as pry bars or tire levers, are essential tools for any cyclist. They are used to remove and install tyres from rims, and can also be used for other tasks such as prying open tight objects or adjusting brakes. There are many different types of lever tyres available on the market, so it is important to choose the right type for your needs.

Types of Lever Tyres

Lever tyres come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most common types include:

• Plastic lever tyres: These are the most common type of lever tyre, and are made from a durable plastic material. They are lightweight and easy to use, but may not be as strong as other types of lever tyres.
• Metal lever tyres: Metal lever tyres are made from a strong metal such as steel or aluminium. They are more durable than plastic lever tyres, but can also be heavier and more difficult to use.
• Composite lever tyres: Composite lever tyres are made from a combination of materials, such as plastic and metal. They offer the best of both worlds, being both strong and lightweight.

How to Choose the Right Lever Typre for You

When choosing a lever tyre, you should consider the following factors:

• The type of tyres you use: Some lever tyres are designed for specific types of tyres, such as road tyres or mountain bike tyres. If you use a lever tyre that is not designed for your type of tyres, it may not be effective or could even damage your tyres.
• The size of your rims: Lever tyres come in different sizes to accommodate different rim sizes. It is important to choose a lever tyre that is the right size for your rims. If you use a lever tyre that is too small, it may not be able to pry open the tyre bead. If you use a lever tyre that is too large, it could damage your rims.
• Your strength: Lever tyres can require a lot of force to use, especially if your tyres are tight. If you are not strong enough to use a lever tyre, you may want to consider using a tyre lever tool.

How to Use Lever Tyres

Once you have chosen the right lever tyre, you can follow these steps to use it:

1. Position the lever tyre between the tyre bead and the rim.
2. Pry the tyre bead up and over the rim.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 around the entire circumference of the tyre.
4. Once the tyre bead is over the rim, you can use your hands to remove the tyre from the rim.

Tips for Using Lever Tyres

• Use two lever tyres at the same time. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to remove the tyre bead.
• Be careful not to damage your tyres or rims. If you are not sure how to use lever tyres, it is best to consult with a professional mechanic.
• Keep your lever tyres clean. If your lever tyres are dirty, they may not be able to grip the tyre bead properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people make when using lever tyres. These include:

• Using the wrong type of lever tyre. As mentioned above, it is important to choose the right type of lever tyre for your needs. If you use the wrong type of lever tyre, it may not be effective or could even damage your tyres.
• Using lever tyres that are too small or too large. Lever tyres come in different sizes to accommodate different rim sizes. It is important to choose a lever tyre that is the right size for your rims. If you use a lever tyre that is too small, it may not be able to pry open the tyre bead. If you use a lever tyre that is too large, it could damage your rims.
• Using too much force. Lever tyres can require a lot of force to use, but it is important to be careful not to use too much force. If you use too much force, you could damage your tyres or rims.

Why Lever Tyres Matter

Lever tyres are an essential tool for any cyclist. They can be used to remove and install tyres, and can also be used for other tasks such as prying open tight objects or adjusting brakes. By using lever tyres properly, you can save yourself time and hassle, and keep your bike in good condition.

Benefits of Using Lever Tyres

There are many benefits to using lever tyres, including:

• Time savings: Lever tyres can help you to remove and install tyres quickly and easily. This can save you time when you are changing a flat tyre or installing new tyres.
• Effort savings: Lever tyres can help you to remove and install tyres with less effort. This is especially beneficial if you are not strong enough to use a tyre lever tool.
• Prevention of damage: Lever tyres can help you to prevent damage to your tyres and rims. If you use lever tyres properly, you can avoid scratching or gouging your tyres or rims.

How to Choose the Right Lever Typre for You

When choosing a lever tyre, you should consider the following factors:

• The strength of the lever tyre. The strength of a lever tyre is determined by the material it is made from. Stronger lever tyres are made from metal, while weaker lever tyres are made from plastic.
• The length of the lever tyre. The length of a lever tyre is determined by the size of the rim it is designed to work with. Longer lever tyres are designed for larger rims, while shorter lever tyres are designed for smaller rims.
• The angle of the lever tyre. The angle of a lever tyre is determined by the shape of the head. Lever tyres with a sharper angle are designed for prying open tight objects, while lever tyres with a duller angle are designed for removing and installing tyres.

Conclusion

Lever tyres are an essential tool for any cyclist. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can choose the right lever tyre for your needs and use it safely and effectively.