Tyre levers

Shedite27

Do people use tyre levers when putting a tyre back on their wheels? I've had some problems recently with punctures which I reckon could be to do with my technique. I use the levers to replace the tyre and 3 times this year I've had punctures rapidly after another. I'm on a road bike.

I always thought levers were essential but see some videos online where people don't use them.

I don't repair/reuse tyres and I do check the type for glass etc.

helimachoptor

I always change the tube.. i use a tea spoon

jinkypolly

Shedite27 wrote: »

Do people use tyre levers when putting a tyre back on their wheels? I've had some problems recently with punctures which I reckon could be to do with my technique. I use the levers to replace the tyre and 3 times this year I've had punctures rapidly after another. I'm on a road bike.

I always thought levers were essential but see some videos online where people don't use them.

I don't repair/reuse tyres and I do check the type for glass etc.

When you get a puncture do you thoroughly inspect the tyre, tube and wheel to ascertain the cause of the puncture and to see if any foreign objects need to be removed?

Shedite27

jinkypolly wrote: »

When you get a puncture do you thoroughly inspect the tyre, tube and wheel to ascertain the cause of the puncture and to see if any foreign objects need to be removed?

Yeah I always have a good look for glass etc in the tyre.

Always use new tubes too.

Mugser

I have one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Tire-Bead-Jack/dp/B001AYML7K/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_y
Got it years ago out of a catalogue in the days before internet!! :eek::eek:
Still one of the handiest items in the tool box.

thejaguar

If you're checking the tyre inside and out, the rim tap and general wheel rim you should have covered everything.
The other thing that might be worth a go is to pump the tyre up a little then give it a squeeze on both sides all the way round the rim. This should free the tube if it's pinched anywhere.

happytramp

Totally depends on the tyre/rim combo. Some are easy to do by hand, others not so. Don't use cheap metal levers they tend to pinch the tube and rip it. Before you use the lever prod it up under the area you want to shift to make sure the tube is right up in there.

Also use these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/pedros-tyre-lever/rp-prod10042 they never go out of shape and come with a life time guarantee. Only levers you'll ever need, 100%.

07Lapierre

If your bike is a road bike, you should never use levers to put a tyre ON. With the correct technique, you should be able to remove the tyres and fit them using your hands only.

circular flexing

This technique is a good one especially for Marathon tires


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XUFVrl0UT4

TheBlaaMan

When you take the tyre off have a really good look around it, especially the sidewall which can be damaged by being pinched against the rim if the tube/tyre has been under-inflated and you've hit some sharp tarmac/potholes. Its normal enough to just check inside the main surface of the tyre, but if the sidewall is damaged you may get a piece of the infalted tube protruding and easily puncturing. Alternatively full inflate the tyre and have a really good look around the full tyre .

ZiabR

07Lapierre wrote: »

If your bike is a road bike, you should never use levers to put a tyre ON. With the correct technique, you should be able to remove the tyres and fit them using your hands only.

I would second this, I only use the lever to take the tyre off the rim. The rest is done by hand, including putting the tyre back onto the rim.

Shedite27

circular flexing wrote: »

This technique is a good one especially for Marathon tires


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XUFVrl0UT4

This was the video that caused my initial query. Until yesterday I presumed all bikes needed the levers to put the type back on. This video taught me otherwise but when I tried to do my own bike by hand yesterday it was very tight. I'll give it another go tonight.

Thanks for all the advice lads. Some good tips. Please god these repeat punctures will stop now!

MB Lacey

I've tried to use just my hands putting tyres back on, but I'm just not strong enough when it comes to the last bit, so I have to use levers.
Never had any problems.

.ak

Depends on the wheel.. I recently changed my first tube on a 29" MTB wheel... and it was easy to do it with my hands because when deflated it's such a big tyre it's easy just to push in and pull out the tube.

Unknown Soldier

MB Lacey wrote: »

I've tried to use just my hands putting tyres back on, but I'm just not strong enough when it comes to the last bit, so I have to use levers.
Never had any problems.

Same. Mate at work has no problems using his thumbs to get a tyre back on but I just don't have the strength

I have to use a lever for the last 7 inches or so but I don't "lever" it back on. It's more of a knife slicing thing, which I'm not even going to try and put into words.

Darkglasses

Depends on the tyre. Can't do gatorskins without levers but normal Vittorias are no bother.

Beasty

I pretty much always use levers to put the tyres back on and have never suffered another puncture as a result (and tbh, in my current state I may not even be able to re-mount a tyre with levers!!)

Shedite27

Well you'll be glad to hear I went out and did it by hand for the first time tonight. Worked easier than I expected (27 inch wheels on a road bike - not gators). Trick seems to be when you have 5/6 inches left, to do a little from each side, keeping alterating, even if you only get a cm or so each side each time. Think I'll keep doing that now that I know it can be done.

07Lapierre

Shedite27 wrote: »

Well you'll be glad to hear I went out and did it by hand for the first time tonight. Worked easier than I expected (27 inch wheels on a road bike - not gators). Trick seems to be when you have 5/6 inches left, to do a little from each side, keeping alterating, even if you only get a cm or so each side each time. Think I'll keep doing that now that I know it can be done.

Did you get the tyre off without using levers?

Shedite27

07Lapierre wrote: »

Did you get the tyre off without using levers?

Hell no :P

Sorry, meant I got the type back on without levers. Don't think there's much risk taking the old tyre off - the tube is punctured at that stage anyway. It was getting it back on again with the new tube in one piece I was causing damage

G1032

I use these Park Tool levers. Do the job perfectly.

07Lapierre

Shedite27 wrote: »

Hell no :P

Sorry, meant I got the type back on without levers. Don't think there's much risk taking the old tyre off - the tube is punctured at that stage anyway. It was getting it back on again with the new tube in one piece I was causing damage

The only risk is you might have to fix two punctures instead of just one.

jrar

Shedite27 wrote: »

Well you'll be glad to hear I went out and did it by hand for the first time tonight. Worked easier than I expected (27 inch wheels on a road bike - not gators). Trick seems to be when you have 5/6 inches left, to do a little from each side, keeping alterating, even if you only get a cm or so each side each time. Think I'll keep doing that now that I know it can be done.

Just to aid you more next time, when you're down to the last 5/6 inches, move to the opposite side of the tyre and putting the type between your thumb and forefinger, draw your hand around the tyre up to the final part in order to "stretch" the tyre as much as possible - repeat on the other side and you'll see a visible diff. in how quickly you can close out the last 5/6 inches