Bike Hand long tyre levers

Three quid doesn’t go far but it buys a pair of Bike Hands extra long tyre levers. Kind to tyres, tubes and rims, they’re the perfect antidote to frayed tempers, blistered thumbs and ultra stubborn race rubber. Measuring a whopping 20cm they’re biased toward workshop use and the more delicate telescopic type might prove more practical for wedge packs. Nonetheless, ours remained undefeated whatever genre; profile or bead material was presented to them.

Made from a very strong non descript composite, these basically work on the principle of phenomenal leverage. Their subtle hooked tips are designed to slip beneath the bead while the broad handles sit comfortably in the palms come the big heave-ho. Pre-drilled for the tool board, stowing them inside your typical wedge pack presents a real challenge but creative minimalists could doubtless drill additional holes and have them hitch a ride with mini pumps and other accessories.

From the outset they inspire confidence and remove the most awkward tyres with nominal effort. Purging the tightly fitting 1.95 cross country rubber from my expedition wheelset usually takes the combined effort of four traditional types, phenomenal force, three minutes and words you wouldn’t utter in church. Slipping the first lever beneath the bead, I applied moderate downward pressure to lift it before inserting the second ten centimetres along. Applying consistent force, the remaining bead was chased effortlessly from the sidewalls before using my fingers to free the other side-all in forty- six seconds flat.

Most touring/trail types with profiles between 35 and 43mm will only require a single lever and can usually be popped back with bare hands. Sportier types often bite back at the last ten centimetres. Simply tucking both levers either end of the protruding section and easing them inboard tames the tightest 23mm in a trice.

Verdict

Super efficient and very strong levers kind to tyres, riders and wallets.