Hutchinson Tyre Lever

The Hutchinson Tyre Lever is a single standalone design, and although it lacks the universal compatibility and outright efficiency of my workshop tyre 'wand' (I wouldn't show the Hutchinson a carbon rim, given the steel core) it's a dependable staple for general home duties.

Measuring 20cm long, its stainless steel core with a thermoplastic coating along one end theoretically improves strength, giving some advantage when tackling a particularly stubborn steel rim and tyre combination while protecting aluminium alloy rims from dents, and tubes from puncture wounds. Smooth, sculpted ends reinforce this narrative.

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I've pitted it against a cross-section of tyres that can prove tricky customers and have, for the most part, been reassured by its blend of efficiency and rim/tube friendliness.

I'm a big fan of Continental Contact Plus tyres, but their 42mm sections can be tricky to remove and repatriate on medium depth gravel rims (not that I've had much cause to do so since they're ultra-dependable). Provided I've pinched the sidewall to prevent it peeling away, the Hutchinson's composite lip just scooped the remaining bead home. No straining, no grazed knuckles, no agricultural language.

It was a very similar story with those 16x1.75 tyres common to children's bikes, although I took advantage of their chromed steel rims and went for the tool's steel end for some more controlled force.

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In some instances, it's been necessary to employ what I refer to as the 'letter knife' technique. This involves lifting the bead and then carefully sliding the bead away, small sections at a time. And there have been a couple of occasions where I've needed to bring in a second lever.

The steel section can become a little slippery – not so much that it threatens to slide out of your hand, but I found donning a set of mechanic's gloves (with silicone grippers on the fingers and palms) a shrewd move when undertaking a series of swaps.

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Although it's ready drilled for the tool board, the steel core means it can be mounted to a magnetic tool holder for easy storage. It can also, of course, be slipped into a bag or pannier if you or one of your riding companions has a particularly stubborn tyre/rim combination.

I've also deliberately left it out for a few wet and windy days – no hint of tarnish, which is a welcome sign.

Value

Its rrp of £8.95 is competitive, given the specification. The TyreKey Tyre Tool comes in at £9.98, but is made from composites, and Mike Stead's experience suggests it's limited to narrow section road tyres. The Ice Toolz DH Aluminium or Carbon Rim Tyre Lever is a penny more at £9.99.

My workshop favourite is Cyclo's TL07720 Tyre Removal and Fitting Tool. It covers pretty much every eventuality but we're talking £14, getting on for twice the Hutchinson's asking price.

Then again, I've found Lifeline's set of two plastic tyre levers very effective and incredibly good value for £4.99 – 16cm long and made from surprisingly solid composites, so no need to think twice before tackling a carbon rim.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Hutchinson Tyre Lever is a decent staple for the home workshop and those situations requiring more leverage than the humble wedge pack duo. However, those with carbon rims and/or needing the last word in oomph will need to look elsewhere – and possibly spend a bit more.

Verdict

A decent lever for stubborn beads and metal rims