Good grief. What can we say about tyre levers? We all need them? That’s about it.
I’ve had a set of Park Tool plastic levers – the TL-1.2s – for yonks.
They’re plastic, blue – kwell surprise – and clip together so that they don’t rattle around in your saddle bag or jersey pocket.
A recent epiphany, brought about by having more than one of my many bike shape objects functional at the same time, was that I should have a set of levers, as well as a spare inner tube, with each one, rather than having to remember to switch them over each time I ride.
So I bought another couple of lever sets. Again from Park Tool. This time the TL-4.2s.
Like my original set, the TL-4.2s work – a good start! – and seem to be made of the same high quality plastic that Fisher Price used for all my childhood toys rather than the brittle modern stuff that kiddie tat is made of these days.
So, strong enough to perform the subtle art of being a tyre lever, but not so hard as to damage my rim…s in clumsy hands.
The main difference between the 1.2s and the 4.2s is that despite the larger number in the name, there are fewer tyre levers in the box. Packet.
The 4.2s come as a brace; the 1.2s are a thrice.
And two is probably enough for my tyre removal needs. Generally I use one to make the initial incision, which I then hook into place. And number two goes round the rim to prize off the tyre.
The 4.2s are wider, with hooks on both sides to allow you the most flexibility to lock the first lever in place whilst you work the second around the rim to unseat the tyre.
Whilst each individual lever is slightly larger, it’s marginally easier to store two of them about your person or bike, rather than three. You don’t have the backup if you lose one though.
The 4.2s also save an important 5g of weight. This could make all the difference in me successfully summiting Alpe Du Zwift or not.
I should observe at this point that I am rubbish at tyre removal. I frequently bruise knuckles and shear off skin. It’s all in my poor technique.
But despite that, the Park Tool levers work well for me. They help me to remove tyres with the least pain possible. Which I suppose is a Sportive Cyclist thumbs up.
That’s it.
A review of two pieces of plastic.
At some point you’ll need to buy tyre levers.
You may as well get these ones.
