Submitted by
mddelaney
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln, NE Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Road
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
Cycleworks
Strengths:
Lightweight, Easy to store, Easy to Use, Super Fast
Weaknesses:
Feels a little flimsy, and if you push on the middle of the lever while it's telescoped, there is a greater chance of it bending or breaking. Don't force the lever either, because there is a chance it could snap.
Similar Products Used:
Pedro's lever
Bike Setup:
Road bike
Bottom Line:
I do a lot of triathlons, and this lever is so quick and lightweight. In an ironman, I had my tire changed and was back riding in less that 5 minutes. I've had the lever for about 5 years now, and I had to buy another one, only because my brother used it and won't give it back. It can be broken, so put pressure on the lever near the tire instead of the middle. I recommend this to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Hertfordshire, UK Date Reviewed: October 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Real easy to use - does what is says it does
Weaknesses:
At $10-$12 in UK shops, I would expect this to last more than 3 times. Bent on the second, snapped on the third.
Similar Products Used:
Ancient metal levers that have been around about 30 years. Mum's spoons when i was younger (but don't tell her)!
Bike Setup:
'07 Trance 3, Juicy 7's & TALAS X forks
Bottom Line:
Well designed but very poorly executed. If it was proven stronger I'd buy another as it really works. As it is, far too flimsy and useless bit of kit. $4 for each tire change sucks. Sort it out. Maybe make a titanium one where the three individual parts detatch from one another to make 3 levers for use in intial difficulty of getting tire of rim. Don't buy one yet - you'll regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Similar Products Used:
Metal and plastic tire levers
Bike Setup:
Rans Screamer tandem recumbent
Bottom Line:
So far, I have removed and installed a 26" Primo Comet tire several times, and the Speed Lever has performed as promised! As noted by other reviewers, the Speed Lever looks flimsy, but it has held up so far, and it works much faster than traditional tire levers, with less risk of pinching your tube. Makes removing and installing tires a pleasure!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
trail? I ride road
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
No risk of pinching the tube while struggling with tight road bike tires.
Weaknesses:
Maybe it will snap, but I'm buying two to put in my seat bag.
Similar Products Used:
Those #%@#$% yellow plastic tire levers. Pedros I think they were. Maybe they are good for somebody with skill and patience, but I ruined so many tubes with those.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale R1000 Road Bike with Ultegra stuff on it. Nuff said.
Bottom Line:
I love this thing. Road bike tires are so (^#&#*! tight and I have pinched many tubes trying to get the tire back on with a regular lever. Then I would get even more impatient/frustrated and I got into a stretch where I pinched my way through all the patches and tubes I had with me on two consecutive rides. Had to call a taxi to get home.
With this tool, I slipped the tire on in just a few seconds with NO risk of pinching the tube. I love this thing! I love this thing!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CK
a Cross Country Rider
from Grass Valley, CA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
S. Yuba Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
One piece tire lever
Weaknesses:
Still need another tire lever to change a tire/tube. Broke after the third time I used it.
Similar Products Used:
various plastic tire evers
Bike Setup:
26 inch, Rhino Lite Rims, WTB Weirwolf tires
Bottom Line:
This lever is just a money maker that doesn't have practical use...a gimmick. It may work on road tires, but Mountain bike tires need strength to change the robust tires. Mine warped on the second use and broke on the third. I'm going back to the standard levers and just replace them once in awhile.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
anthony wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from 324 w whiting ave Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Works great once . . .
Weaknesses:
. . . then it breaks
Similar Products Used:
Regular levers
Bottom Line:
The first time I used it on a tire I was thrilled at how easily it mounted the tire. To unmount, you still need to work with a standard lever. When I went to mount my next tire, however, the head snapped off. It is as flimsy as it looks. If you're mounting a regular tire, then this tool isn't necessary. When you are mounting a tight tire, which is when you would need the Speed Lever, it chokes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Kattelmann
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Apex Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
It works fabuously.
Weaknesses:
You have to make sure the tube doesn't get caught between the bead and the tool.
Similar Products Used:
Tire levers
Bike Setup:
Fixed gear road bike
Bottom Line:
I broke two tire levers and wasted 1.5 hours trying to put a tire on my road wheel. With this tool, it took me 3 minutes to install the same tire/rim combination. I just wish I'd had this before.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hal
a
from Nashville Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Easy to use, small and lightweight
Weaknesses:
Seems flimsy, but it hasn't broken (yet).
Similar Products Used:
Standard plastic tire lever sets
Bottom Line:
The best tool in my kit! Works as well as a shop tool, but collapses down to something close to the size of a set of standard levers. I am infuriatingly clumsy with most lever sets, and I've always dreaded tire changes. This tool makes removing and mounting tires so easy, I almost look forward to it!
The plastic does seem kind of cheap, but the Speedlever is cheap, small, and light enough to justify carrying more than one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, Canada Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
TransCanada Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
Neighbourhood bike shop
Strengths:
Light weight; adjusts to different wheel size; compact
Weaknesses:
Appears weak and flimsy
Similar Products Used:
Regular 3-pack tire levers
Bike Setup:
Touring single; hybred tandem
Bottom Line:
I've used it 5 or 6 times; 4 for others' and 2 for mine. It takes tire off or on quicker than two shakes of a lamb's tail. Whether around town or around the world, this is a "must carry" item!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$6.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Does its job and does it fast.
Weaknesses:
None really.
Similar Products Used:
Generic tire levers, screwdrivers
Bike Setup:
I don't like to brag.
Bottom Line:
Looks flimsy but it's really not. Good simple design. Easy to use. Nothing better. Kinda expensive for $6.00 though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DEEK
a Downhiller
from Winnipeg, MB, Canada Date Reviewed: January 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Broke the first time i used it.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Brodie Bruzza. Trials setup
Bottom Line:
I got this for a gift for x-mas. I tried to take my kenda kinetic off of my rim, and the head of it snapped right off! I am going to take it in for warrenty. Do NOT buy this. It is a waste of time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Uchacz
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Depends on my mood.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$8.00
Purchased At:
Wheels of Justice
Strengths:
Does what the package says. I fear my Rhino Lytes no more. Riders with tight tire/rim combos will be pleased with this product.
Weaknesses:
I do have to use a second (traditional) lever to get started for removal, but the speed lever does expedite the whole removal/install process.
Similar Products Used:
Various tire levers by topeak, park tool & others
Bike Setup:
Rhino Lytes and Hutchinson Scorpions
Bottom Line:
This product does what it is suppose to do. I found it at my LBS, and decided to give it a try since the Rhino Lytes were killing me. I am now happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex G
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilmington, DE Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$6.00
Purchased At:
somewhere online
Strengths:
Absolutely the best tool for tire removal/installation
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Plastic tire levers
Bottom Line:
After struggling and braking half a dozen of regular plastic tire levers I decided to give this one a try. I was amazad how well it works, especially considering that I have Rhyno Lite rims on my MTB -- they are a real b#tch to get anything on or off. I can't believe people are complaining about these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Wales
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
www.primera-bournemouth.co.uk
Strengths:
Works great, very light and was the envy of my mates, every one I know who rides now has one.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Tacx simple tyre levers [no competition]
Bike Setup:
Cross country Specialized Epic...also great, and purchased from the same place
Bottom Line:
For the money this must be the best buy ever made....so easy to use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6.00
Purchased At:
Halfords
Strengths:
The marketing hype.
Weaknesses:
Simply doesn't work on tight tyres, which it claims to be good for.
Similar Products Used:
Plastic & metal tyre levers
Bike Setup:
Mavic 517 rims on Halfords semi-slick 26 x 1.90
Bottom Line:
After breaking 3 plastic tyre levers trying to refit a tyre, I bought this tool.
When used for removing the tyre it required the help of traditional tyre levers to get it started.
When used for refitting the tyre it was OK until trying to get the last difficult bit of an extremely tight tyre over the rim. The tyre just wouldn't budge - not surprising when the tool applies force in totally the wrong direction, and doesn't use leverage at all. I resorted to traditional metal levers, which completed the job in seconds.
Very disappointed with this tool and will be asking for my money back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: January 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Halfords - uk
Strengths:
eerm
Weaknesses:
Didn't work at all
Bike Setup:
Trek Marlin with Continental Semislick 26x1.60
Bottom Line:
Impossible to get the tyre off the rim - tyres relatively tight on rim but not problem with standard levers.
Also not possible to snap onto the rim to put the tyre back on - not a problem with not getting the tyre off!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zatoichi
a
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Works well when it works-ingenious design
Weaknesses:
Not strong enough to withstand repeated use
Similar Products Used:
Various plastic & metal tire levers (still prefer old-school metal)
Bottom Line:
A good idea hampered by so-so execution. While the Speed Lever does work fairly well as long as the tire being installed/removed isn't too tight on the rim, it's also quite possible to snap off the head of the tool, particularly while struggling with a tight bead on installation (as I found out).
If the Crank Bros. would care to make a version built out of something stronger, I'd be happy to give it a higher rating. As it is, I'm not sure I'll be buying another one (note: after breaking the Speed Lever, I've gone back to using my 20-year old metal levers. They still work, just not as quickly).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$8.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Fast and easy!
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Conventional plastic levers
Bike Setup:
DeVinci Podium and Specialized Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
Unbelievably cool. I went to change my tire yesterday, which would normally take me about 10 minutes with lots of cursing and pinched fingers. With the Speed Lever, it also took 10 minutes, but about 1 minute of that was removing and installing the tire, and 9 minutes was staring in disbelief at how easy and quick it all was. A great tool!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
7thDegree
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Ease and SPEED of use, no hooking levers into spokes
Weaknesses:
It's a bit long and fits tight in my micro pack (had to think of something...)
Similar Products Used:
Handful of levers, screwdrivers (we were all young and stupid once)
I love this thing! It's fast and easy to get a tire off (I only pull one side to get to the tube) and sturdier than you think. It's not the best at getting that last three inches back on the rim, but I can thumb that back on with no problem. Never needed soap or water, but I could see that helping.
I'm a total iconoclast about biking, and not encumbered with ideas of how it's always been done, tradition, etc. I can use levers, but they're not as quick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Herder
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsfield, MA USA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blair Witch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Can speed up tire installation or removal. Not likely to pinch tube during installation.
Weaknesses:
Impossible to remove tight tires.
Similar Products Used:
Metal tire levers.
Bottom Line:
I can't believe so many people have had so much success using this tool.
I bought this tool awhile ago and tested them on a set of wheels in my basement just to make sure I knew how to use it. I found it very difficult to get the tool moving along the rim during the tire removal process, but once going it worked fine. I didn't try soapy water as one person suggested because who will have that available out on the trail? Re-installing the tires was very easy. That's definitely the strong point for this tool - no more pinching the inner tube during installation.
However, out on the trail, on a different bike with tires that fit kind of snug, it was IMPOSSIBLE to remove my tires using this tool. I mean totally impossible. I tried and tried and tried and just could not get the tool to slide along the rim and rip the tire off. I was actually suprised the tool didn't snap right off because I was pulling hard. I did hold it near the head because I'm sure I would break it if I held it anywhere else. I was worried about scraping my knuckles on the spokes if it ever let go and did slide along the rim, but that never happened. I don't know if putting baby powder on your tires at installation time would help, but that's a pain.
In my opinion, this tool is a good idea but it's so hard to use on snug tires it's only worth keeping in your basement for installing tires and possibly for one quick attempt at removing them before using normal tire levers.
I can't believe so many people have written so many good reviews on this product. If it were advertised as a tire installation tool, I would give it 5 stars. Since it's advertised as both an installation and removal tool, I'll give it 5 for install, 0 for removal = 2.5 rounded down = 2. Sorry 'bout that guys - I do like your multi-tool! :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Takes less than 5 minutes to completely change out a tube.
Weaknesses:
A little tricky at first, but after that, mind-numbingly easy to use.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
Buy this, you will thank yourself. One of the few things you'll buy in MTBing that you'll think is UNDERpriced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark james
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
Park Ave Bike
Strengths:
GREAT for mounting tight tire/rim combos
Weaknesses:
It looks like it will break the 1st time you use it. But it doesn't!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Nylon/Plastic levers
Bike Setup:
Campy rims and Michelin kevlar bead tires
Bottom Line:
After a lot of blisters and sprained thumbs, I decided to try some mechanical advantage when mounting my road bike tires (Hey, you don't see the pros at the local Goodyear shop trying to mount tires using THEIR thumbs do you?).
This thing is GREAT. What used to be a painful multi-hour process is now a quick 10 minute job.
Just be sure you use some soapy water on the tool and tire sidewall. Also keep the tool moving when mounting. It seems to help to have a little momentum going.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harry
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethesda, Maryland Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$8.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Ease of use, and it works.
Bottom Line:
I can't say enough good things about this tool. I used it for the first time today and in 5 seconds it mounted a tire that I usually struggle with for 5 minutes. Dollar for dollar, one of the best purchases I've ever made.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wolftek
a
from las vegas nv USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6.00
Bottom Line:
I have used this on both kevlar and wire beaded tires it works equally as well on both. The real strong point is on installing tires. I see no major advantage with removals. I was skeptical with durability but so far no problems. It passed the real test when a friend who is very heavy handed (breaks things easily) used it and returned it unbroken. Highly recommend. You think its just a gimmick but it works....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City, MX Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
So easy to use even a novice (like me) can use it without much trouble. It helps you remove the tire from the wheel in less than a couple minutes without much effort.
Weaknesses:
As others have pointed out, the plastic could be better but considering the price it's still a great deal.
Bottom Line:
This is a great tool. Anyone who rides a bike will appreciate how easy it is to use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bigbon
a
from riverside, AL, USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
colorado cyclist
Strengths:
takes tires on and off
Weaknesses:
none
Bottom Line:
a tire lever on steroids.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wil
a
from LA, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Fast
Weaknesses:
Could have been made with strong plastic.
Similar Products Used:
Tire Lever on an Topeak Alien (which by the are worthless)
Bottom Line:
This thing is fast. It will allow to take off or install a tire in seconds. BUY IT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christofer Curven
a Cross Country Rider
from Proctorsville, VT, USA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$8.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
It works great! Simple! Light wieght!
Weaknesses:
Haven't had it long enough.
Similar Products Used:
Other levers, Specialized, Park, Pedros. All suck in comparison. Especially when the mesquitos are hungry!
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth, but doesn't matter for this.
Bottom Line:
It's simple and quick. Light weight. It really is shocking. You have to have one. Buy some for your friends they'll love you.
Only 8 bucks. You know you've blown more on a bad burrito that only comes back to haunt you in the morning!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIKE
a Cross Country Rider
from PLEASANTON, CA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
MT. DIABLO
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$8.00
Purchased At:
LIVERMORE CYCLERY
Strengths:
IT IS THE FASTEST AND EASIEST TIRE LEVER IN THE WORLD. NO BANGED KNUCKLES, NO BLISTERED THUMBS AND NO SWEARING. IT REMOVED AND INSTALLED CONTINENTAL AVENUE SEMI-SLICKS, WHICH ARE KNOWN AS A UNBELIEVEBLY TIGHT TIRE, IN SECONDS. NO LAST FEW INCHES THAT TAKE FOREVER TO GET ON AND OFF THE RIM. IT ALSO WORKS JUST AS GOOD ON ROAD TIRES!!
Weaknesses:
I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY YET!!!
Similar Products Used:
ANY NUMBER OF REGULAR AND EXOTIC TIRE LEVERS.
Bike Setup:
LIGHTSPEED TITANIUM
Bottom Line:
THIS IS THE ONLY TIRE LEVER YOU WILL EVER NEED. IT GETS THE JOB DONE WITHOUT ALL THE USUAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH FLATS. USE IT ONCE AND YOU WILL NEVER USE ANOTHER BRAND OF TIRE LEVER AGAIN!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester NY Date Reviewed: October 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
Very trick! Looked cool, so I bought it. Works great, easiest I ever changed a tire. Can't wait to try it on my road bike.
Weaknesses:
Knobs tend to hang the lever up when seating the tire.
Similar Products Used:
Basic tire levers
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super V 500, Bridgestone RB2, and Bridgestone MB3
Bottom Line:
Works great! I bought it today, to have on my first ride of my new Super V. Of course I flat 30 minutes into my first ride. (I suppose that's my punishment for leaving work early to go riding). I highly reccomend this item. Cost might be a bit high if it breaks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry Whittle
a Weekend Warrior
from Belleville, IL, USA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$8.00
Purchased At:
Main Street Cycle Belleville IL
Strengths:
My 13 year-old daughter used the Speed Lever in doing a demo-performance tire change at school. We're talking difficult 700x20 road tires here. She didn't have a problem.
Weaknesses:
After a couple of years of use, I did manage to crack one
Highly recommended! I've bought one for my daughter, son, and myself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a
from Blacksburg, VA, USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
East Coasters
Strengths:
Does what it says and does it fairly well. The trick factor. Hasn't broken yet.
Weaknesses:
Sticks sometimes when the tire is really tight. When installing wide tires the head scrapes on the tire and makes it difficult to move.
Similar Products Used:
hands, normal tire levers
Bike Setup:
2000 Trek 6500 with bontrager bar ends
Bottom Line:
I was really picky with this review because that's what I like in a review. I would suggest this product to anyone. It has minor flaws, but it works really slick. And remember that Jesus Christ is the man. He rocks and is the only way to true happyness (not to mention eternal life) Peace
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toshi
a
from US Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Seattle Bike Expo
Strengths:
Great concept, looks great on paper.
Weaknesses:
Causes me to cut up my knuckles on the bead with regularity. Ouch. Doesn't substitute for two (or three) normal tire levers.
Similar Products Used:
normal tire levers
Bottom Line:
Stick with normal tire levers -- while the Speed Lever will win you over with its cool looks, you will swear at it when you actually attempt to use it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marko
a Weekend Warrior
from Near Epping,UK Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Epping Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
It Works No more sore fingers It Works Change tyres in minutes It works
Weaknesses:
Not sure about longevity with steel beaded tyres (Works fantastically with Kevlar though)
Similar Products Used:
Park
Bike Setup:
Orange Sub 5 with nice bits
Bottom Line:
It works
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Gets tires on/off rims nice and easy
Weaknesses:
Breaks with really tough tires.
Similar Products Used:
regular plastic tyre levers
Bottom Line:
Just to add to my previous review -- it works great, sure, but it also breaks pretty easily. Not the long extending bit, even, the actual "solid" head that you use to lever tires over the rim. If you get a tire that's really difficult to get on, this thing'll break.
This isn't a big deal with regular cheap tire levers, but at the price of this one, I'd expected a bit more durability. Value rating's going down because of this -- it still worked great until it broke, but..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Atlanta, Ga Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
roads
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Works great! Especially easy to get tires off with this thing
Weaknesses:
It flexes a lot when putting a tire on, so I worry that I will break it. Some tires (ie Michelin axial pros) have such tight beads that it is difficult to get the last few inches of the tire on with this tool
Similar Products Used:
regular old levers
Bike Setup:
Sampson Kalispell Ti with DA
Bottom Line:
Takes up less space than tire levers, cooler,easier and cheap!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Providence Date Reviewed: May 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
8A
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
compact, zips tire right off of there, trickness factor
Weaknesses:
can pop off of axle, and make sure you hold it by the head, or it will flex in the middle a lot
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Prybabys
Bottom Line:
Does what it does pretty damn good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: November 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, simple to use
Similar Products Used:
tire levers
Bike Setup:
Bianchi road bike
Bottom Line:
Crank BrothersSpeed Lever is the greatest! It actually works. I can change a tire in a few minutes and still have my fingers intact.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB Date Reviewed: October 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Does what it says on the package -- makes putting tyres on/off an _awful_ lot easier. There's not much more to say -- just that it'll save you wrestling with tyre levers and yanking the rims around. Can't recommend it highly enough..
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Van Slyke
a Cross-Country Rider
from skaneateles,ny Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
bear swamp
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Puts bead back on the rim in a flash. Light weight.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't get the bead off the rim as well. On my Continental road tires it gets stuck and I need to use an additional tire iron.
Similar Products Used:
regular tire irons
Bike Setup:
specialized rockhopper TREK 5200
Bottom Line:
Love it because getting my tire back on is always the hardest part of changing a flat and that is where this tool excels.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Underhill
a Weekend Warrior
from Muncie, Indiana Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hoosier National Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Makes changing tires a breeze. Getting the tire off is usually not too difficult for me, but getting it back on the rim used to be. Now I use the Speed Lever and mounting the rubber on the rim is easier than ever...quick too.
Similar Products Used:
Traditional tire levers, aluminum and plastic.
Bike Setup:
Panaracer knobbies to an Araya rim.
Bottom Line:
I asked for a Crank Brothers Speed Lever for Christmas. It turns out that it is one of the best gifts I have ever recieved! I finally got the chance to use it, I actually volunteered to change a co-workers tire just so I could try it out. I am expecially impressed with how easy it makes mouning the tire to the rim. I had planned on keeping the Speed Lever in the garage, but it's home is in my saddle bag now so I'll have it whenever I need it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from Sonoma, CA Date Reviewed: August 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
Awesome!! Finally a product that lives up to the hype. The telescoping lever makes changing a tire a snap! I've also been fortunate enough to have met some of the people at Crank bros. and they were really cool,down-to-earth folks who were obviously passionate about their product. Can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Missouri Date Reviewed: August 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
So simple, yet so useful. I never leave home (on my bike) with out it! I've had no problems with Conti tires (see below). It doesn't fit in my current seat pack, so I have ordered a slightly larger on just to make sure I have it with me on every ride (I carry it in a jersey pocket). Get one--you'll love it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Anderson
a racer
from Erlanger, KY USA Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
I eagerly awaited for the local bike shop to get this bad boy in, because I was tired of changing flats and having my hands look like they were stuck in a meat grinder for fun. Finally the answer to all the tire changes out there arrived so I raced home to give it a dry run and discovered that this thing really works, amazing, a product that really works! There is one small detail, that if the engineers are reading this or anyone else who rides continental tires wire or kevlar, when attempting to remove the tire from the rim, the pry side of the speed lever will break or bend to the point of uselessness. Otherwise all other tire manufacturers no problemo, just conti tires that's all. Perhaps, a stronger plastic to remedy this. Overall, 4 chilis to this product.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Flynn
a cross-country rider
from Newport Beach, CA Date Reviewed: February 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
The Speed Lever has made the dreaded task of changing a flat ridiculously easy. One lever is all you need... just break the bead, pop in the lever, pull out the extending handle and lock it to the axle... then spin the lever around the rim... that's it... the tire bead comes off easily... then you flip the lever around and it pops the bead back on! Think of the bandages you'll save... amazing little gadget....
Overall Rating:
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