Anyone who rides a bike on a regular basis will tell you that flat tires are bound to occur. Tires can go flat due to any number of reasons. Tires could be punctured by foreign objects on the road, older tubes could leak air over time, or sometimes tubes blow out because they are overfilled with air on a hot day.
Whatever the reason may be that the tire went flat, it doesn’t mean that your ride has to be ruined. With the right tools and a little practice, you’ll be able to quickly change or patch the tube and be back on your way.
One of the most essential items that any rider can carry along with them is a set of tire levers. These inexpensive tools have a flat end that helps you pry the tire off the rim and a hooked end that you can loop around one of your spokes. Tire levers are usually made of either plastic or metal and can be purchased in sets of two or three.
Tire levers are an essential tool for anyone who needs to change a bicycle tire, especially if the tire is tight or has a wire bead.
Because they are so inexpensive, there’s no reason not to have a couple of them in your arsenal.
But how many tire levers do you need at least? Most of the time you typically need two bike tire levers to remove a bicycle tire. It might be possible to do it with less, but it’s best to use a pair of levers to avoid damaging the tire or the rim. Make sure you have at least 2 with you when preparing to go out on a ride. Since they are so small, you might want to throw in an extra in case one of them breaks.
My Personal Experience !
I remember one triathlon in particular where I experienced three punctures during the 66 mile long bike portion. It was late fall in Colorado, and many thorns had blown onto the roadway. I had a set of tire levers and a couple of spare tubes along with me, so I got right to work.
The first two changes were simple and I was able to get back in the saddle relatively quickly. When the third puncture happened I was about to resort to using my patch kit when another triathlete stopped and offered to let me use one of her spare tubes. I was so grateful – it’s always nice when athletes help each other!
Changing a flat tire is an essential skill for any cyclist, and it is highly recommended to learn how before venturing out on a ride of any distance. With some practice and a little patience, you’ll be able to use tire levers to fix your tire in no time flat.
In fact, many bike shops will offer classes on fixing flat tires, which is a great way to learn from others with more experience. It’s also a convenient time to pick up a set of levers and a spare tube or two!
Why Do You Need Two Tire Levers?
You need two bike tire levers to remove a bicycle tire because the tire is typically held tightly onto the rim, and it can be difficult to remove it using just one lever.
The first lever is essential in order to start the process of prying the tire out of its track in the rim. A second lever can give you the extra leverage necessary to continue the tire removal without accidentally bending the rim or tearing the rubber tire.
What Can I Use Instead of A Tire Lever?
While it’s recommended to use bike tire levers to remove a tire from a rim, you may be able to use other tools or objects in a pinch. Some possible alternatives are an old spoon, a flat head screwdriver, or even just your own two hands.
If using a spoon, make sure it isn’t out of the good set because you are almost certainly going to bend it. And make sure you wash it afterwards!
Flathead screwdrivers are pretty effective, but when using them to remove a tire it is very easy to accidentally scratch your rim. They also have a tendency to slip and could quickly puncture the tire itself if you’re not careful.
Sometimes tires are loose enough that you can use your fingers alone to get them separated from the rim enough to remove the tube. Of course, if it is the case that you can remove it from the rim without any additional tools, it is probably time to start tire shopping.
Should You Use Metal Tire Levers?
Metal tire levers are quite durable, and can be an effective tool for removing a bicycle tire from the rim. The downside is that they have the potential to damage the rim or puncture the tire if not used properly.
Personally, I prefer to use metal levers since they don’t tend to bend or break in the middle of an already stressful moment.
The key to using metal tire levers is to take your time. It is when we get rushed and try to force things too quickly that rim and/or tire damage can occur.
Important: However, if you have a carbon fiber or other lightweight rim, it’s recommended to use plastic tire levers instead of metal ones. Not only are carbon fiber rims very expensive, but they are also easily scratched and cracked.
Are Tire Levers Necessary?
I wouldn’t say that tire levers are absolutely necessary for changing a bicycle tire, but they definitely can make the process much easier and quicker.
Tire levers are also cheap enough that it is almost silly to attempt any sort of long-distance ride without carrying a set with you. Packing along a set of levers and a replacement tube will cost less than $20, but can save you hours of frustration and aggravation.
How Do You Use a Tire Lever? (Simple Explanation)
Tire levers are very simple tools to use once you know the basics. To use a tire lever, insert it between the flattened tire and the rim. Once inserted, push the lever down to lift the edge of the tire over the rim then hook the lever onto a spoke to keep it in place.
After the tire removal has been started, insert another tire lever into the gap between the tire and rim, then slide the second lever along the rim to keep removing more of the tire. Keep going until one side of the tire is completely off the rim.
Remove both levers and pull out the inner tube from under the tire. Check the tube for holes by inflating it slightly and listening for hissing sounds. You can also submerge it in water and look for bubbles. When you locate the source of the leak, you can either patch it or replace it with a new one.
So the next time you are preparing to go for a ride of any distance, make sure you pack along a couple of tire levers in your emergency kit. Not only are they inexpensive, but in the case of a puncture they can help make the best of an unpleasant situation!
