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Tyre Levers/Irons, bead breakers, which ones??? Tyre Levers/Irons, bead breakers, which ones???
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  #1  
Old 24 Apr 2013
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Question Tyre Levers/Irons, bead breakers, which ones???
Hi all
Does any one have experience of using 'bead breaker' tyre levers? Do they work? Are they long enough? What tyre levers are easiest to use? I have tubeless tyres.
As you may have guessed I am a novice at getting the rubber off, all advice welcome.

Cheers
Andy
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Old 24 Apr 2013
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I've just bought a motion pro combo tyre lever and hex spanner. Can't testify to it's abilities yet but it is almost lickably beautiful...ahem..

That aside, I like my Buzzetti levers, not bead breakers but good quality.

However, my experience has only been with tube-type rims so I'll be as interested as you are in what others recommend. Especially so, now I've gone tubeless..!

Maybe some ideas on puncture repair kits would be welcome too...?
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Old 26 Apr 2013
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I have a 'mushroom gun' puncture repair kit, it was highly recommended & the beauty of it is that you do not need any adhesive for the repair as the tyre pressure holds the repair in place, no need to carry tubes of glue any more.
That said, I have fortunately not needed to use it so far & cannot personally verify how well it works
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Old 27 Apr 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty View Post
I've just bought a motion pro combo tyre lever and hex spanner. Can't testify to it's abilities yet but it is almost lickably beautiful...ahem..
I am using the motion pro combo tyre lever and hex spanner in conjunction with the normal lever (with lip ridge on one side) and I love it!

Its been apart my my kit for 2.5 going on 3 years now and i can not fault it. I also go the socket head adaptor and i use that reguarly too (to change my oil)
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Old 28 Apr 2013
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As a general rule I find you don't need "bead breakers" at all, though they can make it easier.

You don't say what bike you have - some are easier than others. Some are REALLY hard.

Basics to break the bead - patience and soap and water.

Motion Pro makes good stuff as a general rule, so recommended.

Some basic thoughts:

"Are they long enough?" LONG levers = great way to destroy the tire if you don't know what you're doing. PROS can use long levers to save effort, beginners should use SHORT levers so they stop and think when it gets hard, and make a point of doing it right. I've seen some really sad guys with brand new, destroyed tires, and long levers.

I use 6" levers. For everything. Genuine BMW are my favourite, or Touratech 8" levers are also excellent, very similar design.

Finally, GET MY Tire Changing DVD!

It will answer all your questions and make it easy to change any tire.
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Old 28 Apr 2013
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By the way, there will be a tire changing demo at the HUBB UK which will help, and you can ask me anything on the day, I'll be there. I got out of doing the demo this year, Continental will be doing it.
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Old 28 Apr 2013
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Hi Grant,

Great to have you back posting again..

I've just bought a wee and I believe the op has the same bike.
I've changed my share of tyres and never had to use a bead breaker but, as I said, all tube-type. Tubeless is all new to me...

I'm looking for a compact repair kit to take on the road. The sticky string type look to have the edge over the mushroom plugs but not having used either, it's tricky to decide which to go for.

Great to hear you'll be over for the HUBB UK, you and Susan have been sorely missed the last couple of years at Ripley. I'd love to come and talk tyres (and everything else) with you but we'll be on the road somewhere in Europe. Assuming we don't get a puncture..

All the best.
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