Why do I need two tire levers?

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2013-07-15 3:47 PM

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Expert
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, Michigan
Subject: Why do I need two tire levers?
When ever I change tubes or tires, I usually just use my hands to pull the tire off/on. On occasion, with newer tires, I've needed to use one tire lever. Why/how do people use two levers? I've never understood this.

2013-07-15 3:52 PM
in reply to: DV 1

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?

I only use one.

But some people use two because they unseat the tire at one place, then leave the lever there and use the second lever to unseat the rest of the tire.  If the tire is really tight, you may be able to unseat the tire with one lever, but as you work it around the tire, the area you just undid may reseat back into the rim.

2013-07-15 3:55 PM
in reply to: Jason N

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Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa.
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?

Some tire levers have a "fish hook" on the oppisite side of the lever.  Use this to hook onto the spoke and the tire lever stays in place.  Then you can use the second lever to finish separating the tire from the rim. 

Or, you can just use your bare hands and intimidate us all some more.  (I call that option B).

2013-07-15 3:56 PM
in reply to: #4804778

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
Well personally I suspect that I have wimpy fingers because I always need two to get started :-) and getting it back on without a lever is also a challenge for me with my wimpy fingers.
2013-07-15 4:03 PM
in reply to: DV 1

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Expert
945
50010010010010025
, Michigan
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
I've wondered before what that hook is at the end of the lever. Now I know! Wonder what else I don't know about my bike/tools :-)
2013-07-15 4:20 PM
in reply to: Jason N

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
Originally posted by Jason N

I only use one.

But some people use two because they unseat the tire at one place, then leave the lever there and use the second lever to unseat the rest of the tire.  If the tire is really tight, you may be able to unseat the tire with one lever, but as you work it around the tire, the area you just undid may reseat back into the rim.

You may ruin your new french nails.  I am an admitted two lever user

2013-07-15 4:31 PM
in reply to: ChrisM

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Veteran
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Columbus, OH
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
I have trouble on a regular basis simply opening jars and such around the house. I need 2 tire levers and every bit of strength I can muster to have the chance to change my own flat.
2013-07-15 4:50 PM
in reply to: DV 1

Master
10208
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Northern IL
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
Often times I'll need one to start and a second to keep it going. If I just use one, the bead will pull itself back onto the rim. I seem to find the tightest rim/tire combos though. After working with these, mountain bike tires are a cinch with no levers at all.
2013-07-15 6:28 PM
in reply to: DV 1


1660
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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
I only use and carry one.
2013-07-15 6:31 PM
in reply to: DV 1

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
2013-07-15 7:29 PM
in reply to: DanielG

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
Sounds like a back door "I can use one tire lever" kind of post to me


2013-07-15 8:26 PM
in reply to: Nhmountainman

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Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?

Originally posted by Nhmountainman Sounds like a back door "I can use one tire lever" kind of post to me

lol, kinda does.  I use two, but as someone else mentioned, with my mountain bike tires I can get away with one

2013-07-15 8:44 PM
in reply to: #4804805

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
How do you use them to put a tire back on? I always just use my hands.
2013-07-15 8:54 PM
in reply to: iruptacopula

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
Originally posted by iruptacopula

How do you use them to put a tire back on? I always just use my hands.


You are supposed to only use your hands but if you have self-professed wimpy hands that last little section is a killer. You can use the lever to push wedge that last section back in ... but it's not a good idea because you can (pretty frequently in my limited but stubborn experience) get a pinch in the tube and it goes flat again which is a real bummer.
2013-07-15 9:01 PM
in reply to: miamiamy


57
2525
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
when tire lever one breaks
2013-07-15 9:32 PM
in reply to: isurf

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?

Originally posted by isurf when tire lever one breaks

 

^^^I've had that happen to me. (or, to my lever)

2013-07-16 5:55 AM
in reply to: DV 1

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
I can easily remove the tire with one lever, but two is faster. Hook the first lever on the rim and connect it to a spoke (the lever has a small hook on it for that purpose). Then position the other lever right next to the first one and sweep it around the inside of the tire. Tire will pop off within seconds. The first one works as an anchor point.
2013-07-16 6:57 AM
in reply to: audiojan

Master
1946
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Memphis, TN
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
I use two. It's faster when changing on a ride. Especially when mounting a new tire. Need one in while I use the other to pop it over the rim lip.
2013-07-16 7:06 AM
in reply to: Jtiger

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
I have strong pianist and massage therapist fingers but I still use two levers. They may be strong, but they are also precious!
2013-07-16 8:14 AM
in reply to: GreenMtnLabbit

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Master
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...at home in The ATL
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
You all have to actually use your hands to remove a tire? Wimps.
2013-07-16 8:28 AM
in reply to: GreenMtnLabbit

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
Originally posted by GreenMtnLabbit

I have strong pianist and massage therapist fingers but I still use two levers. They may be strong, but they are also precious!




2013-07-16 9:51 AM
in reply to: DanielG

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Champion
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, Minnesota
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?

I can barely get my trainer tire off without two levers, but can use just my hands for my road tire. 

The breaking thing - used to happen a lot until I bought a Pedro's lever. I keep ONE in my bike kit.

2013-07-16 10:30 AM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
I tend to just stare at it and it pops off. Can't believe you lot use tools!
2013-07-16 10:46 AM
in reply to: Dan-L

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over a barrier
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
Depending on the tire and rim combo I've used One, two, or three.
2013-07-16 10:49 AM
in reply to: running2far

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Pro
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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Why do I need two tire levers?
For me it depends on the tire too.  Some tires I can get back on without a lever but others are so tight I fear damaging my rim prying the tire back on with my levers.
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