The Best Tyre Lever? // Tru-Tension Tyre Monkey Review

[@cubgsan]

Good day to you. I am a senior rider on HONDA from Japan. Enjoying touring ,camping and video uploading. This is so nice video Awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing! Full supported ! Have a nice day my friend!! 😊

[@gareth_gj]

I've used this a few times now - Magic Marys, Hans Dampf, Continentals, all of them have come off (and on) really easily with these levers. Light and sturdy and work a treat, definitely recommend them.

[@nickcrawford102]

Did you have to use two levers ? - I have Mary’s on my bike and they’re a pain in ars* to put back on rim - cheers

[@gareth_gj]

@@nickcrawford102I have only needed to use one of the levers when I do my tyres. Still going 5 months of use. I don’t have any tube inserts so not sure that makes any difference?

[@RP-dd8tp]

Just tried it before a long group- ride tomorrow- unbelievably good. Took me seconds to get my tyre on and off - much, much quicker than normal tyre levers. Strongly recommended - I think it’s a game-changer.

[@VeloObscura]

Great testimonial! 😁

[@danielsimmons739]

Hi ~ I'm in UK, i noticed in your video you demonstrate getting a tyre on/off a MTB wheel ? when i built my road bike the tyres were near impossible to fit ~ i was bought one of the tools your showing for my 2 road bikes - are they easy to use on 23x700c tyres fully banded {puncture protection}

[@VeloObscura]

Hi, the wheel in the video is not a MTB wheel. It's a 700c touring wheel with 45mm tyres. I can't report on how it works with 23mm tyres, as I'm afraid I don't use tyres that narrow. If you already have the tool, is there any reason you don't just try it yourself?

[@brianward7724]

Well, D & B, I've never had tubeless and never likely to, so is it right that tubeless tyres are a pain to remove, because they just seal so tightly? Aren't you able to 'crack' the seal fairly easily? It's just that I used to have problems sometimes with road tyres that were a very tight fit but, since I started using Michelin tyre levers, I have never had a problem.

[@VeloObscura]

Yep, you've nailed it. Due to the tyre having to form an airtight seal because of the lack of a tube; tubeless tyres can be outrageously tight on the rim. The bead really locks into place. I've had to stand on a tyre to unseat it before! Tubeless are great for mountain biking as it allows you to run lower pressures without the risk of a pinch flat, but obviously it's also great for avoiding punctures. I'm still fine with tubes for touring though. 🤷‍♂️

[@TerryThompson-q6x]

hi Velo-Obscura a question , do tourers use tube less tires . just wondering thanks.

[@VeloObscura]

Personal preference. Some do, some don't.

[@Justmarcusdave]

Do they work with tubeless?

[@VeloObscura]

Yep!

[@darrinkulyk9560]

I Got one in the mail about a month ago .... will be swapping Tires Next week . Looks like an AWESOME Tool 😎

[@VeloObscura]

Fantastic! Please report back and tell us how it goes. 😁

[@noelodwyer]

How did it go?

[@richarde1355]

How did it go?

[@BicycleTouringExplorer]

Thank You for the Review From Bicycle Touring Explorer in the USA

[@VeloObscura]

You're more than welcome! Thanks for commenting!

[@chrisjenkins1]

I have new tubeless tyres Can't use these you are guaranteed to damage the rim tape.

[@VeloObscura]

Incorrect. I have tubeless tyres on 2 bikes and use these just fine.

[@mentalfreeride1141]

I wonder how it would do against ENVE deep dish road wheels, as they are notorious for being stubborn with tires

[@VeloObscura]

Interesting.... Deep dish rims aren't really something I have experience with, but I'd be curious to see how it fared!

[@jackiegammon2065]

Looks like a great option, thanks for sharing!

[@VeloObscura]

Thanks for commenting! ♥️

[@docouchi7929]

I tried it … and it didn’t work at all I had to go back to the old school form

[@VeloObscura]

That must be user error, I'm afraid.

[@michaelismichael4640]

This looks really interesting. Nice video, D.

[@VeloObscura]

Thanks, MM!

[@bluezybleac]

I wonder, that or a tyre glider, what would work better?

[@VeloObscura]

Check out my Tyre Glider review and decide for yourself! 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWe6nKWZYplgatk

[@robbo9229]

Would that be ok for carbon wheels?

[@VeloObscura]

Tru-Tension don't make any mention of carbon in their documentation as far as I'm aware, but I'm sure it would be fine.

[@KaushikNSanji]

Nice! How is this product compared to a similar but slightly complicated tyre lever called the "Tyre Glider" which is also made in the UK?

[@VeloObscura]

I have never used the Tyre Glider, but will have to do a follow up video to find out! Thanks!

[@VeloObscura]

Just to follow up on this (old) comment, I recently reviewed the Tyre Glider! You can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWe6nKWZYplgatk

[@KaushikNSanji]

@@VeloObscura Just saw that! Thanks for the update, and also for including the screenshot of my post 👍

[@CyclingOffToSomewhereIDK]

Brilliant. If you haven't already tried it on a new tire let me know! I'm ordering this and a new Schwalbe Marathon Plus for my road bike so I should be able to test that myself in the next few days

[@VeloObscura]

I've used it on a couple of bikes now and I've found that it works great on our touring bikes with tyres 2" and under running tubes - but it doesn't seem to work as well with big 2.6" tubeless MTB tyres! Cheers!

[@jimo4449]

I have been eyeing these off for a while, maybe time to give it a go

[@VeloObscura]

Seems like a great product to me, Jim. If you decide to grab one, please call back and let us know how you get on! 👍

[@ashokcaptain4088]

Tyre lever Geek here! Seen this and the Glider on KZbin, but haven't had the opportunity to test either. What is bothersome to my (cheerfully) doomsday scenario mindset is that one has to slide both products along the bead. This looks great in a video, but removing and mounting a tyre like this could (would) eventually eat into the (thin) rubber that affixes the bead to the tyre. If this works, I would definitely use it in a self-supported racing situation, but not for non-race rides. I've used Pedros levers that are pretty good and more recently Muc Off levers that have a slightly better hook to get under obstinate tyre beads. If riding aluminium rims and a cryogenically bonded tyre, the Lezyne steel levers work. The shorter pair has a built in bottle opener and 25mm pedal spanner. The longer pair has replaceable plastic inserts designed to protect carbon rims. These come off easily, so user beware. And finally, using a cross-section of inner tube makes absolute sense. MucOff has a neoprene sleeve, but that will eventually slip off. Great review btw. Cheers from India!

[@VeloObscura]

Hey, thanks for commenting! I think a tyre would already be worn and ready for replacement by the time the Tyre Monkey does any damage to the bead. Regular tyre levers rub on the bead and I personally haven't had any issues with any tyre beads wearing down. I need to check out the Tyre Glider too as a lot of people are mentioning it! Cheers!

[@thebrunoserge]

Has anyone compared this to Crankbrothers Dunarri Speedier Lever?

[@mauro12mdp]

I'd bet that these could last a lot with a good technique. My point is that a good technique removes stress from the tool. I work at a bike shop and I've changed thousands of inner tubes with just some cheap tyre leavers. Yes I use some hand strength and I don't rely much on the leaver other than to slide it along the rim. I'd say that friction wear is much less than the wear from torquing the leaver to remove the tyre when it is not in the right position to be removed.

[@Tingley19]

Hey sir, how are things? I wanted to know if you can tell me why I break so many tire levers working on my bmx bike. I only ever use the ULTRA cheap ones that come with the tubes. So that could be why. But for the LIFE OF ME I can’t do it without a butter knife scratching TF out of my beautiful new blue rims. 😢 haha

[@mauro12mdp]

@@Tingley19 Before any attempt to use the tyre lever you need to make sure that: 1- most of the air is out 2- the tyre bead from both sides of the tyre is separated from the rim wall and that both are closer to the centre (where the diameter is shorter) 3- Stretch and press out all the slack you can from where the valve is upto where you will use the lever. When using the lever: 4 - you can try with 1 or two tyre levers separeted by around 10 or 15 cm 5- when using the second one use your thumb as an anchor point drag the lever closer to that point. Or you pull as much as you can without scratching your knuckles That does the trick most of the time. If that doesn't work, heat up the tyre with an airgun or hairdryer. Hope that works !

[@VeloObscura]

What do you guys think? Innovative design or completely unnecessary? Head over to TruTension.com.au and use the code welcome15 for 15% off your first order! Alternatively, buy on Amazon UK (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3WJjRW4

[@goofoffbert]

ok, sold!

[@VeloObscura]

Through my affiliate link I hope! 😆

[@bonskieworld7816]

What about removing the tyre from the rim?

[@VeloObscura]

Once you have the bead off on one side, the bead on the other side just comes right off. It's not really worth showing in a video. 👍

[@seanssangster6079]

Doesn’t work on Spinergy Wheelchair rims….

[@darrinkulyk9560]

Love My Tire Monkey 😎

[@darrinkulyk9560]

Just Used It 😎 Mounted a 2.50 DD Assegai For Whistler In The AM 😎

[@VeloObscura]

That's excellent news! That's probably as good a review as you'll ever get! Thanks, man!

[@darrinkulyk9560]

GoodTimes 😎

[@pikricky]

The Tyre Glider does the same job but is a better fit for replacing the tyre

[@VeloObscura]

I recently reviewed the Tyre Glider! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWe6nKWZYplgatk

[@terrortorn]

The true test is on a tight tyre. They were not the tightest of tyres, there was plenty of space for the initial insertion of the tool.

[@VeloObscura]

For tighter tyres and particularly mounting, I actually prefer the Tyre Glider. You can see my review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWe6nKWZYplgatk

[@AngladaFamilia]

They took my money; I haven't used it yet though.

[@LordHolley]

MTBs are not the problem. I can't remember the last time I had a pair that I couldn't just do with my hands, tubeless or not. Road bike tires, that's a whole different ball game.

[@VeloObscura]

I recently fitted a pair of Continental Kryptotal that were unbelievably tight and although I got them on by hand, it would have been 100x easier with this. Yes, it's possible. Doesn't mean it's not worth making easier. 💁‍♂️

[@iantyrrell6549]

It's a cpoy of the tyre glider which is also an ENGLISH invention.

[@VeloObscura]

Actually, the Tyre Glider is a Welsh invention! I can definitely see the similarities, although I think I prefer the more minimal design of the Tyre Monkey (even if it may have been inspired by the Glider). Would definitely been keen to try a Tyre Glider though, just to see how they compare. Cheers

[@iantyrrell6549]

@@VeloObscura the tyre glider is made more robust and I think it will last longer than the tyre monkey and it is the same price 10 quid, I think you should buy one and then compare them.

[@VeloObscura]

I'm considering it! Have you tried both?

[@iantyrrell6549]

@@VeloObscura I have only used the tyre glider and so far it has worked perfectly for me, nice and easy tyre change and back on the bike very quickly. I have used it only twice out on the road and I ride in the dark so fixing punctures quick is great.

[@VeloObscura]

@@iantyrrell6549 - Good stuff. I'll see if I can get a hold of one!

[@mk3driftmotion]

I will be a believer when I see it go that quick and easy with a 2.6" Maxxis DHRII on a 35mm rim with a shallow dish and a Cushcore Plus. :)

[@Xombigod]

£4.99 from ALDI UK with a 6-pack of self stick patches.

[@VeloObscura]

For this exact lever? Damn, what a deal!

[@Xombigod]

Yes they currently stock a load of different products by them, all at the same price. Chain Oil, Polish. you name it :D@@VeloObscura

[@VeloObscura]

Wow! Get in there and get stocked up! 😁

[@Emtbtoday]

A tyre glider copy really brilliant bit kit the tyre glider especially for schwalbe tyres

[@VeloObscura]

I also reviewed the Tyre Glider. 😁

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️💪😎👌👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿(stroke)

[@김홍식-l9k]

귀가 멋있따

[@rsoul7282]

This thing is not a good design, the hook section is far too shallow to get under the bead of many tyres on its own.

[@VeloObscura]

Check out my review of the Tyre Glider. It's a better design and I find it much easier to use. Especially when putting a tyre back on. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWe6nKWZYplgatk

[@billieread75]

Got similar item off temu for fraction of the price does the same thing same design etc

[@stuartpeckham7140]

Awful couldn’t get under the Bead to take tyre off 😢

[@VeloObscura]

Unless you can elaborate, I'd have to file that one under "User Error," I'm afraid...

[@stuartpeckham7140]

Wouldn’t go under the bead of Michelin pro3 tyres on campangolo rims ,had to old tough resin levers ..after 40 odd year of fixing punctures I think I’m qualified to say there rubbish on very tight tyre

[@VeloObscura]

@@stuartpeckham7140 - If you're struggling with the Tyre Monkey then perhaps you might want to give the Tyre Glider a go instead. I believe it to be a more refined design: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWe6nKWZYplgatk

[@rooboy114]

Why is lever so expensive? In Oz it's $20 + $10 postage. It's only a bit of plastic.

[@runnerca1]

prova a farlo con un tubeless.........nuovo.

[@kristopherrodway8003]

Just the same as any other lever for tight tubeless tyres...... Rubbish, save your money. The tyre in the video would go on by hand

[@Bizness10]

Clearly you haven’t tried it. On my fat bike with 26x4.0s it takes 2 levers to change a tire vs one Tyre Monkey. No more clipping into spokes and having them jump off. Maybe not comment on something you clearly have no idea what you’re talking about.

[@kristopherrodway8003]

@@Bizness10 I have used it..... And it failed, miserably. Thanks for the one year reply 👌🏻

[@roldsvideocollection7744]

Okay i subscribe your channel ❤

[@VeloObscura]

Thanks! ❤️