TYRE GLIDER - The Harsh Truth… Does it work?

[@CapybaraCM]

It really has so much to do with the brand of tire and rims and how they work together or don't. I've used this with success with a few combinations and I've had no luck with other combinations. I now find a tire that works with a set of rims and stick with that combo. I've tried it with the infamous gatorskins and I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather have a tire that flats a bit more often and I can change by the side of the road than a tire that requires a ride home from whomever I can find, whether it's a spouse or a souse.

[@WheelThing-dt4kf]

Yes I'm totally going to do the same as i have Hutchinson tyres and just cannot change them. Tried it on my mountain bike tyres and it was super easy. So going to the bike shop and get some i can change by the road .

[@RideWithRoy]

Glad you got there in the end, James 😀 I always recommend people practice using the TG before having to use it for the first time on a cold and wet roadside. For the experienced cyclist this might not be a game changer but for the millions of bicycle riders it really is. I know a lot of people have found repairing a puncture less daunting since using the Tyre Glider. When I first met Kevin Baker he was working as a council housing officer and had ploughed his savings into developing his brainchild. This was invented out of necessity as he couldn’t change a tight tyre. He’d been through many iterations until he came up with what he thought was the perfect design. He then had to procure the expensive tooling to make his first production model. So given all of that, I don’t think £13 is expensive. Someone is bound to copy it and make it cheaper, but they won’t have any investment to recoup. Having said all of that, he hadn’t envisaged the thicker rims of some carbon wheels, so had to retool to make the groove wider, and that version was launched a couple of days ago. He is a true inventor in a time where most just copy. I only hope we don’t find ourselves needing to use it too often 😀

[@JamesSocialCycling]

It has got easier to use as time goes by and I’ve had some stupid comments but I never said it was rubbish and that it was going in my saddle bag. I was a bit pissed as I did reach out to them and they didn’t bother coming back to me, I did offer to buy the tool as well. So no reason for them not to talk to me. They could have given me the story you had which would have had more to tell in my video. Cheers for dropping by I hope you’re well😊👍

[@heidijarvis777]

I’ve just purchased one and found it easy to use after a couple of tries. Think James would have found it easier stood up and pushing it “downhill” i always ride tubeless but had a 3 week period with a new bike with inner tubes and had a puncture and I bought this. Maybe I can keep it for fellow riders in my group

[@simseven4967]

Hello Roy, today I found your informative video about this product and probably I’ll give it a try. Had to laugh about carbon rims🤭, how many people have them and what’s the purpose of carbon frames, rims and seatposts? This material is not durable and cannot be recycled. Since I found inner tubes filled with green slime (this stuff heal puncture instantly) in combination with Schwalbe tyres and anxiety is gone. I am cycling everyday for few hours no matter if it’s raining, snowing. Last year one day in december was -15 degree celsius and was cycling on extremely frozen ground😁. It would be cool if you can make informative video about good winter gloves, saddles and wonder why you’re not riding on leather saddles✌🏻 Greetings, sim

[@bobzuidema3560]

I love this little piece of equipment changing a tyre is like a walk in the parc now. I found out that it works even better when you are not seated and let gravity help you, since it is there anyway, and push vertically down instead of horizontal as you do. Tip for the prce watchers, the TG in blue, which also carries another name, is a few Euro cheaper, or less expensive, I'll let you decide how you would like to call it ;-)

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I to love this product and since having more practice with the lever it’s so much easier to use. Even used it out on the road and my buddies were very impressed. Thanks for the comment Bob, appreciated. 😊👍

[@timbiddle6866]

Great video and most importantly demonstrating it works with tight tyres and inner tubes. Cheers. Tim

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks Tim, appreciate the feedback from someone that actually watched the whole video. 😊👍

[@JohnonaBike]

I found it very good to. Like you I did my review and I did it thinking "this wont work" but it did - great bit of kit

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks John, hope you’re well mate, must drop by your channel, been so busy of late, even my channels taking a hit😊👍

[@dsonyay]

I liked it so much I bought two. Practiced at home a couple of times and it works like a charm. I’m very impressed with this tool

[@JamesSocialCycling]

It does get easier the more you use it… luckily, I’ve only been practicing for that time I need it😁 Cheers for dropping by😊👍

[@MsSHD777]

I thought the video looked like he hadn't looked at the instructions. You need to pull the tyre right back to get it started, then follow the shape of the wheel, not push it in a straight line. It didn't keep coming off when I did it, and my hands are not very strong. I'm delighted with mine.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I said I hadn’t read the instruction’s. I was doing it correctly. The only way is to follow the shape of the wheel, how else will the glide go round. I just needed some practice, as I got the hang of it towards the end… did you actually watch the video all the way through… thought not.

[@Texas2WheeledRider]

Video reminds me of OJ trying on a glove At a club meeting demo about a month ago worked flawlessly on 3 different types of rims. The guy doing the demo is almost as quick with a set of old school levers.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks for the view and comment😊👍

[@rogerpianoking1945]

You bet your life it works. Great bit of kit. 😮😮

[@EvanBlack-x5i]

I didn't bother trying mine for ages cos I figured it wouldn't work. But when I did get round to it, worked like a charm. It's easier to put on the last bit while standing up and pushing directly downwards. Ordered two more so I never leave home on a bike without one.

[@Xombigod]

Bought one this week and have to say I'm well impressed by it. It took a wheels worth of practice to get used to. But I managed 2 wheels and a tube changes within 5 minutes on the next attempt. Where it looks like you're going wrong is pushing it out of whack in a straight line, rather than following the wheels shape. Also the gloves would be an added hindrance for me to use. Practice makes perfect and all that malarkey.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

My go was straight out the packet. I always said it was a good and now like you have had the practice. I just couldn’t be bothered with this is. Great product out the box videos. These things take practice like you say. Cheers😊👍

[@jamesb1717]

Tyre key for me. I've been stuck in the middle of no where with tight tyres and it works. Yes, 14 quid for a piece of plastic is taking the piss but it works.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

That what I said too. Cheers

[@grahamboland117]

Just bought one and then found your video! Hope it works for me too. Got some deep rim wheels that are proving difficult to change…

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Will be a life saver😊👍

[@JimmPratt]

I have found that the TG works better on some tires than others. Seems to depend on a number of parameters, such as newness/stiffness of tire bead, and personal strength.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Agree. A brand new Pirelli Cinturato Velo is a bugga and a lot of faff when putting it on for the first time. Lots of making sure the tyre is central to the rim. Luckily the Pirelli Roads I use have softened up and are a dream to put on and off. Thanks Jim appreciate you dropping by😊👍

[@rosseverest9543]

Got one of these the other day as I needed to change out my sealant I have gp5000s they are an absolute mare to change bike shop can do it but I don’t want to always rely on them. Watched a quick tutorial cracked on job done so easy wish I had one ages ago

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Glad it’s helped. Thanks for dropping by and comment😊👍

[@jaquesdaniels2964]

I'm glad you found it works , coz I just done my usual dohbrain trick of ordering one - then looking at video about , I 'll do what you did and have a practice first , I was impressed at your courage to tackle those sexy wheels , Ride with Roy has a video about tyre glider and carbon wheels .

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks Jaq appreciate the feedback and glad I have put you at ease. Yeah was hard going to even try but I needed to know I was going to be good out on the road if I ever needed to swap out a tube, only used in anger once but glad I practiced😁😊👍

[@AJXOXO-vz1pn]

We have a similar tool sold in the US called the Quik Stik. It operates in the same manner as the UK Tyre Glider. The Quik Stik was popular for a few years especially when it first came out. The company had some sort of marketing campaign to see how fast a person could take on and off a tire. I’ve tried it versus some good tire levers such as Pedro’s. They are both good. The Quik Stik isn’t revolutionary. I don’t have the Tyre Glider, but it probably a good tool. However, if it’s anything like the Quik Stik lever from the USA, I’d be yawning now. It’s not a game changer. It’s just a different tire lever.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Cheers, sounds like I can hear you yawning😊 thanks for the comment👍

[@justinkalaker8427]

I’ve had similar results, great for putting a tyre on but the getting off but isn’t as good. 👍🏻

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Just a bit of a pain to start, but I’d expect it to get easier as I get to use it. Cheers Justin😊👍

[@davidkelly8299]

NICE one thank you. Great vlog 😊😊😊. David from Northampton. I do like you delivery and stiyle.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Appreciate the feedback and view, take care😊👍

[@danielmacdonald16]

I putchased one. Almost useless for taking tires off. Pretty good as an aid for getting them on.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Maybe a bit more practice? Once I got the hang of it, it works a treat and I never leave home without mine.😊👍

[@alfnoakes392]

Just had one of these break changing a 20" Schwalbe Marathon Plus. Understandably not impressed. Difficult to get the tool in place for taking the tyre off (had to use a couple of 'standard' levers to get access) and the damn thing snapped as I got to the final 'tight' bit of putting the tyre back on.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Sorry to hear you’ve had issues. Think I saw a video with someone using the Tyre Glider with a set of Schwalbes. Maybe send the glider back if broke. Thanks for dropping by😊👍

[@micks61]

I've seen other reviews of this that have all said it works well, but I'm happy with my Crank Brothers Speedier tyre lever thing (which I think you also reviewed, and I may have bought mine as a result of that review!) so will probably stick with it. I think both of these tools though are far better than those scissor shaped jobbies which seem to break rather easily judging by reviews of them I've seen. Good stuff James!

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I did review the speedier lever from Crankbrothers😊 For the Carbon wheels this is a little better. Not suggesting anyone buys it, i was fed up of the reviews. Telling me these tyres are difficult when I’d never tried those tyres😁 I was disappointed it worked😅 But glad I purchased it so I could do a proper review. Thanks Mick😊👍

[@kingoftf]

I bought the Speedier but with MTB tyre tubeless it's very difficult do get of the tyre if there's some of the milk at the edge of the rim. Doesn't move at all, tried the normal Schwalbe levers and they a much easier to handle (if you use at least two of them by fixing one in the spokes) I've also bought the TG but till today never used it. Hazzle free biking due to tubeless, no problems with thorns anymore

[@micks61]

Ah, I too like hassle free riding but prefer the sealant filled inner tube route! 👍 I've got some Maxxis Ardent tyres on Tubeless ready rims and they are a first prize pain the bum with any type of tyre lever to break away from the rim. Luckily my neighbour was nearby, and he has hands like shovels and thumbs like hydraulic presses, so he managed to break them away from the rim for me to allow me to change the tubes.

[@DuncMcNutt]

Eh up James. Im sticking to my good old tyre levers thanks. Looks like bloody hard work to me.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Should have seen later, it works well Duncan, once you get used to it😊👍 Nice to hear from you mate, hope you’re well👌

[@trans-feminine-hottie]

If you let the tool do the work and not force it, it works amazingly!

[@billieread75]

What are those gloves you have on please

[@JamesSocialCycling]

amzn.eu/d/dwQRjw8

[@slowsteadysteve6565]

A proper honest review mines on order

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks for the view and comment😊👍

[@VictorYepello]

With any tire tool, use soapy water on the bead. They all work better that way.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks for the tip😊👍

[@morneauh]

Maybe you should try the Vittoria Corsa, (I run the control version in 30c). Cotton wall are easy to put on and off, don't even need a tire lever.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Worth a try when these have done there turn. Appreciate the advice😊👍

[@MrAnon-2024]

Must admit I’ve never felt the need to purchase one of these, and they always look like it complicates an otherwise straightforward procedure. A pair of simple tyre levers are all I’ve ever needed. Still, if it works for you James, then all is good 👍

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I was just nervous of damaging the rims on the wheels with the levers, so yes, happier now Paul😁 Cheers buddy😊👍

[@morneauh]

@@JamesSocialCycling out on a wet sandy ride, I would not slide that thing on my carbon wheel.

[@davidburgess741]

I've seen videos of these on Riding with Roy. I asked Julian Hutchinson to do a review. He did the review, but with his silly ham handed delivery! The cycling channels were a buzz with criticism about the good gentleman's review. Almost as bad as Hambini's backlash against David Arthur, the famous shill! Park Tools just released a new steel cored tire lever. I take from this, there are a growing number of tough tire/rim combinations out there. All tire levers used to be steel. They were rough on aluminum rims, and plastic was introduced. Not a chance would steel levers work on carbon rims! I do have an aluminum wheel where tire levers would be an affectation. That is really rare. Always good to see your experience.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks David. I would not use steel levers on my Cosmics 🫣 Thanks for your comments mate, I was surprised the lever worked, not 100%, but I expect it will get easier with practice. I am happier now I have a tool that will get a tyre off and on if I do get a puncture. Take care buddy😊👍

[@jgmccabe]

Did you read the instructions? I thought you were starting off by trying to get the tyre off, but you had the Tyre Glider in the putting on position.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I like to go in cold which is what I said at the start. I actually like it and carry one with me on every ride, again said I liked it and it worked on the vid. Appreciate the view😊👍

[@bikerted16]

Many a time I’ve bounced a wheel down the garden, cos I couldn’t get the fringing tyre off the the rim then struggled to get the tire back on , a walk down to the local bike shop let them have a go 😂James , now I don’t have to bother cos I sold all my bikes 😢

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Top man Terry, let’s hope you’re be back riding some time soon, then you’ll have to go a buy a new one👌 Take care my friend😊👍

[@KBBMX]

Love mine... Works a treat on my Vision Metron carbon wheels 👌👌Hopefully wont need it much 👌

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I’m a lot happier knowing it works for sure. As you say, hope it won’t be needed, but if it does you know it works. Cheers Kev, hope you’re well😊👍

[@KBBMX]

@@JamesSocialCycling all good thanks James... Keep at it fella 🚲🙏

[@GogglesTyresandTrainers]

I have this, never managed to get the bloody thing to work

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I’m finding your not the only one who’s having issues. Some videos on YT make it look simple to use and easy, though I found it hard going and had to put some effort in to get the tyre off and fully on. Here’s Deidre week old lady who found it easy to put her tyre on and off… complete BS and should be ashamed, though that channel was sent a free one to review so what do you expect. I think it’s good and doesn’t damage the wheels but not as easy as they state, specially when you have a 19mm internal width rim with tyre and inner tube in. Thanks for dropping by Ian, some nice videos and training by yourself mate. Good to see the boys following in your footsteps👌 Mine is doing the same, though I was a gaming geek in my teens and that’s my 15yr old now😅 so I can’t complain😉 Take care mate😊👍

[@2362marshall]

i brought it for my 17 year old son on carbon rims and tubes , i did not think they were great , the campag,fulcrum levers were faster for me

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks Phillip, I’ll have to check those other levers out. You’re not the only one saying it’s not that good. Appreciate the feedback and take care😊👍

[@salsalawyer]

Try the Tire Monkey which gives you a bit more leverage

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Thanks Reggie, was looking at that. Appreciate the comment😊👍

[@cprefstyles8086]

Tire monkey is amazing! Got one and it lives up to the hype. GP 5000 on a Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheel

[@veganath]

Who would have thought Ricky Gervais was an avid cyclist, good one mate thanks

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Glad you enjoyed appreciated😊👍

[@dperreno]

So i noticed that you were using the Tyre Glider backwards when you were putting the tire on. Apparently you figured that out later, but still. You really need to watch the other videos by the maker of this device. He does a great job of explaining how to use it - standing, straight arm, using the palm of your hand and your body weight. Also, it's always best to start and finish at the valve stem, this allows the bead of the tire to fall fully into the bed of the rim, giving you the extra slack needed to pull the bead over the edge of the rim. I just find it frustrating when people review a device when they aren't using it correctly.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

How was I using it backwards… It was a video showing the tyre glider out the box. I find it more frustrating when idiots think they’re schooling people. Watch the video all the way through before making any comments and wasting my time.

[@dperreno]

@@JamesSocialCycling I did watch the video, hence the second sentence stating that you figured it out (though it seemed more like you just tried using it a different way - no acknowledgement that you used it backwards the first time). How about figuring out how you are supposed to use a tool before you make a video showing it being used incorrectly - that is wasting MY time, and was the actual point of my comment. But you didn't figure that out either.

[@pinarellocampagnolo3875]

No Carbon Wheel scratches?

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I was so worried about marking my pride and joys😁 No marks left. The wheels seem to be tougher than initially thought. Just swapped out the inner tubes to TPU and new tyres and the glider is getting easier to use. Thanks for dropping by😊👍

[@MalcHitchen]

I'm pretty sure you're using it the wrong way round ?

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I’m pretty sure it’s not. Thanks all the same

[@josephoconnor1134]

I'd pay 25 quid if it makes the job easier... I bought 3 of them...

[@MrBlackElvis]

Will it work on gator skins

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Should work on all tyres. 😊👍

[@sylvainbernaers]

yes: tried it

[@electricbikerider]

That was painful to watch James, I was convinced you were going to damage those beautiful rims. 👍🏼🚴🏻‍♂️

[@JamesSocialCycling]

It was painful to make mate. They work with minimal damage which is good, but still, it’s always good to show a product in the real world… with tubes in would be a good start for most😉 Thanks for dropping by Harv😊👍

[@onidonto5684]

You are using it wrong. Turn the tool around. But I assume you figured it out by now.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Watch all the video and you’ll see

[@seanmcgrath3558]

The Tyreglider should come with a warning, it scores, scratches rims, Kevin from Tyreglider is aware of these issues but doesn't offer any solutions nor does he seem bother

[@JamesSocialCycling]

No negatives in the marketing. I know what you’re saying, due to having my decals damaged. Cheers for dropping by appreciated 😊👍

[@seanmcgrath3558]

@@JamesSocialCycling did you reach out to Kevin from TG

[@JamesSocialCycling]

@ hi Sean, no as I’d tried to reach out to Kevin prior to me buying and making the video. So I didn’t bother. I’ve learnt to angle the glider away from the rim. Bit more difficult, but my decals survive and lasting longer the an the initial set😉👍

[@atyl1972]

I’m guessing you know now but that is the incorrect method of using the product, within the 2 min part of the video when putting the tyre back on

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Did you watch anymore of the video, as you would have seen. I was showing the item off out the bag, which was the whole point of the video. Does it work. Cheers

[@thangknowa3288]

You are lacking "Want To". I once had a flat in a group ride, did not want to delay anyone, I ripped the tire off with my bare hands. Put some heart into it, Dude. Get jiggy widit!!

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I did and I love this gadget. Surprised my riding buddy when I used this for the first time out on the road, he was very impressed. Cheers for view and comment😊👍

[@jensenhealey907efi]

I think you made working the tool harder by wearing those gloves.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Rubber on rubber, made gripping the tyre easier😊👍

[@emilyalexander8450]

Didn't use it correctly.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Did you watch till the end or at least listen to the video? I doubt it!

[@squaks07]

Using it the wrong way

[@JamesSocialCycling]

How am I using the wrong way?

[@andrewlancefield3730]

Stand up and use your body weight....you are not doing it right seriously

[@JamesSocialCycling]

The joke is I’ve seen KZbin videos with women using this and not using their body weight. Soft easy tyres make for easy use. Point is I never slagged it off so what’s your problem, seriously. Wait did you watch the full video… probably not, as I find all comments that are out of context should watch full video before commenting. Maybe do that and then come back and stress then. Cheers for dropping by and commenting😊👍

[@robrobinson420]

I got one coming to try. From what i seen you use body not arms and have lever facing floor and turn wheel

[@robertandrews3055]

Sorry, but you speak so slowly with such long pauses I can't watch these videos . . . maybe it's just my lack of patience.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Yes, yes it is

[@RBean47]

You have to stand up and use your body weight 😂

[@JamesSocialCycling]

I’ve seen videos where Deidre can take the tyre off and believe me she didn’t t use her body weight. Just pointing out some videos are BS. Reason, they were sent the tyre glide FOC to review. Least I showed it’s not as simple as it’s made out to be. Cheers for comment, you’d have seen this as I mention it in the video.