Tire Levers

If you have any doubt that the cycling industry is full of myths, look no further than this one – Never use tire levers when installing a tire because you will pinch the tube. There is no doubt that most people are not very good installing tires because it can be very difficult. Bead diameters vary widely even within the same brand and model. This myth was formed during the old days before folding tires when all tires had steel beads that didn’t stretch so could be made looser.

This problem is so common that one major tire brand requires their tire maker to install every tire on a wheel by hand to eliminate the tight ones. This may sound like a great idea, but remember that the guys putting tires on all day probably have forearms larger than their legs. Read more