Var Bicycle Tire Lever & Comparison Others

The Var tire lever system for installing bicycle tires on difficult rims has been suggest by some, especially when you get a bike flat tire while out on the road. We show you how to use the Var levers for installation of a difficult tire on a road bicycle or mountain bike that has a tube. Removal to the tire with the levers is similar to other bike levers. Place one bead over the wheel rim. The replacement tube should be slightly inflated and coated with Talcum powder (baby powder) and place in the well of the wheel rim. Insert the tire bead starting opposite the valve. When it gets difficult to push the remaining bead over the rim, shake the remaining tire bead of both sides toward the middle of the wheel rim to give you a little more slack. Release any remaining air in the tube. The wheel rim has a small well in the center and moving the bead into the well gives you that slack. If you cannot move the remaining bead over the rim by hand there are several bicycle lever tools to try: 1. The Var Tyre Lever which allows one to push the bead over the rim and work your way around until tire is completely installed. Pros: The Var levers are small and light and can be easily carried in your saddle bag. Cons: Still takes quite a bit of effort on a difficult tire. Hard to get a good grip on such small levers. 2. The Kool Jack Tire Lever is a very sturdy and strong bicycle tire lever. Pros: Will allow you to install any difficult tire. Cons: Too large to carry in most saddle bags. 3. Crankbrothers Speedier Levers allow quick removal and installation of most bike tires. Pros: Easy to use and allow quick tire installation. Can carry in your saddle bag. Cons: Does not work on all very difficult tires. Most tires can be installed by hand. But if you need assistance of a tire lever, we feel that the Kool Jack Tire Lever is better, faster and easier then the Var system. However, you'd need to carry it in your jersey pocket or a knapsack. The Crank Brothers Speedier Lever works quickly and easily for all but the most difficult tires and rims.