Cycling UK Forum

philvantwo wrote: ↑18 Feb 2022, 6:31pm Don't think I'll be ordering one now if that's the manufacturer's response. I remember when Michelin folding tyres came with a set of flat yellow tyre levers, been using those for almost 40yrs and only ever snapped one, good job I've got 2 spare sets!!

Don't be too hard on him. He's a one man band and that's a huge task (inc. PR ). I've just received a second email from him offering to let me try a modified one and give some feedback. So not the end of the road yet.....

I'm actually meeting with the inventor this week to also share feedback, and will mention this forum in case he hasn't seen it.

He's absolutely committed to making it work, and as far as I understand already went through the design process with materials in mind as well as everything else (i.e. comment it's too brittle). Things are always a trade off but if meaningful improvements can be made we may see a v.2 soon!

Greg

Greg Moxham wrote: ↑20 Feb 2022, 7:10pm That's exactly my experience - I'm actually meeting with the inventor this week to also share feedback, and will mention this forum in case he hasn't seen it.

That's constructive.

Thank you

Jonathan

I used my Tyre Glider for the first time today, albeit at home, but on a tyre that had been in a cold garage. At first, I couldn’t work out how to use it and had to watch the video, but after a bit of practice I found it works well.

What’s really good though is that my wife can use it easily. She’s never been able to get tyres on and off using tyre levers and thumbs, so it’s a game changer for her and she can ride with confidence on her own without having to worry about punctures.

Tried it this morning on Fulcrum tubeless ready rim and a Conti GP tyre 700 x 28 , which is usually moderately hard to remove, once you have unseated the bead from the channel by pushing it towards the centre of the rim with thumbs:

Tyre removal - got the lever under the tyre and levered into position as instructed, tried to push it round the wheel to remove the tyre - no chance, couldn't move it at all. So loosened some more of the tyre with a normal lever and was then able to whizz it round to remove the rest of the bead. However this is normally easy anyway by sliding a normal tyre lever round.

Tyre replacement - tyre and tube on the wheel and clipped the Glider on to the rim , a little fiddle! Pushed it round and it did push the tyre over the rim edge, but it stopped dead at the difficult bit with about 4 inches of tyre to go. I made sure the bead was a central as possible, but no way it was going to move that last bit over. Had to lever the last bit of tyre over with another tool I use.

Overall - not that impressed! The only bits it actually worked on were the easy bit of removing the tyre and the easy bit of replacing it! Would still need to carry 2 tyre levers along with this.
It might work with a really easy fitting tyre, but I can't remember the last time I have had a combination like that!

I couldn’t take the tyre off at first. There’s a certain technique to it and I found it would help to wear gloves or track mitts, which I do on the bike anyway. Hook the tool under the bead and lay it flat against the rim. You have to push directly behind the tool or else it twists. The first few inches are hard but it then goes around easily.

For refitting, the hard part is getting the little hook over the rim. Once seated, I found it easy to push around the rim, the last few inches are hard, but not impossible, this is where the gloves come in handy. We used the tool on a tubeless ready Vision Team 30 wheel, with a Michelin Pro 4 Endurance tyre. I think the tool will work better on a tyre with a smoother sidewall.

The more you practice, the better you get at it.

I used the Tyre Glider on my Marathon Plus tyre a couple of days ago, after picking up a rare thorn puncture. Getting the tyre off was quite easy. Refitting not quite so easy, I really had to push the tool to get the tyre back on but it did go on and it was easier than using your thumbs. So it’s a further thumbs up from me for the Tyre Glider. Might have to buy myself one now as the one I used is in my wife’s bike seat pack.

TrevA wrote: ↑2 Mar 2022, 1:03pm I used my Tyre Glider for the first time today, albeit at home, but on a tyre that had been in a cold garage. At first, I couldn’t work out how to use it and had to watch the video, but after a bit of practice I found it works well.

What’s really good though is that my wife can use it easily. She’s never been able to get tyres on and off using tyre levers and thumbs, so it’s a game changer for her and she can ride with confidence on her own without having to worry about punctures.

My wife’s attitude is she doesn’t need the tyre lever and thumb thing while im next to her with trye levers and thumbs. Its hard to disagree

nez wrote: ↑5 Apr 2022, 5:11pm

TrevA wrote: ↑2 Mar 2022, 1:03pm I used my Tyre Glider for the first time today, albeit at home, but on a tyre that had been in a cold garage. At first, I couldn’t work out how to use it and had to watch the video, but after a bit of practice I found it works well.

What’s really good though is that my wife can use it easily. She’s never been able to get tyres on and off using tyre levers and thumbs, so it’s a game changer for her and she can ride with confidence on her own without having to worry about punctures.

My wife’s attitude is she doesn’t need the tyre lever and thumb thing while im next to her with trye levers and thumbs. Its hard to disagree

My wife has recently been striking out on her own. She’s getting tired of testosterone-fuelled males forcing the pace on group rides. Now she does her own ride and meets us at the cafe. Hence the need for her to carry a Tyre Glider.

And good luck to Mrs Trev. I ride witha group of middle aged men and women and we just adjust accordingly. There’s no good men trying to behave like cycling pros. I live on a long hill (for essex) and when the tour of Britain came here the pros who weren’t in the sprint were sitting up chatting and pushing a big gear, often no hands. They are just different! Much better to respond to the folks you’re with