A lot of gear comes across our desks here at Pinkbike. Check Out is a monthly round-up of everything our tech editors have gotten their hands on. Sometimes it's products we're doing long-term tests on. Other times it's stuff we're stoked on but don't have time to fully review. And, sometimes it's crazy shit someone sent us unsolicited, and we're having a laugh.
Affinity Cycles Premium Carbon Fiber Tire Lever
Features
• Made for both carbon and alloy rims • Brooklyn, NY made • $25 USD / pair
• unidirectional and 3k woven carbon fiber • Light and stiff • affinitycycles.com
A carbon fiber tire lever? Might as well, especially when everything else has carbon this or carbon that in it. Affinity's tire lever is designed to address what they believe are some shortcomings of traditional tire levers - namely durability and being rim friendly, on both alloy and carbon rims. The lever is made to be stiff and strong. The levers are being sold on a made to order basis from Affinity in their Brooklyn, NY, facility.
Leatt1.0 Shoes
Features
• Casual sneaker style • Riding shoe sole • leatt.com
• Stiffened insert for pedals • Sizes US 6-12 • $79.99 USD
Leatt's 1.0 shoe gives a basic sneaker style coupled with a sole that is ready to ride. The shoe is comfortable to wear around all day yet offers plenty of grip on flat pedals if you want to cruise over to the pump track or hit a trail on the way home. The 1.0's subdued looks will do it favors for those looking to fashion coordinate with their denim.
Topeak Alien X Multi-Tool
Features
• 34-function • Carry pouch • Vandium Steel
• Snaps into two pieces for versatility • $64.95 USD • topeak.com
Topeak's Alien X multi-tool has just about anything one may need for repairing their bike in the woods, or in a shop. It's all put together in a small and lightweight package that stashes in a nylon pouch to keep it clean. There are master link pliers, Torx keys, Allen keys, and even a brake pad spacer among the 34 different functions. With that many tools, it's a good go-to for anyone on a deep-woods or backcountry ride where being prepared to fix any issue that may arise between you and your friends could mean the difference between riding out or spending the night.
Osprey's recently updated Talon 22 pack is designed with versatility in mind. The pack is made to be a good all-rounder, with attachments for a bike helmet, or ice axe, depending on the day. The bag has a good amount of storage in the main compartment along with a stretch outer compartment and a top stash spot. I've had the pack for a couple of months and used it for everything from long backcountry rides to day-long winter hikes where I needed to carry plenty of extra food and clothing. The pack breathes well and is well balanced. It stays in place whether on foot or on the bike, and the ability to easily lash extra gear on the outside has proven handy.
Bontrager Pro Ratchet Multi-Tool
Features
• Precision ratchet • Magnetic bits/extension • Torque bar (2-8 Nm)
Bontrager's Pro Ratchet Multi-Tool packs a good deal of precision into a package small enough to carry in your pocket. The ratchet features 72-teeth and the bits are made of Swiss S2 steel. There's a magnetic extension for harder to reach bolts and a titanium torque wrench extension which measures values from 2-8 Nm.
While it's certainly not cheap, the tool is high quality and was developed through a partnership with Silca, a brand known for its fancy and functional tools. In hand, it seems as if it would be right at home as a travel tool or seeing some use in a home shop.
Carbon tyre levers?? You been serious!!?? Imagine those snapping and getting carbon shards in your fingers and hands. This obsession with carbon needs to stop.
I assume the whole idea is that they are so robust that you will be never able to generate enough force by your hands to break them. You certainly can't say that about the common plastic ones. Alu leavers solving this problem do exist but they tend to damage the rim. These carbon ones might do better in this regard.
@MattP76: i think i kill one a year or so.. but as you say, as they cost 2 bucks, it is fairly reasonable... Only happens since the tubeless conversion days.. have my share of hassle with that....
@IluvRIDING: I've got a pair of the Lezyne plastic ones. They're the most robust plastic levers I've used, and my go-to lever for getting a tyre with cushcore in off the bead because they have a great shape. Most other plastic levers seemed to do a better job of actually removing tyres, because they're thinner. But at least I won't break the Lezyne ones!
@MattP76: I've snapped a lot of plastic tyre levers fitting tyres with Rimpact (deemax and trail XA rims with WTB and Michelin tires). I've also snapped the plastic covers off steel core levers. If the carbon levers came with a lifetime idiot proof guarantee, I might consider them.
I like my blue plastic (Schwalbe) tyre levers that it came with the Procore (which has been F A N T A S T I C and basically since installed, I'm don't carry any tube... or tyre lever and on mini trail rides (less than 30km) no pump!)
@MattP76: i have been using a plastic clothes pin with the spring removed which gives you two levers . i have been using these for twenty five years . cost me 20 cents .
I saw this come up on Bikepacking.com a few weeks ago and made some carbon levers of my own... they are surprisingly sturdy! Personally, I like them just because they look sexy and I made them.
I use man flesh for mounting and removing tires. There are the odd tire rim combo where I might need a tire lever. For that I use the tire levers I find out on the trail. I’ve found quite a few over the years. I haven’t bought one in ages. But carbon levers are so light and cool. If I find one or two of these on the trail I will be stoked. Might drill them out for lightness though.
@Someoldfart: Man you are an old fart but you must have badass arms! I always had problems with tires to mount them even with levers! (I must admit the worst ones were the Intense 909 DH 2 ply, but damn were those tires good!)
@IluvRIDING: Crank Brothers Speedier levers are by far the BEST levers I've ever owned! I have broke/bent other cheapies like the Pedros and some no name plastic garbage. The CBs also function to seat your tire, they are seriously sweet and light. I carry 2, although a tiny bit more bulky than other flat levers, still light weight. I have repaired tires with cushcore on the trail with ease. At $5 USD a piece I won't leave home without them. But that's my personal experience with em.
@MattP76: they have to be the right plastic tho, I still have some Pedros ones made from recycled milk bottles which were given away free with MBUK magazine in the early 90’s. I was given some park plastic ones which lasted 1 use...
I fully agree with you I was trying to mount some tyres today and snapped a plastic tyre lever and I don't like the idea of cartoon shards going everywhere.
@RonSauce: quality tools for quality bikes is why. Probably dont need a torque wrench trailside or roadside, but some people rocking precision components want one so they dont have to retorque at home.
And only a fool would use a $3 tool on a $5k (or more) bike.
@lognar: I’ve never understood this. What does the cost of one thing have to do with the other? The bike costs what it costs because of its particular manufacturing, research, marketing, and market conditions. Do tools exist in those same conditions? Some, but certainly not all.
If I can get a tool for $5 that is of sufficient quality, what does it matter how expensive the thing I’m using it on is? I’m not saying quality is unimportant or that it is not related to cost, just that I don’t consider cost of completely different thing X when evaluating the quality to price ratio of thing Y. I’m just looking to see if I’m getting good enough function and quality for the price for the task I’m going to be doing with it.
@lognar: Topeak makes quality tools and they have a mini ratchet set for sub 35. I mean if it’s manufactured in the us or Germany or Swiss and the bits are to spec, I could see paying that much but geez that’s a lot for a bit driver. I’d go with Greenlee for a lifetime warranty if I were to spend that kind of cash. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I always thought this tool was a bit ridiculous, but then I got one around Thanksgiving as a gift and haven't really touched my Allens since. It's worth it.
@lognar: don't know about the Bontrager version, but the silca tool bits aren't actually that nice. I have both that tool and the PB swiss multitool, and the steel doesn't even compare between the two. The ratchet and torque bar are nice though.
@abueno: You can get US, German and Swiss versions for cheap too without bike company branding (without the torque settings). I don't see why anyone wants a torque wrench on the trail. There's no way that thing is super accurate to begin with much less after bouncing around for a year.
@Bushmaster123: I suspect you might have a downvote because somebody knew of another one that existed previously. My experience with the tool roll form factor was also the Granite and I liked it a lot. The right price, and once you have a ratchet it's hard to go back to a regular multitool. Sadly lost mine - went to a different style to have a chain tool, but I miss that little ratchet.
@drunknride: each torque bar's laser etching is calibrated on a jig, so it should be plenty accurate. I also don't see how the design would fatigue. It's literally just a titanium bar in a sleeve.
@abueno: exactly, its pretty goofy to think anyone would use 1/4 hex for precision work. If proper torque was so important to you, it wouldn't have come lose on the trail. At the same time I pity anyone who thinks they need a $130+ rachet but can't feel the difference between 2,3 and 4 nm.
I remember having an OG Alien that I stole from my dad when I got into mountain biking. The new one is somehow entirely different yet still exactly the same. I later stole his bike too, a circa-2000 Kona Lavadome with a whopping 2.5 inches of travel that I obliterated when I OTBed attempting a 4x course I clearly had no business riding. Such good memories...
That's how I got in MTB, I had a crappy MTB stolen and bought a used 98 Lava Dome from my local shop, which had rigid P2s on. Started piling up sticks and launching the bike of it. I think I even had a set of Judy XLCs on it at one point, totally inappropriate
Also yes had a very early Topeak mutlitool too, wasn't an Alien but it did EVERYTHING. Was very sad to leave it on a rock on a footpath about 5 years ago. When I relasied and went back it was gone
or those carbon tire levers? Does Trek have nothing better to do with their R&D Dept? Soon they'll be releasing gloved specially designed to prevent you getting stabbed with carbon shards when they break and it will be *REVOLUTIONARY*
@groghunter: Absolutely, there's so much junk around these days. I get some of it though, average people who maybe tighten one nut on a piece of furniture in a year only need a Chinese spanner made of cheese. I regularly tinker with so many things I HATE buying disposable cheap crap, but cant quite justify the Snap On leagues. The Wera kit feels really good though, it's all got a solidity to it and the Tool Check thing I linked to is really cleverly packaged but feels robust too, it's almost compact enough to carry on a bike but there's just too many things you'd never use on a bike even in an emergency. I think the ratchet's got a silly high max torque figure for the size it is, it would be impossible to impart that by hand using it normally.
@witica: lol, “developed in partnership with silca” read as “silca developed this independently years ago and we finally offered them enough money to let us sell it for more money with our branding”
With all the standards in the industry, I need to know if the topeak allen x tool will work on bikes without x on the name. Or can it only be used on bikes such as the process x, or trance x.
Some things should not be made of carbon fiber and tire levers are one of them. But I think there is a market. You know those middle aged road bikers with $12000 bikes. They have heart monitors and drink specially formulated maximum performance, electrolyte replacement, endorphin enhancing, juice therapy solution.
Have you ever broken a carbon rim using a tyre lever? Just curious because i know my pooper is twitching every time i mount a tight tyre on my we are one rims. I use a regular park blue plastic tyre lever but its always a thought that crosses my rim!
@korev: so you snapped the tyre lever not the rim? Seems to me thats the most likely out come. Wheels take a battering id be surprised if a tyre lever could snap them.
We had to "field destroy" a damaged carbon rim at my workplace once. Even beating on it with a full size pedal wrench, it took a surprising amount of force to get it to crack.
Carbon tire levers ? pretty silly . i use a plastic clothes pin . just remove the spring and you have two ready made levers that work better than any thing i have ever used . the thin end is perfect jamming in between the tire and the rim and then insert the other lever in the opposite direction that has a little indentation on it , that will slide easily along the rim .
Tyre lever without spoke hooks? Cmon why would i need them in that case i can change tyre using hands, when cannot i will mot be able without spoke hooks either
The shoes i like but i've seen almost identical shoes in other shops that were labeled either -
tennis shoes
boat deck shoes
walking shoes
racket ball shoes
beach sneakers
etc etc.
I'm riding these now but would spend the extra $20 next time to go back to 5 10's on sale at $99. Not bad though for $35 on sale because they do offer more protection, stiff and some grip.
Topeak makes great tools at a good price. I still have a basic one from about 2005. Got a new one recently so I could have a chain breaker. Their Hexus X is a well designed option at $28 USD.
ive never paid for a tire lever yet somehow have 678123612386. just go to bike shows or events sponsors hand out all sorts of useful swag i would never pay for
@styleguide: ordered a fake one from Hong Kong on ebay. £15. Arrived in 9 days. Really nice bit of kit. Stuck a bit of lagging foam in the hole first then pushed the tool in. Stops any bits falling out and reduces mud in there.
1. Isnt there a company using recycled carbon to make tire levers? What a waste these are. 2. Those leatts look pediatric. 3. just buy a Leatherman 4. oooo another pack 5. Blackburn Switch is the same thing w/out a torque bar for $100 less. Calibrated hands save money.
Most other plastic levers seemed to do a better job of actually removing tyres, because they're thinner. But at least I won't break the Lezyne ones!
These carbon tire levers are probably the only other option I would try.
Not sure why the assertion is that these would break (laminated 3k weave) when GFN does not break.
It's just as much of a biking mecca as Shenzen tbf.
www.rei.com/product/843163/crankbrothers-speedier-tire-lever?sku=8431630001&store=129&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_8431630001%7C92700057782267046%7CNB%7C71700000074090541&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6irjnRXQPH0CPAg--HlYhl_5s1SuVrGdaPEXvJ4vBZI_qcGAiYSz7mhcaAvXJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Why buy a rebranded set for 125$?
asking for friend...
And only a fool would use a $3 tool on a $5k (or more) bike.
If I can get a tool for $5 that is of sufficient quality, what does it matter how expensive the thing I’m using it on is? I’m not saying quality is unimportant or that it is not related to cost, just that I don’t consider cost of completely different thing X when evaluating the quality to price ratio of thing Y. I’m just looking to see if I’m getting good enough function and quality for the price for the task I’m going to be doing with it.
I have one and it's been great. Although I can't compare it's quality to the Silca.
Most of the silca stuff I've bought (y wrench and floor pump) have been a waste of money. Their frame pump is awesome, though. I'm done buying them
Also yes had a very early Topeak mutlitool too, wasn't an Alien but it did EVERYTHING. Was very sad to leave it on a rock on a footpath about 5 years ago. When I relasied and went back it was gone
.
.
.Just like your -insert hated bike manufacturer- frame.
www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-2607017322-Rainbow-Screwdriver-ratchet/dp/B00HY7LV6E
I've got one of these Wera sets: www.amazon.co.uk/Wera-Tool-Check-bit-ratchet-screwdriver-05073220001/dp/B005M2WJDW
It's bloody brilliant, always goes in the ride toolbox in the car, not quite portable enough to carry on a ride but has everything.
IMO, older snap-on was amazing, but i'd buy Wera over their new stuff every day of the week.
“developed in partnership with Silica”
It's the same tool with new :
cloth pouch - tag - laser !
Maybe they manage to change this "Commencal" !?!?!?
work better than any thing i have ever used . the thin end is perfect jamming in between the tire and the rim and then insert the other lever in the opposite direction that has a little indentation on it , that will slide easily along the rim .
www.bike-components.de/de/All-In-Multitool/Minitool-V3-p79911/?o=69400001-black-universal&delivery_country=AT&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4Eu6Qrf6i7wLgvUTDw_68QMsNGFYTWl6ZZD6KkCnz4JMOpH3G1UG4YsaAhaDEALw_wcB