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Affinity Cycles launches carbon fiber tire levers. Repeat: Carbon. Fiber. Tire Levers!

Written by Tyler Benedict
affiinity cycles carbon fiber tire levers for bike tires
16 Comments
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Carbon fiber tire levers? Why? Because it all adds up. And because they could.

The new Affinity Cycles Premium Carbon Fiber Tire Lever set is pretty much exactly what it sounds like, but also with really good design. Conceived in house, they’re designed by Aaron Panone of AARN, who’s done work for Geekhouse, Royal H Cycles, Independent Fabrication, and more.

affiinity cycles carbon fiber tire levers being used to remove a road bike tire

As one would expect, they say it’s lighter than the competition. So, yes, you’ll save a few grams from your saddle pack or jersey pocket.

Oh. Wait.

You need more reasons to get them?

OK, how about this: They’re made of Unidirectional and 3K woven carbon fiber.

affiinity cycles carbon fiber tire levers for bike tires

More? Seriously?

They’re made in Brooklyn, USA. And, as of now, they’re being made to order in small batches, with plans to ramp up production eventually.

Affinity Cycles says they’re safe for carbon and alloy rims, and super strong and stiff thanks to their beveled, 3D design. We have a set in for testing and will verify all that shortly.

Retail is $25 per pair, available now through their website.

Did I mention that they are Carbon. Fiber. Tire levers?!?

AffinityCycles.com
Tyler Benedict
11,282 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com, where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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Miclaroc
Miclaroc
4 years ago

My plastic Pedros have always seemed softer than my carbon and alu rims which made me think they were safe as they’d break before the rim. Worried about these in that respect but cool design.

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shawn
shawn
4 years ago

I made some about 10 years ago and I had issues with delamination over time. I would love to try a set in person! Order up.

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jason d west
jason d west
4 years ago

Thats cool there is an option for those that want them.

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Jimbo
Jimbo
4 years ago
Reply to  jason d west

Nope. Carbon shards tearing your hand apart while your bikes out of service. Nope nope nope.

Love the pic though. That single finger and thumb style of using a tyre lever dreamworld cycling

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Whateverbikes
Whateverbikes
4 years ago
Reply to  Jimbo

Not only that, but these tyre levers mis the all important hook at the bottom end, to hook it behind a spoke. I don’t mind people making or buying it, but I mind people acting like these are any good. They’re not.

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bobrayner
bobrayner
4 years ago
Reply to  Jimbo

10 years ago, people said that carbon fibre frames would splinter; can’t trust them, stick to metal frames.

25 years ago, people said that aheadsets were dangerous; exposed bolts would shred your groin in an accident, safer to stick to quill stems.

You wouldn’t believe the horrifying things that people said about rim-brakes in the spoon-brake era.

Now it’s 2020 and you worry about a carbon fibre tyre lever “tearing your hand apart”? Have you seen many hands torn apart by exploding tyre levers?

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TokuT
TokuT
4 years ago

You guys don’t get it, its CARBON. Here take my money!

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ttxxdd
ttxxdd
4 years ago

thanks, but i’ll just stick to flathead screwdrivers

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King County
King County
4 years ago

I am gonna wait until either nylon coated carbon levers, or steel core carbon covered levers are released. I don’t want to buy these Affinity’s and get one-upped, regardless if these are good or not.`

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Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
4 years ago

Artisanally made carbon fiber tire levers…made in Brooklyn? This has to be April 1st. I’ll stick with Pedros, seems like they have perfected the tire lever and for a few dollars. I’ve never not been able to get a tire off with just one and have only snapped a lever twice both times the levers were several years old and were my “house”levers that were extremely worn and I was using them to remount very tight tubeless tires on Mavic rims.

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Nic VeloAdventuresCardiff
Nic VeloAdventuresCardiff
4 years ago

There’s lovely…but there’s no notch for clipping onto a spoke whilst the try to get the other leaver under the bead…form over function ‍♂️

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Tony
Tony
4 years ago

I prefer my own design of lead tire levers. They’re malleable, and are great for weight training. I can PR down my driveway and to the coffee shop whenever I take them out of my flat kit.

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esc8engn
esc8engn
3 years ago

this design appears to be fairly functional to me-. i like the idea of a stiff and durable tire lever. i personally don’t care so much about weight as a fifteen year veteran of bike service. and i sure as shit don’t give an ra about a spoke holder on the far end. the grip ergo/comfort does look a little sub par tho. (Pedro’s being the bar.) I look forward to a long term review with both field and shop experience. who is this really for??? besides carbon nerds.

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Damo
Damo
3 years ago
Reply to  esc8engn

Long-term review? Twenty minutes mounting and removing five or six tyres from five or six differing rims would surely provide the average tyre lever’s worth of data.

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James Terry
James Terry
3 years ago
Reply to  esc8engn

I’m actually trying these levers out at the moment and agree with what you wrote. And yes, the ergo/comfort is a bit uncomfortable, especially for all day use….

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Joe
Joe
1 year ago

Recently bought a pair of these in original packaging at a swap for $10. I tried them once and that will likely be the last. The edges are thin (<2mm) and have an angled edge (like a knife) that digs into the crotch of your hand between your thumb and forefinger when you try to use it. With a tight-fitting tire, I had to go to one of my regular <$3 levers to get the job done as it was just too painful to keep pushing with one of these and not being able to get the tire bead over the rim. As others have said, the lack of a spoke hook is a major flaw if you ever get to the point of starting to get the bead off. If it was an option, I would want my $10 back.

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