Tire Levers are something of an art, and I have a few favorites for different reasons. I also keep them stored at strategic spots around the office and my garage, so something’s always within reach. Now, the KOM Tire Levers have joined the ranks, and for good reason: They’re quite excellent.
The KOM levers are more robust, thanks to a thicker handle portion that’s also ridged to create structure. And if you’ve ever had a set of levers that are supposed to nest together, you’ll appreciate this: KOM’s levers actually stick and stay together, even if you drop them. Which is good, because hiding in between them is their alloy, multi-purpose valve core removal tool…
The alloy valve core removal tool has one end sized for Presta, and the other for Schrader. The latter may not be common, but helpful if you want to add sealant to your cruiser or kid’s bike’s tubes.
The center section’s flattened edges make it easy to grip and turn even with full finger gloves on. It’s a quick, easy way to snug up the valve core before using a mini pump with threaded chuck, since those are notorious for unthreading the cores as you remove them…resulting in all that hard earned psi slipping right back out.
While KOM bills this kit as a Valve Core Remover that includes tire levers, I’d argue that nomenclature should be reversed. In terms of just making a tire lever to do what a tire lever should do, these are among the best.
I say that mainly for one reason: The handles are thick and textured enough that I could really grab onto it and muscle through very tight tire removals. Thinner levers flex, and smooth levers slip and slide. These do neither, giving me confidence to push without fear of destroying my fingers should it give out.
The rest of the features are bonus, and include well thought out design touches like their angular hooked spoke catch:
The shaping of the spoke catch is brilliant, with notches to trap the spoke securely. It worked well on both round and bladed spokes and never let it slip. It’s a big improvement over the rounded J-shaped hooks on most levers.
While some rim brands recommended against using tire levers, let’s be real…most of us will still do it when the need arises. Because what’s the alternative? Magic?
KOM’s levers have a meaty grip that doesn’t flex, with mildly rounded edges on the end that sticks under the tire. This eases entry, and helps it slide along smoothly once inserted.
Perhaps the best part is that the entire bundle is just $9.99. Available direct and through Amazon.
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