I can’t remember the last time that I had a repair kit on my road bike. I don’t typically have time to spend rooting around the house looking for the tools on my way out the door. This has yet to come back to bite me *knock on wood* but should the day come that I get a flat, the Air Lever by Bar Fly might be the one tool I wish I had…
The Air Lever is a tire lever with an integrated Co2 head. The threaded head and large prying surface makes it versatile for every ride from road to mountain (12-25g+ cartridges). The set is complete with a second tire lever for those stubborn tires (I’m looking at you, Conti). The head is made of aluminum keeping the set under 50g, plus it works with both presta and shrader valves. Airflow is adjusted by twisting the cartradge. Also, the lever end can be used to push against the valve, and it’ll keep at least one of your hands from freezing (seriously, wrap something around the cartridge before you twist it on, or buy the insulated ones). They plan to design more tools to pair with the Air Levers later next year.
Bar Fly has been around for a while with the out-front computer mount game. They showed the Air Lever as a concept at Eurobike, but for the first time, they’re going to Kickstarter to bring a tool to market. The Air Lever is available at the $24 pledge, some mid and high level pledges come with their Hopper saddle bag. It’s expected to ship by mid January, later retailing for $30.
