June 26, 2019 (SALT LAKE CITY, Utah) – Snēk Cycling has officially launched the Lifeboat Tire Lever, after successfully funding the project on Kickstarter. Traditional bicycle tire levers aren’t built to use on modern bikes with tubeless tires. The Lifeboat solves this problem and does even more.
Photo courtesy Snēk Cycling.
For years cyclists used plastic tire levers, with just a simple scoop, to remove tires to repair or replace a punctured inner tube. While there are many different designs, the basic decades-old concept remains unchanged. However, tire and wheel technology continues to evolve.
With tubeless-ready wheel, tire, and sealant technologies to fix and prevent flats, traditional levers are no longer adequate. Plastic levers often break in the process of removing tight-fitting tires. With modern tubeless wheels, often the only tool necessary is an easily lost valve core remover, to install or replace sealant into the tire.
“When doing a repair to my tubeless wheels, I often found myself searching for my small missing valve core removal tool, needle nose pliers, or anything that would allow me to remove the valve core. That’s when it dawned on me. Why not just have this remover as part of the tire lever? Now, the tool is always there when a tire needs service. Whether installing new tires, removing old ones, or fixing a flat with either sealant or a tube, the tools are available,” stated Jonny Hintze, founder of the Utah-based company. “I am tired of breaking disposable plastic levers and want something that is built to last.”
The Lifeboat features a pair of 90-degree offset valve core removers as well as a bottle opener so you can remove your tire, valve core, and open your post ride beverage all with one tool. The lever has a metal core construction for added strength, while the injection molded plastic outer protects carbon rims from damage. Chamfered edges in the lever scoop also aid removal and installation of tight fitting tubeless-ready tires.
The Lifeboat Tire Lever is made in the USA and carries a life-time guarantee. Retail is $25.00, available now from http://snekcycling.com/products/lifeboat-tire-lever.
Photo courtesy Snēk Cycling.
