Fitting tyres can sometimes be a chore but the exquisitely designed Lezyne Saber Chromoly tyre lever make popping a tyre on and off the rim a complete doddle.

In an ideal world tyres would slide easily onto the rim and require only a mere press of the thumbs to slip them into place. But the reality is that getting tyres on and off rims can sometimes be a hard-fought battle.

There are certain combinations of tyres and rims that work well together, but some that just plain don’t. And if it’s tubeless tyres you’re trying to mount to a rim, that can be a whole other level of hassle.

You’ve probably got a toolbox liberally scattered with an assortment of plastic tyres levers, and I bet some of them are broken. While trying to get thick dual-ply downhill tyres mounted on wheels for the Megavalanche earlier this year I discovered the fantastic Lezyne Saber steel levers. And – wow! – what a difference they made. Suddenly it was easy to lever even the most resistant tyre onto the rim.

They’re forged and CNC machined from chromoly steel and they’re tough as nails. At 165mm they give enough leverage to get even the stubbornest tyres to mount, and the hook part is wide for good purchase on the rim. Yet they don’t bend even when fitting the most stubborn tyres. Care does need to be taken not to scratch the rims.

And rather handily there is a 15mm pedal/fixie axle bolt spanner on the other end. There’s even a bottle opener as well, so when you’re done fitting your new tyres you can grab an easy beer.

They’re a little heavier than plastic tyre levers but I would rather have a pair of these in my hydration pack when I’m riding out in the middle of nowhere. If you’ve ever battled to get a punctured tubeless tyre off on the trail side and tried to fit an inner tube, you’ll know what we mean.

They cost £16 which may seem a lot for a pair of tyre levers but we’ve since thrown out all my old plastic levers and use these all the time. They make life so much easier and I can easily see them lasting a lifetime. That’s a sound investment.

Verdict

The best tyre levers out there.

Pros

Tyre fitting and removing is a doddle
Bottle opener and 15mm pedal spanner

Cons

You have to be careful not to pinch the inner tube
Heavier than plastic levers

Price: £15.99
More information: Lezyne Saber chromoly tyre levers
UK importer: Upgrade bikes

What Lezyne says about the Saber Chromoly tyre levers

This versatile tool serves as a heavy-duty tyre lever, 15mm pedal wrench, and bottle opener. It is made of forged, heat treated, and CNC machined chromoly steel for a durable shop-quality tool that is portable enough for the trail. The 165mm length provides ample leverage for tough tyre beads and tight pedals. Sold as a pair.

Weight: 64g
Size: 160mm