As advertised, the steel core is virtually unbreakable...but you can break off the 'working ends' if you use the lever for other than removing tires!
I have a mountain bike that hates me and with the goat head thorns in Colorado, it takes it out on me in the form of flats. Unless the tire is really warm, it's a huge asking trying to fit those last two inches back on the rim and I've broken a number of levers doing it. Like other quality SOMA products, these levers are strong, shaped well, and have gotten me through without breaking or creating a pinch flat. Great price too.
I use these on my road bike and mountain bike. I guess it's about impossible to make an extra strong lever to install stubborn tires these are not as strong as I had hoped but they're better than the ones I had.
This set of tire levers are awesome and you will not be disappointed. They are very strong and the right size to work confortable without worrying if they are going to fail on you and will not damage your rims. I would buy a second set.
I never thought I would fall in love with something as simple as a pair of tire levers. Don't waste your money on cheap plastic levers. These could mean the difference between being stranded on the side of the road - or getting your flat fixed fast, and moving on. It's a great product!
tips broke off mounting some moderately tough rims ( old shimano ); parks and another brand worked
These seem like a great idea in theory. However, the second time I used them, the plastic tip broke off and the metal bent putting on a tire that I had previously put on using normal plastic Kool Stop levers. It was kind of sketchy how it broke too, as the plastic broke into some really sharp pieces.
I will be returning these.
We do a lot of touring and these levers put my mind at rest. Having a flat is one thing, breaking your tire lever is something else. I don't see that happening with these levers.
Broke one of the two Soma levers on the first attempt to remove a tire. Note, the new tires are incredibly difficult to change on my rims, so I expect it is somewhat unusual. I replaced my old levers with the Soma levers due to the advertised steel core. Unfortunately, when attempting to remove my tire, the nylon shell fractured and pulled away from one of the levers leaving an exposed steel bar. The second lever is still holding up well, and I use it along with another manufacturer's lever. In general, I like the levers as they are simple and easy to handle, and I like the feel of the steel weight in the lever. But, like any tire lever, they can be easily broken on difficult tire/rim combinations. The manufacturer agreed to replace the broken lever, under warranty, but never responded after I provided my shipping address.
I thought these we a clever answer to a tire lever because it had plastic over metal base.
This facilitated sipping the bead off the rim. However when on a bike tour, on the side of the road,
both ends broke off, the hook side and the sip side. Still usable but Soma has to do a better job
of reinforcing the lever design.
Tough tire levers. Use them in my shop, no breaky. Worth a little extra money.
