Let me tell you, as someone who's struggled with traditional tire levers (and bruised knuckles), the Tyre Monkey is a revelation. The first time I used it during a roadside flat fix, I was shocked - what normally took 15 minutes of wrestling was done in under 2 minutes.
What makes it special? The 90-degree hand position is genius. No more smashing your fingers against spokes! The composite material feels sturdy yet lightweight in my jersey pocket. On my gravel bike with tight 38mm tires, it slid under the bead effortlessly where my old levers failed.
Is it perfect? Nearly. While it struggles slightly with ultra-tight 25mm road tires (I keep one traditional lever as backup), for my mountain bike's 2.4" tubeless setup? Magic. That final stubborn section of bead that usually requires three hands? The Tyre Monkey's curved edge pops it on with one smooth motion.
After 6 months and 4 tire changes (including one mid-ride during a century), it's become my must-have tool. The built-in tire defeater works great for breaking beads too. Just avoid using excessive force on the tip - one user reported chipping on Continental tires.
If you change tires more than once a year, this £10 tool will save you hours of frustration. It's not just another lever - it's how tire changes should be.