Need special tyre levers for carbon rims?

[michael88]

I’ve got a set of carbon rims and I’m about to change a tyre. Do I need to get special tyre levers for carbon rims, or will the ones I have for my alloy rims work? I’ve heard that carbon rims can be a bit more delicate, so I want to make sure I don’t damage them. Any tips or advice would be appreciated!

much thnks

[alford1]

Absolutely, you’re right to be cautious when dealing with carbon rims—they do require a bit more care than alloy ones. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need special tyre levers for carbon rims, but you do need to be mindful of a few things.

First off, if your current tyre levers are plastic, they should be fine for use on carbon rims. Plastic levers are less likely to cause damage compared to metal ones, which can scratch or gouge the surface. If your levers are metal, it’s worth investing in a set of plastic or composite levers—they’re not expensive, and it’s cheap insurance to protect your pricey carbon rims.

Another thing to consider is technique. With carbon rims, you want to avoid excessive force. If you find yourself really wrestling with the tyre, take a step back and check if you’re doing everything right. Sometimes warming up the tyre by leaving it in the sun for a bit or using a bit of soapy water can make it easier to mount without putting too much stress on the rim.

Also, always start by fitting the tyre bead into the deepest part of the rim (the central channel). This gives you more slack on the opposite side, making it easier to pop the tyre on without needing to pry too hard with the levers.

If you’re really worried about it, there are specific carbon rim-friendly levers out there, but as long as you’re careful and use a gentle touch, you should be fine with the ones you’ve got.

Lastly, just a reminder—always check that your rim tape is in good shape before you fit a new tyre. It’s a small detail but can make a big difference in preventing punctures.

Hope that helps, and happy riding!

[Author]

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