The best ideas are always the simplest ones. Snēk Cycling’s Lifeboat Tire Lever is the perfect example: take two separate essential tools — a tire lever and valve core remover — and combine them into one.
Jonny Hintze founded Snēk in 2015 with a commitment to designing and producing smart and stylish pieces of kit for the serious cyclist. His merino cycling caps were a previous offering that provided intense protection from the elements.
The Lifeboat Tire Lever is the latest addition to the range which went live on Kickstarter last month and it reflects the level of research and consideration Jonny has invested in it.
From the press release: The Lifeboat Tire Lever is an all in one tool that can change a tire, remove a valve core and open a bottle. The lever addresses the need for a valve core remover to service modern tubeless tire systems.
With the trend of tubeless tires in cycling and the inclusion of tire sealant for flat protection and repair, a tool is needed to service them.
Traditional tire levers lack the ability to remove a valve core, and the easiest way to install sealant is through the valve. “I was tired of looking for a tool to remove the valve core of my tubeless tires everytime I wanted to add sealant.
“My valve core remover was hard to keep track of and always seemed to be missing. That’s when I thought, why not just have a valve core remover as part of the tire lever?
“That way only one tool would be required to service tubeless tires instead of two separate ones.” adds Hintze. The result is this inclusive lever to service modern tubeless tires.
“In addition, the lever includes a bottle opener for the post-ride beverage. It was time for a tire lever that kept up with cycling trends and technology,” states Hintze.
Construction is of a plastic outer reinforced with a metal interior, ensuring a long-lasting lever that won’t break or damage your rim.
“I was also frustrated with levers breaking. I wanted a lever that was tough enough to handle the repeated abuse of tire maintenance, and was built to last rather than something that was disposable,” states Hintze.
The result is a lever that is constructed to last, guaranteed for life, and made in the USA. Head to the Kickstarter page for more information and to secure your lever.