Are you tired of struggling with stubborn tires that just won't budge? Look no further than the Tyre Glider and BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers. These tools are designed to make your tire changing experience a breeze, but which one is right for you? Let's take a closer look and find out. 

Both tools are designed to replace a tyre on a rim however Tyre Glider is also designed to remove the tyre as well. For the purpose of this comparison, I will only focus on the installation element.

Overview - Tyre Glider has the ability to take tyres off and put them back on with ease. Taking off is done by using the foot of the tool and scooping under the tyre bead, it is then used as a handle to quickly glide around the rim. To install you use the clip on the side to attach onto the rim which glides around the wheel to push a tyre into place with minimum effort.

Tyre Pliers are designed to go over the top of both MTB and road wheels and pull the last tight section back over the rim. 

Ease of use - How easy are these tools to use?

The Tyre Glider is designed with a foot scoop to remove the tire and a clip on the side to guide the tire back onto the rim, making it easy to handle even the tightest of tires. The BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers, on the other hand, can be a bit trickier to use at first. The pliers need to be hooked under the tyre and then pulled over the rim. It can take some practice to get the hang of using them, and they can slip when trying to install the tyre back on the rim. It is also worth noting here that the Tyre Pliers rely on you installing the majority of the tyre by hand as these pliers are just designed to help with the tightest end section. 

In the Workshop - What's the best tool for the workshop?

In a workshop setting, the Tyre Glider is a versatile tool that can handle a wide range of different tire and rim combinations. The BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers, however, are only useful for extremely tight-fitting tires and will require assistance from other tools to get the job done. The tyre glider is perfect for use in a workshop setting as it is small and quick to use, making tire changes easy. The pliers, on the other hand, are better suited for a workshop setting where size isn't an issue and they can focus on more specialised challenging wheel set ups.

At the Roadside - What's the best tool for on-the-go repairs?

When it comes to on-the-go tire changes, the Tyre Glider is the clear winner for me. Its compact size and ease of use makes it perfect for tackling unexpected tire issues on the road. The BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers, on the other hand, are too large to take with you on the road and only serve one purpose: putting the final tight bit back on. Cold roadside tyre changes can always be more challenging with cold fingers. The Tyre Glider takes those cold fingers out of the equation when reinstalling on the roadside as it is the palm of you hand which glides on your final section of the tyre not your frozen digits. The tool deals with the whole installation, no cold fingers required. 

MTB Tyres - How do these tools handle MTB tires?

The Tyre Glider is a superstar when it comes to taking MTB tires off and on, while the BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers are only useful for putting the final tight bit back on. The Tyre Glider's unique design allows it to handle a wide range of different tire and rim combinations, making it a great tool for tackling stubborn MTB tires. The BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers, however, are not as versatile and are limited in their capabilities when it comes to MTB tires.

Road Bike Tyres - How do these tools handle Road Bike Tyres?

The Tyre Glider is also a great tool for road bike tires, as it can easily take them off and on. However, depending on the tightness of the tire, more force may be required to put it back on. This force can be applied by standing over the wheel with the tyre pinned between your feet and using the palm of your hand on the foot of the Tyre Glider to glide on the last tight section. On the other hand, the BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers, while useful for extremely tight-fitting road bike tires, are limited in their capabilities and may require assistance from other tools or your ability to complete the majority of your tyre change by hand.

Attribute Tyre Glider BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers
Length 8cm 22.5cm
Height 4cm 6cm
Width 3cm 2cm
Weight 20g 116g

 

The Tyre Glider is small enough to put in your pocket while riding and doesn't take up any storage space, making it a great tool for on-the-go repairs. The BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers, on the other hand, are too large to take with you on the road and are better suited for a workshop setting.

Conclusion

In the battle of the tire changing tools, for me, the Tyre Glider comes out on top as the overall winner. Its unique design and versatility make it a great tool to have in your arsenal, both in the workshop and on the road. The BBB/Cycle Pal Tyre Pliers, while useful for extremely tight-fitting tires, are limited in their capabilities and not as practical for everyday use. So, if you're looking for a tool that can make a tough job easier, the Tyre Glider is the one for you. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good tool that makes their life easier?




Whilst we produce Cycling tools and products, including Tyre Glider, we always, give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences when reviewing products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blogger’s own
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