Sometimes the tools really do matter

[Carbonero]

Went to my buddy's garage last night to change tires on a bike; bias ply tires on an older bike. He's got the Motion Pro tire irons. My kit includes the Harbor Freight tire irons.

I can change a tire pretty quickly most of the time, and when I have to use the tire irons the Harbor Freight ones work pretty well. But I have to say, the extra bit of thought and design in the Motion Pro bars really make a difference.

Sometimes, the right tool for the job can seriously enhance technique and skill.


The Harbor Freight irons:


The Motion Pro irons:

[ConPilot1]

The MoJo lever works even better.  

[Cablebandit]

It took you longer to post that pic than it does to actually change a tire with the Mojo.  It's a great tool.

[Carbonero]

Yes, I have one, but I wasn't in my garage.

[bomber]

Motion Pro stuff shows that actual thought went into the design . . . . in my experience, their stuff is always worth the lil extra they charge . . .

[ianbh]

I bought a MoJo lever a couple of years ago and didn't have the best luck with it. The bolt in the end used to dismount bent, I got another one but need to get one made of better steel.  The white plastic on the other end (used to mount the new tire) partially pulled loose.  I didn't think I was being too rough but now just use motion pro levers.  
Bis ply tires (like the ME880) are a #$%^ to dismount/mount!
Ian, Iowa

[ConPilot1]

I bought a MoJo lever a couple of years ago and didn't have the best luck with it. The bolt in the end used to dismount bent, I got another one but need to get one made of better steel.  The white plastic on the other end (used to mount the new tire) partially pulled loose.  I didn't think I was being too rough but now just use motion pro levers.  
Bis ply tires (like the ME880) are a #$%^ to dismount/mount!
Ian, Iowa

Trick is to put them in the sun for a few hours before mounting, or next to a heater/radiator/fireplace in the house if it's cold out.  

[M.Brane]

Trick is to put them in the sun for a few hours before mounting, or next to a heater/radiator/fireplace in the house if it's cold out.  

 Tire warmers work quite well too. Nice to have a neighbor with track day disease. Not only do I get to use his tools I also get to drink his beer!

 Don't care much for the MP irons myself. They tend to be rim scratchers. I only reach for them in dire situations like old/bias ply tires.....

[JSharp]

Motion Pro stuff shows that actual thought went into the design . . . . in my experience, their stuff is always worth the lil extra they charge . . .

The Motion Pro tools are a copy of the Michelin tools that showed up in the 70's. Before that time you needed to buy tire tools by the dozen because they were always breaking.

[JonS]

Trick is to put them in the sun for a few hours before mounting, or next to a heater/radiator/fireplace in the house if it's cold out.  

  I never thought of doing that.