Overview
Which one is easier to use?
When it comes to ease of use, both the Tyre Glider and Tyre Monkey are relatively simple to use. The Tyre Glider has a clear lever to remove the tire and a clip on the side to guide the tire back onto the rim. The Tyre Monkey, on the other hand keeps the general appearance of a tyre lever, including a lever to remove the tire and a clip towards the end of the lever to guide the tire back on. I felt both removed my tyres well, each sliding under the rim with no problems and a simple glide around the rim made short work of removal. When in use, I personally found the Tyre Monkey's clip was too big for the rims in my workshop. This led to it feeling loose on my wheels when installing and often slipping off. The Tyre Glider clipped neatly to the rim allowing me to focus on pushing the pressure in one direction rather than multiple.
Which one is more effective in a workshop setting?
In a workshop setting, both the Tyre Glider and Tyre Monkey are effective tools. They are small and quick to use, making tire changes straightforward and quick. When installing a tighter fitting tire, I found the Tyre Monkey did not work as well because, due to the force applied to the handle, it did not feel like it was in the optimal position and I felt the clip didn't have as secure a connection to the rim. This felt as though it limited the amount of force that I could use to install the tire. With a particularly tight tyre (GP5000) I found I needed extra pressure to complete the installation. With Tyre Glider, I felt this pressure could comfortably be applied to the wide lever of the tool. Due to the tire lever shape, the Tyre Monkey has a thinner surface to apply force, which I thought put more pressure into my thumb. However, the Tyre Monkey did have a longer lever to help bring my tyre off of the rim.
Which one is more effective at the roadside?
When it comes to changing tires at the roadside, both the Tyre Glider and Tyre Monkey are great options. They are small and easy to carry, making it easy to change tires on the go. If you travel with a particularly tight wheel and tyre combination, you may want to consider how the tools clip attaches to the rim. Cold roadside tyre changes can always be more challenging with cold fingers. In my opinion, Tyre Glider takes those cold fingers out of the equation when reinstalling on the roadside, as you use the palm of you hand rather than your frozen digits.
Which one is more compatible with different types of tires?
The Tyre Glider works well with both mountain bike and road bike tires, taking them off and on with ease. The Tyre Monkey also works well with mountain bike tires, but when installing a tighter fitting road bike tire, I found it easier to apply the extra pressure needed to the Tyre Glider. This allowed me to stand over the wheel and apply my body weight - easy gliding!
How do they compare in size and weight?
| Tool | Length (cm) | Height (cm) | Width (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyre Glider | 8 | 4 | 3 | 20 |
| Tyre Monkey | 10 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 20 |
As we can see from the table above, both the Tyre Glider and Tyre Monkey have similar dimensions and weight.
Which tool do I prefer?
In conclusion, for me, the Tyre Glider is my tool of choice. I found it easier to use and more effective in a workshop setting and at the roadside. I think it has greater compatibility with different types of tires. So, when it comes to changing tires on both mountain and road bikes, my first choice would be the Tyre Glider. In my view, the ultimate tyre lever!
