Happy Trails Bead Breaker Review at KLRWorld.com

[Hondo]

Very cool tool-



Check it out here-

http://klrworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=125

[Camas]

What does it weigh? Looks stout. I think I'd want something a bit lighter to put in my topbox or softbags.  I currently have a pair of Channellocks that seem to work too.

[Hondo]

I didn't have a scale, but between 1 & 2 lbs.

Weight wouldn't be an issue to me, as I carry all of my tools (including this) in my tankbag anyways (moves a bit of the weight forward away from my mermites).

[Darth]

Re cool, but heavy trail tools...

Something I am going to suggest to our Texas Panhandle bunch planning a Shadow of the Rockies ride next year, is to carefully evaluate our needs for tools, spares & emergency equipment.
Then pool the cost of everything we need and split it up for the long ride, so everyone doesn't have to buy & carry everything individually.
We could take a pretty good tool & spares kit that way, as well as a good first aid kit, sat beacon, more water, extra clothes or camp gear, etc. Maybe a machine gun too ! 
Everyone would need "their own" of certain things, share what's appropriate.

What is the cost of that bad boy ?
The only other bike-carried bead breaker I've seen that impressed me looks cumbersome to use and costs about $160.00 !!
That HP model looks like it would lend itself to wheel-on-bike tube patching too, old-school enduro style, should anyone be so inclined.
Some will be very happy with a side-stand and a river rock, but I trust good tools more...

[Hondo]

The cost (as I said in the beginning of the review) is $60.00 + shipping-

[The Patman]

I've seen this tool, and held it in my hand. Seems sturdy enough and is as compact as one would want something like this to be. Just from weight and feel, looks OK to me.

[Jud]

I have one; Craig O. ordered one, somehow ended up with two, and passed the spare onto me. It's heavy, heavier than a c-clamp; I wouldn't carry it even if I had a couple of oversized Jesse bags. I have used it a couple of times. It works ok, but I'd rather practice breaking the bead with my MP spoon.

[Camas]

I recently changed out my rear (tire that is) from a Bridgestone TW22 to a TW302 and I just thank my lucky stars that I was at home with all the tools in my shop at my disposal. It took every c-clamp, three tire irons and a bench vise to break that bead. So's you know, that tire was installed using mild dish soap as a the lube to get it on. I had sweat dripping by the time I got the old bead broken. This tool looks like a must as I don't ever want to go thru that nonsense again.

[SgtMarty]

It's my belief that using a lube (soapy water, etc) when installing a tire will cause a bead-breaking problem later when it turns to glue.

I've always mounted tires clean and dry.  Sometimes a bit harder to get the tire on, and sometimes it takes more air to seat the bead, but I've never had a problem breaking the bead later.

Just my two cents.

[Jud]

It's my belief that using a lube (soapy water, etc) when installing a tire will cause a bead-breaking problem later when it turns to glue.

I've always mounted tires clean and dry.  Sometimes a bit harder to get the tire on, and sometimes it takes more air to seat the bead, but I've never had a problem breaking the bead later.

Just my two cents.

+1. That's one of the reasons I use talc in preference to other lubes.

As for the HT bead-breaker, a buddy somehow got two, so he gave me the extra. I'm glad i didn't pay sixty bucks for it. It works, but it's way too heavy to carry. I keep it around in case I want it at home, but the only time I bothered to use it was the first time, just to try it out. It's a bunch o' nothin', IMO.

[Hondo]

I don't think it's that heavy and have no problem adding it to my toolkit when I ride.

And IMO, it's a very good tool.

[Hondo]

Tell ya what I'll do - I'll weigh it.

[Camas]

Tell ya what I'll do - I'll weigh it.

Chances are we won't need it BUT if you ever do...

Also I tried WD40 on an installation one time. All went really well and the removal was good too. I guess that's what fish oil in a can can do.

[Camas]

I just put in an order for one. They are backlogged and it could be "quite some time before they're in". Didn't help that I mentioned this site either.
 

[BillM102]

I am no expert on tire changing, but I have changed a few. Using soapy water as a lubricant to install tires is not a good practice. I have never used it myself, but I am told it turns to glue and makes breaking the bead later on a real chore. I have always used Windex as a lube. It allows the tire to slip on easily and dries within five minutes and does not turn to glue. I suppose there are a dozen different lubes in use but that is what works for me.

[CWAY]

My old boss always uses a thin layer of white grease on the bead. I have never tried it as I thought it would be to slick and the tire might spin on the wheel but he says it never has on him. I know I have watched him change many tires and even after three chages you just smear the grease around and good to go. As far as breaking the bead it I have never seen it need more forct than just steping on it.

[SLO-KLR]

The 17in rear wheel can be a bugger to break the be on.  I use a 4in C-clamp to break the bead off the rim. 

[SPANKY]

Welders Vise-Grip clamp is my magic. I use dish soap as well...dries sticky...don't need rim locks.   

[Camas]

WD40 is the ticket too.