Meqix ST Levers

The arrival of these Meqix ST tyre levers coincided with my decision to swap the Ilpompino's narrow section slicks for something buxom given potholes are breeding like the proverbial in these parts. Minimalist and extremely chic with their lazer etched graphics and powerful retaining magnets to prevent loss/ separation, they come with designer pricing and despite the smooth surfaces, I'm not convinced steel and relatively soft alloy rims are a match made in heaven.

Contrary to popular misconception, stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant but can still succumb to tarnish-especially in harsh coastal climates, so these have been treated to a process known as passivation. This basically involves depositing a microscopic oxide layer atop in sterile conditions, thus retaining their cosmetic allure and structural integrity. Being a double-ended design, they're immediately ready for action, theoretically saving precious moments should a flat strike in the heat of competition.

Their softer ends seem less effective compared with composite siblings but burrowing beneath most sidewalls proved pretty straightforward, confidently hooking the bead away from the rim without risking tube damage. However, modest length and flat profiles demands gently prising the bead away with the first lever before introducing the second, nibbling round in a sweeping, clockwise motion to avoid scratching anodised finishes.

This method works a treat on 1.5-inch street slicks to 25mm training rubber-particularly those with Kevlar, as distinct from steel beads. However, super tight 23mm sections proved their nemesis. Several minute's concerted effort couldn't purge the demon, inducing only plumes of agricultural language so I reverted to one of the Uber long bike hand levers and peeled it free in a matter of thirty seconds.

Verdict

Swish looking lever set but performance doesn't match composite types.