The genius behind Clever Standard bike tools, Tomo Ichikawa, is at it again. After jumping in to produce PPE masks, the company is back at the tool game.
Last fall we brought you a sneak peek of the Clever Standard Flatout tire lever, and now the multi-purpose tire lever and chain tool is out is available for consumers.
The Clever Standard Flatout tire lever and chain tool makes a strong case as a must-have in your saddle bag. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
I've had one for a few weeks, and are happy to report it's found a permanent slot in my saddle bag, and makes a strong case for being a must-have in any survival kit to ensure you get home from a ride or make it to the finish line. Clever Standard says its Flatout tool is a "Game Chainger" and I agree.
The simple little tire lever offers eight different features:
- Chain hook
- Quick-link storage (KMC, SRAM, Shimano)
- Valve core wrench
- Chain lifter
- Tire lever
- Bottle opener (if you stack two levers)
- Chain hammer (quick link breaker)*
- Bladed-spoke holder (if you stack two levers)
The tire lever, quick link storage, valve core wrench and chain hammer can all be lifesavers out on the trail, gravel road or even in the garage. Flat tires, stuck valves or broken chains are minor inconveniences with the Clever Standard Flatout. Assuming you make it back from your mechanical, pop open a cold one to celebrate with the built-in bottle opener. Pair it with the Clever Standard "No Speed Limit" Chain Barrel breaker and you've got everything you need to fix any chain or tire-related mechanical.
How can one lever do all these tasks? Perhaps a video can explain it better than words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc7FF1zreGw
One lever can accomplish seven of the eight functions, but two levers can be paired to create a chain hook without touching the chain, and can effectively hold a bladed spoke while you true it.
In use, the tire lever works like it should, the valve core removal tool has already saved me, and I might have tested the bottle opener first, and many times since it first arrived.
Hopefully, thanks to modern drivetrains, your bike doesn't drop its chain much, but if it does? The Flatout lever can be used to put it back in place without getting your hands of gloves greasy.
The biggest conundrum with these new levers? Should they replace the Clever Standard's Original tire levers that also function as chain pliers? Those handy levers have secured their home in my saddle bag, and are an easier, cleaner way to pull apart a quick link. Thankfully, my kit has room for three levers. I'll keep two of the original levers, and one Flatout, and be prepared for pretty much anything. Together with the tiny Clever Standard Chain Barrel, the little tool company is slowly monopolizing all the real estate in my Green Guru saddle bag.
At just $7 per pair, they're also an appropriate gift for the riding buddy who is often woefully unprepared.
Ichikawa says the company is looking for US dealers but sells directly through its website.
More info: cleverstandard.com or [email protected].
Clever Standard Flatout Tire Lever Photo Gallery:
Clever Standard’s Flatout “Game Chainger” 8-function tire lever and chain tool. photo: courtesy
