Bringing a tear to the eye of retro-grouches everywhere, are classic steel tyre irons of the type that seem to have vanished in recent years -with a chrome coating and etched with the Carradice logo they're also rather pretty.

If you want to break the world record for the greatest length of tyre levers clipped together (and who hasn't dreamed of that at some point in their life?) then look elsewhere because unlike the cheap blue plastic versions that clutter up the counter of every bike shop in the land, these stubbornly individualistic levers will rattle cheerfully around your luggage, reminding you where they are at every bump and pothole. Of course there are more practical benefits. If only my wife had been carrying these in her kit on a rare solo ride she wouldn't have been forced to walk after her plastic levers snapped mid-repair whereas these shiny chaps will last as long as your bike. Of course this virtue comes with a price - unlike soft edged plastic levers these irons have a definite bite, leaving scars on rims and spokes, not to mention the increased risk of nibbling a hole in your inner tube.

Handled with care these levers will last a lifetime, even if they do leave their mark, but what would you prefer, a few shiny scrapes or a long walk home?

Verdict

Old skool levers that won't let you down.