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An introduction to Tyre Glider, a welcome innovation for mechanics fed up with removing tyres the old fashioned way, from company founder Kevin Baker
Can you give us a little background on your company? Tyre Glider was born from an idea of mine after opening a can of tuna in June 2020. I returned to cycling after around 25 years of not riding a bike to start participating in triathlons, and when experiencing a puncture for the first time I quickly realised that bikes had changed a lot since I last rode one and I could not change my tyre. Honestly, it took me a couple of weeks going back and forth and numerous attempts before I was able to successfully complete the task. I remember thinking that there has to be an easier way. Fast forward to June 2020 when I had my idea when opening a can of tuna and Tyre Glider was born: a new and alternative tool to change bike tyres compared to traditional tyre levers. I developed the product with a design consultancy agency as I have no experience with the software needed to put my idea into a physical form and spent numerous months testing the product with 3D printed prototypes before being satisfied enough to commission an injection moulding tool to be made. I then had the final injection moulded prototype tested in a local bike shop for over a month and an ergonomic assessment carried out on the product before I was satisfied and comfortable that the product would help many people as it had already helped me. Tyre Glider launched on 15th December 2021. From idea to launch took less than a year and a half, which I’m incredibly proud of and the company, although in its infancy, is starting to gain traction within the world of cycling.
What area of the market do you target? This version of Tyre Glider is predominantly aimed at
Tyre Glider founder, Kevin Baker
the road bike, hybrid and gravel market. It does work on mountain bike tyres but I plan on bringing out a specific version for these in the future. I believe that within these markets mentioned
Tyre Glider is suitable for all cyclists of all abilities and once you understand the dynamics of the tool, and apply the correct techniques of its features,
March 2022 | 41
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