Do you change your own tires?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
I've been riding on hand changed tires for 20 years or so. I bought a HF tire changer just for the bead breaker. As far as the changing goes, I do it down on my knees on an old piece of carpet using a couple of rim protectors and tire spoons. I don't balance. I just mount the side wall dot in line with the valve stem. My tires last a long time and bikes ride smooth. I've never had a "wobbler". I guess if I ever do, I'll pay someone to balance it.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Minnetonka, MN
Well, i'm fairly certain I'll be doing my own tire changes from now on. The rear needs done soon so that's where I'll start. I'm running spoked wheels so I've got tubes...assuming the process is the same with a tube, just gotta make sure you don't end up with a pinch flat from mounting with the spoons...right?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 2
From: Macon, GA USA
I have always recommend replacing the tube when installing a new tire on wheels that require tubes. Most shops will not warranty a tire change without a new tube. To me it is just cheap insurance and a whole lot less then a nights stay in the hospital or worse.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: waterville wa
been changing my own for ten years I quit balancing them and just use dyna beads, still balance them for some freinds
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 315
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From: Sierra Nevadas
Why go to the trouble of changing the tire,or buying a machine? Unless your the burnout king of the block ,doesnt seem its worth the hastle. Take the wheels off the bike and take them to your aftermarket shop. You re-install. They mount and balance. My local shop doesnt even charge hardley anything if you buy the tires from them.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 707
Likes: 38
i've been changing my own since i've owned my bike. i use an old bead breaker my dad had laying around and bought a couple of spoons from napa. i then buy bicycle inner tubes and cut off a section to covver the spoon with. haven't scratched a rim yet. as for balance i just make sure the paint dot is in line with the valve stem. i could care less about the 15 - 20 bucks i save over taking the tire in to an indy. i do however care about the money i have dumped into my rims and tires and i do care about the scratches the indy or dealer will leave on my rims
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