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Possibly alloy wheels for an '18 Heritage?

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Old Jul 3, 2018 | 12:55 PM
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Question Possibly alloy wheels for an '18 Heritage?

I like the classic look of the spoke wheels on my cherry. I don't like that the spokes are already showing some signs of rust as well as the fact that you have to run tubes in the tires.

Taking into considerations that the pockets are not bottemless and $$$ do matter, what are some thoughts on alloy wheels on an '18 Heritage?

I don't think I would change rim or tire size, but I would put WWW's on when tires need to be replaced. Contemplating putting alloy rims on at that time but worrry they would detract from the classic look to much.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2018 | 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by FrankEV
I like the classic look of the spoke wheels on my cherry. I don't like that the spokes are already showing some signs of rust as well as the fact that you have to run tubes in the tires.

Taking into considerations that the pockets are not bottemless and $$$ do matter, what are some thoughts on alloy wheels on an '18 Heritage?

I don't think I would change rim or tire size, but I would put WWW's on when tires need to be replaced. Contemplating putting alloy rims on at that time but worrry they would detract from the classic look to much.
I know all the advantages of alloy/mag wheels... Still... Don't know that I'd want to replace the laced rims - they just look right on some bikes where mag/alloy rims... meh.

So spokes may need...



Maybe some...



And if necessary...



And last but not least... a little



I know that last one sucks. But nicely clean and shiny spokes sure do look pretty when somebody pulls up with them glimmering in the sunshine.

I'll keep cleaning mine... In fact they are due for a cleaning as we speak.
 

Last edited by T^2; Jul 3, 2018 at 05:01 PM.
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Old Jul 3, 2018 | 03:52 PM
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The rust is a feature on these new bikes. It gives the nice classic look.

One advantage is not putting tubes on.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2018 | 06:45 PM
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Pretty sure that the flhst runs tubeless tires. At least, that's what it says on my sidewalls.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2018 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Scrapper Blackwell
Pretty sure that the flhst runs tubeless tires. At least, that's what it says on my sidewalls.
Yes tubeless tires, but tubes required because of the spoked rims. You can't get a airtight rim with all the holes for the spokes.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2018 | 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by FrankEV
Yes tubeless tires, but tubes required because of the spoked rims. You can't get a airtight rim with all the holes for the spokes.
You are correct, sir. Tubes.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2018 | 10:22 AM
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If you want the classic look, stick with the spokes. In every other category alloy wheels are superior. As far as whitewalls are concerned, I would advise you to get a set, get it out of your system and move on to other things. Like an ex-boat owner once told me, the two happiest days are when you bring the boat home (install the tires) and when you sell the boat (remove them). Whitewalls are high maintenance and are impossible to keep really white over a long period of time.
 

Last edited by AZRenegade; Jul 12, 2018 at 10:37 AM.
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Old Jul 12, 2018 | 10:51 AM
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I went with the Billet Daddy rims from Sinister since I wanted a spoke look with somewhat classic styling and whitewalls.


 
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Old Jul 13, 2018 | 06:32 PM
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Just sold my 14 LTD, and considering a 2018 Heritage, but tubes are holding me back. I like the idea of being able to plug a tubeless if a nail is picked up on the road. How would you patch a tube? I see no easy way of removing a wheel while on the road.

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Old Jul 13, 2018 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Candubrain
Just sold my 14 LTD, and considering a 2018 Heritage, but tubes are holding me back. I like the idea of being able to plug a tubeless if a nail is picked up on the road. How would you patch a tube? I see no easy way of removing a wheel while on the road.
That is why I purchased the tire hazzard protection which includes "towing". Supposidly, anywhere in the USA if I get a flat they will come and get me and fix or replace the tire as appropriate.
Just hard to give up the classic look of the spoked rims on the Heritage!
 
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