Just a quick product review for anyone that might be on the fence about buying a tire changer. Bought a No-Mar classic tire changer and tried it for the first time a couple days ago. All I can say is WOW. Was told by a few others that it would take changing a couple of tires to get the hang of it, But after watching a couple vids on youtube, I went out and changed my front tire on my fatboy. It was literally effortless. Wish I'd have gotten one of these a long time ago. Well worth the money in the long run.

 

Buddy of mine bought the Harbor Freight tire changer, motorcycle adapter, & a no mar changing tool.
We changed 4 tires and my conclusion - just awesome....

 

My question would be: How mechanical do you have to be to use the no-mar or the HF changers? I know it's not quite the same thing, but I am an avid mountain biker and have changed LOTS of tires on bicycles. Never done a car tire, but I consider myself somewhat handy when it comes to that kind of stuff. Would buying the no-mar be a good buy or should I just keep paying out of my **** at the dealer? I have been thinking about it for a year or so now.

 

Sorry, haven't checked this thread in a little while. Motorcycle tires are definately stiffer than bicycle tires for sure, but if your the least bit mechanically inclined you won't have any trouble. I did my 200mm rear tire today, it was a little harder than the front was but it still beats paying someone else. I think each time I use it it will get easier. Like anything else, gets easier with practice.

 

I break the bead with a couple of chunks of 2X4 and change them with two tire spoons, does that count as a tire changer?

 

I had just the opposite. My rear (150) was way easier than the 90/90/21 on the front. The front just didn't have the same amount of material to flex up & around as easy. Still, way better than paying someone else. And with Dynabeads - no reason to.

Steven - if you can do a bicycle tire, you can handle these with ease.

 

LOL. Yes, you have a VERY manual tire changer.

 

I liked the idea of a no-mar, but I also like the idea of something a little less cash inclusive...aka cheap. I've heard of a couple guys breaking the beads with 2x4 or 2x6 and then using spoons to mount/dismount the tires. Anyone have more explanation as to how they accomplish this? I'm all about trying stuff out, but it's when i'm cruising down the freeway at 70+ that my DIY projects start to worry me ;-) I'd like to have all the information I need before I dig in.

 

Me and a couple of my riding buddies went together and bought one about 4 years ago. Best investment we could make ..! We saved way more than the unit cost us. +1 for this product ..!

 

http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/bead-...ad-breaker.htm

This is exactly how I do it, then take three tire spoons and work the tire off the rim. Work the new tire back on with said three spoons. Gotta be careful of the brake rotors. I built a box out of 2x4's that allows me to lay the tire flat on it, while keeping the rotors off the shop floor.