Tires

Im in need of a new front tire. Where does everyone get their tires from?

I just order mine through a local bike shop. So long as you know what type and size you want most shops/dealers can get most kinds of tires.

Just a warning, if you order tires from the internet some shops will charge an exorbitant extra fee to mount them just because you didn't order through the shop. I've found that happens mostly with the smaller places, less with big dealers but it varies

Get them from Dennis Kirk and do your own mounting. They are one of the only places that even list correct inch size tires.

Another good place for tires is Ron Ayers, plus sometimes they offer free shipping. If you are only replacing the front do you plan to get one that is the correct match for the rear tire? If not, you may want to bite the bullet and replace both as a set. Otherwise, depending on the tires in question, you may set up a wobble condition if the tires don't play well together. Ed

Ayers

ive had good luck with ron ayers also...steve

Thanks everyone for the input. I just ordered a Dunlop d404 from ron ayers. They seemed to have the best price and lowest shipping price.

I bought a set from CycleGear.

JakeWilson.com is another place - free shipping.

I got a great price - and free shipping - on Bridgestone Spitfires from Iron Pony.

My local bike shop charges the same price for mounting no matter where you buy the tires - they actually prefer you to get them yourself as they have to order them anyway, and then they don't get the "I can get them cheaper at..." argument! They also charge a LOT less if you just take in the wheels and tires!

kz82 wrote:

Thanks everyone for the input. I just ordered a Dunlop d404 from ron ayers. They seemed to have the best price and lowest shipping price.

I don't mean to second guess anyones choice of tires, but will throw out my D404 review from Bikebandit.
"I used the recommended sizes for an old KZ650, a 100/90-19 and a 110/90-18. First observation was these are an extremely flimsy tire, almost like a bicycle tire so mounting was a breeze. After mounting, the rear was way smaller than a stock 4.00-18. Looked rather strange, front was close to the correct 3.25-19. Tires worked relatively well, not great. Wet weather riding was not something you look forward too with this tire. Traction very poor on wet surfaces. Tires lasted very well, after 8000 miles worn about 2/3 however the rubber has grown very hard and tires must be discarded because traction is nil on wet roads, marginal on dry. I would highly recommend buying a better quality tire."
Let's say a better tire costs $35 more. Replace both tires and this is $70. Let's say tire life is 7000 miles.
That is exactly $0.01 per mile. I'll save a dollar here and there, but I've learned a lot over the years on tires and won't use low cost tires again. If for no other reason, I would never use these tires again simply because they are so flimsy if you happened to get a sudden flat tire, your odds are much higher of crashing than with a better quality tire.

I changed my mind on the dunlops and ordered a bridgestone spitfire. The Bridgestones had a much better review.

I changed my front tire yesterday with a Bridgestone Spitfire. I had to ride home in the rain and it handled alot better than the other tire on dry pavement. It seems to be a much better tire. Thanks all for the suggestions.

I put Bridgestone Spitfires on my bike last time I needed tires and they have been alright I guess. Not the best but not the worst either. I like the raised white letters on mine. The front tire has a lot of tread left but the back seemed to wear quicker.(No its not from burnouts) I do not know why the front has lasted longer but it has. Since I need a new rear tire already, I will replace both at the same time, but I am not sure if I will buy the Spitfires again.