How difficult is it to change a front tire?

I bought a Coats 20 tire machine.........money WELL spent!

I don't care what it costs, I'll never change another tire myself again. It's worth it to me to pull the wheel, take it to the shop and let them change it.

Not too hard, if you have the tire irons. You can get plastic rim protectors for your Al rims.
I just saved LOTS of money...
Bought tires on the web (Donlop GT 501), took my old front tire off (about half an hour) but then I didn't have real tire irons I was using some HDPE levers I made.
got um annoyed and went overr to Harbor Freight and bought a manual tire changer and motorcycle attachment (~$120.00, of course it wasn't on sale, I need it NOW) and removed the old rear, installed both the front and the rear. no trouble. Now I gotta build one of those balancer things so I can balance the wheels ($20.00 for the bearings for the balancer).
Did I say how I saved a lot of money not having the shop do the work???
Of course I now have all the tools necessary when I need to change tires again.. in a couple of years.

Wow, they only charge $20 to mount and balance a tire if you bring it in? A shop I called down here was going to charge me $65 a wheel. I knew that didn't sound right. Guess I should call around more, lol.

The $20 is if you bring the wheel in. I have no clue what they charge if yo ubring the bike in. I only see $10k+ bikes coming in whole so it must be a lot

-Duck

BRG-

Where did you find the rim protectors?
I've been fumbling with som escrap plastic.

DAMN that Harbour freight.
They had the tire changer on sale and I asked the guys there if they had a motorcycle attachment. They all got glazed eye vacant stares(our rooms are full but we have a vacant stare) and walked away. I've asked about some odd stuff in the past (replacement needles for their needle scaler, "what's that"...frequency controller for that spindle motor, "glazed donut eyes") but come on...an adapter for a tire changer???

-Duck

needle scaler is used for cleaning slag from welds,just incase anybody got glazed over on that one.it also comes in handy for areas you cant polish real good before chrome plating parts gives it kind of a peened look that you can polish really lightly looks good plated!:whistle:

Some things should not be skimped on. Let's say you are able to put the tire on yourself without gouging the rim and without puncturing your inner tube. How are you going to balance the tire? If you don't, there is a good chance almost a for sure that your wheel will wiggle at speed. This is dangerous. Also and this is important if you are putting on a new tire you should put on a new inner tube as well. If for no other reason than saftey. I know i sound like your mother with all this safety BS but is saving $70 worth risking your life??

...but is saving $70 worth risking your life??

That's one POV. Then again, one might prefer DIY O-ring installation prior to a space shuttle ride.

If I croak myself because of a DIY tire change I'd like all y'll to drink a toast.

TIGHTWAD DUCK
HE SAVED A BUCK
HE'S LOST HIS LUCK
AND NOW HE'S FSCK'D

-Duck

Post edited by: Duck, at: 2006/02/16 19:21

Wow what a great discussion about a seemingly simple topic.

I think that I will spend the extra money and have the tire mounted and balanced.

I don't want to save a buck and lose my luck.

thanks Duck!

Duck,
found rim protectors on e-bay, search for rim protectors.
Harbor Freight, ya, the one i go to has only one guy who knows anything. I think he owns the place and actually knows what he's talking about, never been able to get close enough to talk to him however.

I mount and balance all my bike tires myself, that way I always know it was done right.

There is no big secret to balncing a tire wheel combo, just stick the axle in it and support each end of the axle (I have even used two kitchen chairs) and give it a spin (gently unles you are prepared for a long wait). Do that several times and if the tire always stops at the same place then the bottom most point is the heaviest. Stick a little weight on the top side then try it again.
When the tire stops at a different place every time, then you are done.

Keep in mind that in most shops the newest guy with the least experience gets assigned the job of mounting and balancing tires.