Mount tires in western Mass?

[e5bowman]

Unfortunately, I don't live near any of the tire mounting locations stickied above...can anyone recommend an installer in western Mass (I am in Easthampton, near Springfield)? I was determined to do it myself and have the wheels off, but have decided to leave it to someone with some experience.

Thanks in advance -
Eric

[sdog30]

I got a machine and live in Williamsburg. I'll do both for $50 balanced off the bike. Shoot me a pm if your interested.

[Tunertype]

I'm in Holyoke. I just got all the stuff to do it. Pretty easy once you figure out the right technique. total cost for all the tools is under $100, don't bother with the HF/ebay bead brakes a 2x4 works better and is a lot cheaper. If your looking for a shop I had Cycle stop in Granby do it before I got the stuff to do it myself and it cost $35/wheel, but they took like 2 days to get 'em done.

[sdog30]

Thanks Jeff.

Yeah, between race tires, tires I've done for friends, and a few I've done on cl, I probably have about 30 plus under belt.

[DankDirtyBird]

Hg

[nhbubba]

...don't bother with the HF/ebay bead brakes a 2x4 works better and is a lot cheaper.

I am now a fan of using a large C-clamp (or two) from HF to break the beads. Do it with the wheel still on the bike.

$100 for irons and misc seems high.

If you do DIY, I highly recommend the plastic/rubber motion pro wheel protector thingies. I'd get two sets.

[S3OD16]

LOL, wish I read this before getting my new ones on... $80 at Mark's in Enfield, pretty quick turnaround, 1 day but that was me taking them off. I'll be PM'in you soon sdog30!

[sdog30]

I'll make an "official" thread, but just so everyone knows:

I usually charge $25 per tire mounted and balanced off the bike
$50 per tire on the bike. Any special stands or tools needed to remove the wheels are your responsibility to provide.

Also, my machine and mount/dismount bar is made to not scratch your rims. I've had enough practice that I know how to use them to not scratch your rims also, but this is a side business and you recognize the risk.

[Tunertype]

I am now a fan of using a large C-clamp (or two) from HF to break the beads. Do it with the wheel still on the bike.

$100 for irons and misc seems high.

If you do DIY, I highly recommend the plastic/rubber motion pro wheel protector thingies. I'd get two sets.

$45 for 3 tire irons($10 ea) and 4 rim protectors($7 for 2 pack)
$50 for wheel balancing rig
$3 for balancing weights.

[MHenry600]

$45 for 3 tire irons($10 ea) and 4 rim protectors($7 for 2 pack)
$50 for wheel balancing rig
$3 for balancing weights.

You're doing it wrong.

Under $20 for 4 tire irons
Cut up shampoo bottle for 4 rim protectors
Use axle for balancing
Stick on weights from local dealer.

Total: Under $20

[nhbubba]

$45 for 3 tire irons($10 ea) and 4 rim protectors($7 for 2 pack)
$50 for wheel balancing rig
$3 for balancing weights.

You're definitely quoting the high end of the spectrum. I would (and did) buy the MP 3-pack of irons for $25. Who pays full price for anything at HF? Wait for a sale (like right now) or bring a coupon.

[Tunertype]

You're doing it wrong.

Under $20 for 4 tire irons
Cut up shampoo bottle for 4 rim protectors
Use axle for balancing
Stick on weights from local dealer.

Total: Under $20

Id probably still buy the real rim protectors but the axle as a balancer seems like a great idea and way to save $50!

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted

In my opinion wheel bearing arent good enough to get a good front tire balance. I prefer the axle to be running on high quality small sealed bearings outside the wheel like on a real static balancer

[MHenry600]

Wirelessly posted

In my opinion wheel bearing arent good enough to get a good front tire balance. I prefer the axle to be running on high quality small sealed bearings outside the wheel like on a real static balancer

The first time I balanced my tires I was expecting the same thing, but they seemed to respond well enough to a 1/4 oz difference.

The other thing is that I only have to do it may a couple times a year, so to me the "proper" tool isn't worth it. If I was in a position to change tires every couple weeks or more I'd either buy or build a balance stand.

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted

Wirelessly posted

In my opinion wheel bearing arent good enough to get a good front tire balance. I prefer the axle to be running on high quality small sealed bearings outside the wheel like on a real static balancer

The first time I balanced my tires I was expecting the same thing, but they seemed to respond well enough to a 1/4 oz difference.

The other thing is that I only have to do it may a couple times a year, so to me the "proper" tool isn't worth it. If I was in a position to change tires every couple weeks or more I'd either buy or build a balance stand.

Good to know.

[gamorg02]

Wirelessly posted

In my opinion wheel bearing arent good enough to get a good front tire balance. I prefer the axle to be running on high quality small sealed bearings outside the wheel like on a real static balancer

i found this especially true with new bearings. I use a stand either way though.