Anyone change their own tyres?

Freeman · 13 Aug 2017 at 10:27

Ever since I've owned a bike I was adamant that I would do all my own maintenance. Unfortunately due to lack of tools or experience, I have never attempted to do two things, change my tyres and valve checks.

My question. Does anyone here change their own tyres and if so what tyre changing tool kit do you recommend for a reasonable price?

I have my eye on the following:
http://www.abbastands.co.uk/product-detail.asp?pid=38 - But I feel it's a bit on the expensive side?

Or, I go the poor mans way and get this bead-breaker tyre iron combo - http://www.adventure-spec.com/default/motion-pro-beadpro-tire-bead-breaker-and-lever-tool-set.html and a cheapo wheel balancer from Amazon, something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ryde-Motor...qid=1502616424&sr=1-2&keywords=wheel+balancer and buy stuff like the valve extraction tool and tyre lube on it's own?

Any suggestions would be great.

tom_e · 13 Aug 2017 at 10:31

@Fireskull

Dogbreath · 13 Aug 2017 at 12:44

I always change my own tyres. I use a cheap bead breaker and a kit that converts a paddock stand into a balancer though you do need a specific type of paddock stand for this to fit. I didn't get the bead breaker until I moved up to larger bikes as my workbench vice opened far enough for breaking beads up to around 160 section.

Other than that, you'll need a set of tyre levers (I'd recommend getting three levers rather than two) and a set of rim protectors, plus valve extractor and weights etc. You can use a bit of hose pipe split lengthways for rim protection, but the proper things are cheap and work better.

Freeman · 13 Aug 2017 at 13:38

Dogbreath said:
I always change my own tyres. I use a cheap bead breaker and a kit that converts a paddock stand into a balancer though you do need a specific type of paddock stand for this to fit. I didn't get the bead breaker until I moved up to larger bikes as my workbench vice opened far enough for breaking beads up to around 160 section.

Other than that, you'll need a set of tyre levers (I'd recommend getting three levers rather than two) and a set of rim protectors, plus valve extractor and weights etc. You can use a bit of hose pipe split lengthways for rim protection, but the proper things are cheap and work better.

Thanks. I like the look of that bead breaker.

I'm also looking to save space, what are your thoughts on this sort of bead breaker? - http://www.adventure-spec.com/default/motion-pro-beadpro-tire-bead-breaker-and-lever-tool-set.html

TallPaul_S · 13 Aug 2017 at 13:46

What's the total cost to get set up for this?

I do 12-15k miles a year across 2 bikes and I think it would still take me a couple of years to get back even, £15 per tyre change for a loose wheel, with maybe 3 changes per year (2x rears and 1x front) as I get 6-8k out a rear and 10-12k minimum out a front.

Freeman · 13 Aug 2017 at 13:55

TallPaul_S said:
What's the total cost to get set up for this?

I do 12-15k miles a year across 2 bikes and I think it would still take me a couple of years to get back even, £15 per tyre change for a loose wheel, with maybe 3 changes per year (2x rears and 1x front) as I get 6-8k out a rear and 10-12k minimum out a front.

Realistically from £100-200 depending on the kit.
For me it's £20 for a tyre change plus fuel to get there so about £22 a change.
Thing is for me it's not about saving money but more about being able to do all the maintenance on my bike. I enjoy tinkering on my bike as a hobby so it's worth it to me.
In the long run, no, I don't think you'd save money by doing it yourself unless you change from summer to winter tyres each year and have 2+ bikes I guess?

Foghorn Leghorn · 13 Aug 2017 at 15:21

I've been changing my own tyres for a few years now and there's very little kit you need to buy.
Pair of tyre levers
3 rim protectors
Tub of tyre soap
Valve fitting tool
Valve core removal tool
Wheel balancer
Wheel weights
Tyre valves

Wheel balancer was the most expensive bit at £16, total spend around £50 and I change 10+ tyres a year.

I use a couple of lengths of wood to break the bead, a track pump to inflate the tyre and I only bother with balancing the front wheel if at all.

I can change a pair in about 30 minutes if I push but usually spend an hour or so and clean the wheels, swingarm, forks etc

TallPaul_S · 13 Aug 2017 at 15:58

10+ times a year :eek:

That's either some epic mileage or tracktyres and 2 or 3 more bikes...

Foghorn Leghorn · 13 Aug 2017 at 16:05

TallPaul_S said:
10+ times a year That's either some epic mileage or tracktyres and 2 or 3 more bikes...

Two road bikes and a race bike, and a big tyre bill

TallPaul_S · 13 Aug 2017 at 16:10

Thought so, yeah if I had a trackbike I'd do the tyres myself, would be far too much money and time to get them changed each time otherwise.

unKle · 13 Aug 2017 at 16:12

I've always changed my own tyres, but I've been fortunate enough to have a tyre machine in places I've worked. My current job there's no such luxury so I've invested in a few tools, which pretty much has been covered above.

I use a Sealey machine (TC965) and bar (TC963) at home. Without trying to lower the tone, it's all about protecting your rim and using plenty of lube

Foghorn Leghorn · 13 Aug 2017 at 16:21

unKle said:
I've always changed my own tyres, but I've been fortunate enough to have a tyre machine in places I've worked. My current job there's no such luxury so I've invested in a few tools, which pretty much has been covered above.

I use a Sealey machine (TC965) and bar (TC963) at home. Without trying to lower the tone, it's all about protecting your rim and using plenty of lube

Yup, I learnt early on not to be stingy with the soap, makes life a lot easier

Foghorn Leghorn · 13 Aug 2017 at 16:22

TallPaul_S said:
Thought so, yeah if I had a trackbike I'd do the tyres myself, would be far too much money and time to get them changed each time otherwise.

£20 to £25 a pair changed at circuit, certainly adds up over a season. I use tyreleader or oponeo for loose tyres or occasionally I'll pick up some scrubs.

Danm54 · 13 Aug 2017 at 22:43

I spent around £100 on kit to change tyres, got lube, weights and balancer plus a bag of new valves.

Not done many miles this year but I do have 5 bikes so its more about ease and convenience than saving money.

Freeman · 14 Aug 2017 at 09:33

Took the plunge and bought everything I need. Cost me £78 in the end. The biggest expense being the tyre iron/bead breaker combo which I splashed out on because I really like the look of them, well engineered and better yet they fit into my tool chest! That was £50 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253029087930
I spent £20 on a balancer and a few ££ on wheel weights and rim protectors.
Valve extractor I'm stealing off my bro and I'm hoping I have an alternative to Windex as a tyre lube somewhere in my house.

Looking forward to giving it a go! Hopefully no scratched rims

Fireskull · 14 Aug 2017 at 09:35

tom_e said:
@Fireskull

I have a cheap balancer like in the OP, BUT I would recommend you change out the bearings for some better ones, mine went bad real quick.
Also have a bead breaker like the Abba one, works fine, but I also have one attached to my tyre changer.
I have a car changer like this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mechanics...06&rk=1&rkt=1&&_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226
With a motorcycle tyre changing adapter that attaches on top, cant actually find any on eBay at the moment but it makes it look like this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Ma...043593&hash=item20f748afdc:g:BZAAAOSwPYZU74fH

And this is the most important thing, a decent tyre lever, makes changing them much easier, plenty of youtube videos on how to use it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tyre-bar-...051903?hash=item283c57637f:g:RZ4AAMXQxVZRCRuq

I have been changing my own tyres and friends tyres for years now with this setup.

Freeman · 14 Aug 2017 at 09:48

Fireskull said:
I have a cheap balancer like in the OP, BUT I would recommend you change out the bearings for some better ones, mine went bad real quick.
Also have a bead breaker like the Abba one, works fine, but I also have one attached to my tyre changer.
I have a car changer like this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mechanics-Workshop-Garage-Motorcycle-Tyre-Bead-Breaker-Motorbike-Tyre-Changer-UK/292036366016?_trkparms=aid=555014&algo=PL.DEFAULT&ao=1&asc=20151005190705&meid=d07d22b0683b42639da24d287aa44108&pid=100506&rk=1&rkt=1&&_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226
With a motorcycle tyre changing adapter that attaches on top, cant actually find any on eBay at the moment but it makes it look like this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Ma...043593&hash=item20f748afdc:g:BZAAAOSwPYZU74fH

And this is the most important thing, a decent tyre lever, makes changing them much easier, plenty of youtube videos on how to use it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tyre-bar-...051903?hash=item283c57637f:g:RZ4AAMXQxVZRCRuq

I have been changing my own tyres and friends tyres for years now with this setup.

That's a nice setup. Only problem for me is that it takes up space which I don't have.

Those bar tyre levers are great, so easy!

Foghorn Leghorn · 14 Aug 2017 at 13:15

Freeman said:
Took the plunge and bought everything I need. Cost me £78 in the end. The biggest expense being the tyre iron/bead breaker combo which I splashed out on because I really like the look of them, well engineered and better yet they fit into my tool chest! That was £50 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253029087930
I spent £20 on a balancer and a few ££ on wheel weights and rim protectors.
Valve extractor I'm stealing off my bro and I'm hoping I have an alternative to Windex as a tyre lube somewhere in my house.

Looking forward to giving it a go! Hopefully no scratched rims

Thanks for the bead breaker link, not seen those before.

Motion pro make some good kit, I use their fork seal slide hammers

https://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/category/ringer_fork_seal_drivers/

MatteH Oxford · 18 Aug 2017 at 11:11

I don't use levers, I have a 18v cordless angle grinder and I cut the old tyre off. I break the bead using a long length of timber wedged under my van while the rim sits on 2 pieces of 4''x2''

To put the new tyre on, I cable tie it and use tyre soap. Balancing is done statically on a paddock stand.

Freeman · 6 Sep 2017 at 10:00

Well that was easy!

Decided to change my front tyre earlier than normal (still got 10,000 miles out of it though!).

Took about 45 mins altogether which isn't bad for a first time. I reckon I could do it in less than 20 next time including putting away of tools etc.

I used the following:

Tyre irons/levers to get the tyre off and back on - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motion-Pr...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 (I actually didn't need any tools to put the tyre back on, used my hands and lube! )
Valve extractor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline...id=1504688063&sr=8-2&keywords=valve+extractor
To balance the tyre (also came with wheel weights) - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Pro...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Kitchen soap to lube tyre
Rim protectors - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOTORCYCL...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Total: £76.37

Minus what it would have cost me to take it to the shop, this time round it's only cost me £54. Couple more tyre changes and I'll break even.

Very satisfying and well worth it!