Anyone change their own tyres?

Freeman

Freeman

Freeman

Soldato
Joined
24 Jul 2004
Posts
5,565
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.
 
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.
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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 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.
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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?
 
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 :P :)
 
Fireskull said:
:p

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.
Click to expand...


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!
 
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:


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!
 
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