b_rubenstein
New Member
About a year ago I replaced the Dunlop rim protectors with Avon 3D Storm sporty bike tires. After 11k miles, they weren't quite down to the wear bars, but the rear was flat in the center and the edges were beveled. Handling was ok straight up, or leaned all the way over, but not so great in between. So I had my local, independent repair shop order me a pair of Dunlop Roadsmart III tires. I felt like trying something new and there's a $60 rebate on a pair of tires. I do everything on the bike, but mount and balance tires. The local guy does a very good job and charges $20 per wheel, if I buy the tires from him. I think a good independent repair guy 10 minutes from my house is a good thing, and you can't get the rebate without an invoice for the tires and installation.
So I pull the wheels, bring them in and 1/2 hour later I bring them home and put them back. One thing I wasn't thrilled with the first time I did this was that even with a center stand, there isn't a good jacking point to raise the front wheel. Before I started this time, I took a scrap piece of 2x4, cut it at an angle and added piece of metal to keep things from sliding (it goes from the front to the back of the center of the engine pan):
A quick ride to scrub in the tires really showed the difference between old and new tires. The bike felt lighter and easier to change direction. If the stick and wear as well as the Avons, I'll be happy.
So I pull the wheels, bring them in and 1/2 hour later I bring them home and put them back. One thing I wasn't thrilled with the first time I did this was that even with a center stand, there isn't a good jacking point to raise the front wheel. Before I started this time, I took a scrap piece of 2x4, cut it at an angle and added piece of metal to keep things from sliding (it goes from the front to the back of the center of the engine pan):
A quick ride to scrub in the tires really showed the difference between old and new tires. The bike felt lighter and easier to change direction. If the stick and wear as well as the Avons, I'll be happy.