How To Keep Stick-On Wheel Weights From Falling Off?

[hdbikedoc]

If you clean the rim with brake clean then quick start  (eithier) and let evaporate 20 seconds weights stay on

[DrSpencer]

Regrettably, I'm not doing it myself, so it seems I'm at the mercy of whatever tire monkey is mounting/balancing my wheels. Whether they clean the rim very well before applying weights, etc.

Furthermore, most shops in my area (both HD Dealers & Indys) no longer want to have me show up with my wheels and new tires (purchased online) off the bike. They either want to sell me their tires, do the full remove/install service, or both.

I used to pay $30 per wheel for mount/balance. The last time I rolled my wheels into a HD Dealer off the bike, with my new tires in hand, it cost me ~$145.

1 hour labor: $125
Weights: ~$5
Tire disposal fee: $10
Taxes: ~$5

So, why not start doing it yourself? Don't want to be called a monkey?

No, I'd gladly accept the title of monkey. But don't I need at least $400-$500 worth of tools to be able to accurately DIY mount & balance?

More important than the cost, don't I need a fair amount of space to operate a tire changer?

Thanks

[DrSpencer]

If you clean the rim with brake clean then quick start  (eithier) and let evaporate 20 seconds weights stay on

Thanks for the suggestion.

I wish the last guy who balanced my wheels gave me a squirt of brake clean and 20 seconds of consideration.

[DrSpencer]

I think it's about time for a friendly Ride On vs. Dynabeads debate. I've never used either, so I have nothing to offer.

Please discuss.

[Hossamania]

I think it's about time for a friendly Ride On vs. Dynabeads debate. I've never used either, so I have nothing to offer.

Please discuss.

If I had to choose, I would probably use Ride-On for the flat protection over the beads.

[SLAATY]

I'll side with Hoss on this one. Dyna Beads are basically ceramic balls abou 1/16" in diameter, and they work well as intended. I install them when changing tires - seat the beads on the new tire to the wheel, then reinstall the valve stem core. Then I break the bead loose on one side, hold the tire down and put in 2 oz. of beads. Advantage is they're reusable, and as the tire wears the beads constantly adjust accordingly.

Ride On can act as a sealant, as stated, but can't be reused.