10-23-2024, 05:57 AM
(10-22-2024, 10:00 PM)m in sc_imp Wrote: use an independent shop. dealerships suck.
I was using an independent shop; but their policy became strict: I must buy tires through them--you guessed it, at prices 30% more than what I can find. Then it's $100 per tire to install. I'll take that back, they charge $125 per tire ($150 if on the bike) if I bring new tires to them...that's what I call crazy. Dealerships are 1-1.5 hours away from me, very impractical. So there are logistics that vary for all of us that help us to decide what's best.
I got my W's tire balanced and back on the bike. Now I just need to check chain slack and alignment and try it out.
So here's the real world experience for my using Rabaconda for the first time on a bike's rear wheel that I was removing for the first time:
Last two weeks: watch videos, read the Rabaconda manual, read comments on the W's rear wheel removal.
Sunday: removed the rear wheel...2 hours? Took my time taking notes and photos.
Monday: using the Rabaconda, broke the bead / removed the old tire: 1 hr
Tuesday: balanced and installed new tire: 2 hrs
Today: check the chain slack, alignment and oil chain, go for a test ride (est. 1 hr)
So I could have done all 4 steps in one long day, but at 61 years old, I get tired and need both physical and mental breaks. However, I'm feeling pretty good so far about the process. Again, I think it's something you have to want to do. Some of us have probably been through the tire-change hassle enough that it's totally worth it to have others do the job. Who wouldn't rather ride than "work on the bike"?
For me, I was never a mechanically inclined kid and so working on my own bikes as much as I reasonably can is fascinating and feels like I'm keeping my brain--if not my body--active.
