I totally agree.

 

Right?! I've gone through three sets in two seasons. I'd consider selling my bike if it took 9 years to go through a set. But yes, tubes and bands with tires.

 

Seems like false economy to NOT change the tube and rim band with every new tire.

 

Tire shop should balance wheel. Find a new shop if yours don't as part of tire change.

 

on our 07 Heritage with 52K I've had 4 new rears (every 10k) and two new fronts (every 20K)... my indy puts a new rim band every change and a new tube every other change unless the tube looks worn which I've never had one that was.

and I agree with others..9 yrs is way too long to leave a tire on the bike regardless of miles and be safe...

 

The replacement of the rim strip is not the major issue. It's a no-brainer. They cost about $2.50. The real issue is what you'll find when you remove the rim strip: rust. After pulling off the rim strip you may see some rust (esp. in older bikes). You want to get that rust off before you put on a new rim strip or bad things are gonna happen someday.

It's also an excellent time to service your wheel bearings while the tire is off. The seals are about $12.

I balance my tires with dynabeads and haven't ever had an issue with them.

just throwin' it out there for ya.

carl

 

As others have said, new tubes and rim strips every tire change. Its a good time to inspect the rim as well. As carlgrover said you should also get new wheel bearing seals, and clean, inspect, and repack the wheel bearings. Simple things don't cost a lot more, and give peace of mind. When you do get tubes, but a quality tube too. Dunlop, Michelin, not the Chinese cheapies. The qc on them is poor, and materials are usually inferior.