does it need to be balanced? I remember reading a lot of different people saying different things regarding this. What do you think?

 

I think you got someone siphoning air out of your tires...always happens this time of year.

 

A bare wheel w/ no tire mounted...no

 

depends on how much you rode on it before you found out it was flat. Id say air it up and if you dont feel any vibrations youre fine as far as balance goes. BUT if youve lost air, youll prolly need a tire.