Wheel balancing

[Major Softie]

Question: why is it necessary to have the tyre beads fully mounted on the rim to achieve proper balance?
I don't understand how it will affect balance if the beads are not seated. (other than if the tyre moves of course)

Mostly because some of the bead will likely be in the valley in the center of the wheel, and thus closer to the center of the wheel.

[ME 109]

Mostly because some of the bead will likely be in the valley in the center of the wheel, and thus closer to the center of the wheel.

Now I understand, thanks Major.
Sometimes I miss the obvious.

[Major Softie]

If you get the beads to seal enough to hold air, but don't push them over the safety ridges, it will probably balance okay, but I've never tried it.

[ME 109]

I guess it's a matter of whether or not one wants to firstly identify the wheels heavy point, and then find the tyre heavy point.
Fully unseating the bead a few times to find the tyre heavy point may be a pita, but if that's the way to achieve best results then so be it.
Not that I'll be that fussy. throw a tube in the mix and one could spend a lot of time for an unnoticeable result.

Besides, todays lead weights looks rather smart, especially if one keeps them polished.

[Duane Ausherman]

ME 109, what do you recommend for using to polish the lead wheel weights?

Really smart looking weights could become a fashion craze and started by you.

I would be happy to write an article on how to add lots of lead weights to your airhead wheels without unbalancing the wheel.

[ME 109]

ME 109, what do you recommend for using to polish the lead wheel weights?

Cheat, and use chrome spray paint.


Really smart looking weights could become a fashion craze and started by you.

Yeah! Another 1st. for ME109
(but I'll let everyone know that you planted the seed.)


I would be happy to write an article on how to add lots of lead weights to your airhead wheels without unbalancing the wheel.

No need Duane, just buy a Marc Parnes balancer. (no connection other than being humans fighting for survival)

[Major Softie]

It's becoming more work in California, as they are outlawing lead weights. The last couple car tire purchases I made were balanced with steel weights.

Ah for the good old days when you could polish your nice soft lead wheel weights in just a few minutes...

[dougie]

C'mon Jeff -
Everyone knows wheel weights should be anodized (green/yellow for Aussie bikes ).

[ME 109]

C'mon Jeff -
Everyone knows wheel weights should be anodized (green/yellow for Aussie bikes ).

You might be right there Doug....
What do you think should go on the bottom layer, green or gold?

[dougie]

C'mon Jeff -
Everyone knows wheel weights should be anodized (green/yellow for Aussie bikes ).

You might be right there Doug....
What do you think should go on the bottom layer, green or gold?

Did I say yellow? Oops! green/gold.