Tyron Bands

[robbo]

This was my first experience using Oponeo and their nearest approved fitter to me. The fitting experience was top notch as the guy lined the jaws of the hydraulic tyre machine with loads of paper towel, to preserve my newly powder coated wheels. It just all went wrong when I returned to have them balanced after installing the bearings, discs etc. They did say they were thinking of ditching the Oponeo agency as they earned so little money out of it. Their charge for fitting and balancing tyres to loose wheels is £24.50, which in my neck of the woods is very reasonable, considering they are making nothing out of the tyres. Other local firms would want £40 if they weren't supplying the tyres. However, despite all the aggro I still saved £65.50 on the price I was quoted to supply and fit by my local tyre company.
For years bikers in my area had been spoilt by having a bike only tyre guy in the locality. Fast Bike magazine used to use him all the time when that mag was based in Croydon. Since his retirement I'm left with a very limited choice.
Maybe 10 years ago buying a tyre fitting gadget would have been a good idea, but now, I don't think I'll have enough biking years to get enough use from one. Most of my similar aged biking pals have moved away, otherwise a group buy would have been an option. The younger ones have got so much dough, they just buy another bike when the tyres are worn out :lol .(Slight exaggeration, but you get my drift.)