Who’s good for tyres?

[M1C]

I've recently gained my full license and got my first 'big' bike, a 2010 Suzuki Gladius.

Both tyres are worn and i'll feel better getting new tyres. Who are peoples preferred supplier of tyres? Also is anyone here from the North East (Co. Durham) who can recommend where to go for them?

Cheers

[modellista]

I generally order tyres online for the cheapest price I can find. Demon Tweeks or M&P seem to have decent stock. M&P sometimes do two-tyre deals which are a bit cheaper than individual tyres.

Then it's a case of taking the wheels off the bike, balancing it on the centre stand and car jack, and take the wheels and new tyres in the car to wherever you trust to do the job. First time I went to Westerhope Tyres and they scratched the rims (did repair it eventually but was a pain to sort). I now use Value Tread in Hexham which is a little back-street tyre shop but they know bikes and do a good job. Last time they did my tyres it was £10 for fitting basically while you wait.

I gather there are mobile tyre fitters available but you usually pay a lot more if you expect someone to take your wheels off and on for you.

[M1C]

Thanks for this, as a newbie this is valuable and friendly information, thanks

[black-k1]

If you're ordering on-line, FWR are worth a look. They're in London and are great for fitting but that's not much help to you!

[Gixer968CS]

black-k1 said:

If you're ordering on-line, FWR are worth a look. They're in London and are great for fitting but that's not much help to you!

This, FWR in Kennington are fab - ride in, ride out service and the cheapest around. Been using them for 10+ years. Get there early, they are extremely popular. They do sell on-line but don't know how that works out if you need them fitting

[trickywoo]

I’ve found Sticky Stuff to be cheap for pairs at the moment.

Surprised to see FWR mentioned as every time I’ve checked the have been well up there price wise.

[mikey_b]

trickywoo said:

I’ve found Sticky Stuff to be cheap for pairs at the moment.

Surprised to see FWR mentioned as every time I’ve checked the have been well up there price wise.

I used to always use FWR, but also found they have got expensive - they didn’t used to be. Last time (December, so recent) I used Two Tyres who are near the Blackwall tunnel which is much more convenient for my commute. I do use a ride-in, ride-out service though, I’ve always found you pay a premium to have them fitted otherwise, which negates any savings from mail order.

[Captain Smerc]

I usually purchase from Camskill Tyres, very good so far.
https://www.camskill.co.uk/

[trickywoo]

Captain Smerc said:

I usually purchase from Camskill Tyres, very good so far.
https://www.camskill.co.uk/

How long have they been doing bike tyres? I always thought they were only car.

They are normally decent but Halfords at the moment are a chunk cheaper when you include fitting. Sizes will obviously vary but Goodyear F1 in 205/45/17 are way cheaper at Halfords at the moment.

[Captain Smerc]

trickywoo said:

Captain Smerc said:

I usually purchase from Camskill Tyres, very good so far.
https://www.camskill.co.uk/

How long have they been doing bike tyres? I always thought they were only car.

They are normally decent but Halfords at the moment are a chunk cheaper when you include fitting. Sizes will obviously vary but Goodyear F1 in 205/45/17 are way cheaper at Halfords at the moment.

Opps, didn't realise for a bike.

[airsafari87]

[redacted]

[Tam_Mullen]

Buying your own tyres and taking loose wheels is certainly the more cost effective way to get your new tyres. That does rely on you being a little bit mechanical, having the tools and knowledge etc.

If you have a garage (and its possible) I would recommend a ratchet strap or similar to the rafter of the garage and round the handle bars or similar, that and a paddock stand I've found to be really secure.

[Birky_41]

mikey_b said:

I used to always use FWR, but also found they have got expensive - they didn’t used to be. Last time (December, so recent) I used Two Tyres who are near the Blackwall tunnel which is much more convenient for my commute. I do use a ride-in, ride-out service though, I’ve always found you pay a premium to have them fitted otherwise, which negates any savings from mail order.

Same as this. Always used FWR but latest track slicks, road tyres and ped tyres all in space of 4 months I've got from Dean at Two Tyres. Been cheapest I've found in UK

[modellista]

trickywoo said:

Captain Smerc said:

I usually purchase from Camskill Tyres, very good so far.
https://www.camskill.co.uk/

How long have they been doing bike tyres? I always thought they were only car.

They are normally decent but Halfords at the moment are a chunk cheaper when you include fitting. Sizes will obviously vary but Goodyear F1 in 205/45/17 are way cheaper at Halfords at the moment.

Halfords don't supply bike tyres either, why are we talking about car tyres in the bike forum?

Nice link to Sticky Stuff, not heard of them before but they have a good range and the occasional bargain - Bridgestone AT41 pair at £234 is £30 cheaper than Demon Tweeks.

Best value at the moment are M&P's tyre pair deals, I just ordered a pair of Metzeler Tourance (the original version) for £180 delivered. Sticky Stuff are asking £231 for the same, so a very helpful £50 saving.

[modellista]

Tam_Mullen said:

If you have a garage (and its possible) I would recommend a ratchet strap or similar to the rafter of the garage and round the handle bars or similar, that and a paddock stand I've found to be really secure.

Definitely the belt-n-braces approach, but I've always been amazed at how stable a wheel-less bike is just on the centre stand. Looks really fragile but it would take a hefty push to knock it over. In the past I've used a car jack under the engine, and a paddock stand at the front, but it balances really well without and I might not bother in future, especially if I'm doing the job in a single session. Just keep the kids away from it!

[ccr32]

I can't really fault FWR - Bob and the boys have always been brilliant, both in their advice, service, and pricing. Just bought some track tyres from him for the R6 for Almeria in April, which he did a great deal on. And delivered to my front door for nowt.

Admit though I haven't really looked elsewhere - Two Tyres are the wrong end of London to be convenient for me for ride-in ride-out. Might check a few other places out though when it comes to replacing the tyres on the road bikes this spring based on what people have said here.

[Biker 1]

Front wheel removal can be a total faff, particularly if you don't have the correct inverted socket thingy.
Also, a torque wrench is a must.

[trickywoo]

Biker 1 said:

Front wheel removal can be a total faff, particularly if you don't have the correct inverted socket thingy.
Also, a torque wrench is a must.

Unless you have single sided swing arm I find the back worse. Especially refitting where you are juggling spacers.