Tyre fitting in Cumbria, can't take your own tyres?

[qarka]

My new tyres arrived today, got the wheels off and rang up the closest garage only to be told they can only fit tyres that they have sold due to insurance reasons. They told me this is the case with most places nowadays.

I rang around a few more and got the same answer.

Anyone in the area know a place where I can just take my wheels and new tyres and get them to swap them over? Never had this problem before. Also why would their insurance prevent it?
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[Itchy]

It sounds more like cartel behaviour tbh. If they all agree not to fit then they can charge more.

It's balls tbh, as my numerous bikes (last 5 months) all got new tyres on them. At the local car tyre place.

They said I had to remove the discs and they were also not responsible scratches on the rims though.

£10, silly sod put them all on backwards and had to do it again.
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[SQL]

Change em yourself

[blueglue]

Rather than an actual tyre shop try a dealer or independent.

I know my local Vauxhall dealer will slap any old tyre on for a few quid but i do know a mate of a mate.

Ask your facebook friends as someone always know someone.

[map]

[qarka]

I tried changing a tyre on my 125, never again.

Changing bicycle tyres is hard enough.
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[blueglue]

probably a better tactic would be to find a place that fits part worns.
Surely they wont be able to fob you off with the insurance crap.

[johnsmith222]

[qarka]

Must be. Fancy letting me know the correct method? I'm sure I've got some levers somewhere.
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[stinkwheel]

[DrDonnyBrago]

[dolly3900]

A lot of places do this now.

Many garages will not fit customer supplied parts as in the event of failure they can be held accountable for it.

Some will fit customer parts only on signing a disclaimer that waives and and all responsibility for the work carried out.

Think it comes from people buying cheap, poor quality e-bay parts, taking them to be fitted and then claiming bad workmanship when they fail after a week, even though it is a Chinese knock off chain or shock or tyre that has fallen to bits.

Understandable really.

Same as wedding venues charge you an extortionate price for corkage on wine if you supply your own, it makes up for the profit they lose by selling their own.
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[Itchy]

[Suntan Sid]

When I went to my nearest bike shop, for my MOT, I asked about them suppliyng and fitting a new front tyre.
The guy told me to buy it elsewhere and bring it in for fitting, because it would be cheaper for me, it was.
Obviously good business for him because I will go back again, you can't beat good customer care!
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[qarka]

Fitted them myself. Thanks all.

It was much easier than I was expecting, luckily one of my mates popped round and helped me (he's a lot bigger than I am).

I took them to the local petrol station to try and seat the beads with the air machine, got the front one to seat but not the back. The guy I live with is gonna take it to work at M-sport tomorrow and do it with their compressor. He reckons he can give me a tour as well.

Success!
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[yen_powell]

[Alex A]

And what about balancing it?... For sake of a few quid, I'd much rather save the hassle, and have tyres professionally fit and balanced by an outfit with the correct equipment.

My local motorcycle garage charges me £12 per loose wheel including disposal of the old tyre. Doesn't matter whether I bring my own (which I usually do), or buy the tyre from them.

Either way, it's £12 for 5-10 minutes work. Not bad for them, I'd say.

The only grumble I have had from them is when I ask to buy and/or fit a tyre with a profile different to the OEM tyre for the bike. Had to sign a waiver once before they would fit a 190/55 instead of a 190/50.

[qarka]

Congrats. It seems all my local garages don't allow you to bring your own tyres to have them fitted. Hence the thread.

As for balancing... Perhaps they'll be happy to balance my wheels for me if I take them with tyres fitted. Can't take longer than 5 mins.
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[J4mes]

My local tyre deal said this so I went to the other tyre dealer next door and he said "I'd rather have my lad earning £20 than sweeping the workshop again."

So I now do my best to buy from him too, even if it costs me a few more quid than online. He also accepts that sometimes he isn't as competitive as online but that people who buy online will still need them fitting!!

[Alex A]

I guess you're remote enough for them to maintain a cartel.

I'd be surprised if there were no-where in Carlisle or Penrith prepared to fit your own tyres.

[Ste]

[qarka]

The last tyres I put on my mountain bike needed soaking in hot water before I could get them on the rim.
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[stinkwheel]

My rear wheel has never been balanced since it was new. Not a single fuck given.

Single side swingarm so it doesn't fit on a conventional motorcycle wheel balancing machine.

You did put the heavy spot next to the valve?
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[yen_powell]

I put a new front tyre on my Varadero on Sunday night, a time of my choosing rather than having to work around the shop opening hours and having to get the wheel or bike there and back. Bought my tyres when there was some offer for a pair on and they've been waiting ready for fitting since then.

It's a skill worth learning, I fell out with a fitter in Universal Tyres in Witham back in the 90s and swore to only do my own after that so I wouldn't have to put up with that sort of problem ever again. I'm still on the same bucket of tyre soap I bought 15 years ago despite mates filling up pots for themselves a few times.

I've only had tubeless tyres for a few years, but they seem to be easier to fit to me than tubed tyres, a compressor does help though.
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[ScottT]

Must be north Cumbria, Dan Stewart at Bridgegate M/c's in Barrow fitted a new tyre for me last week when i walked in carrying a tyre and wheel.