Hitchcocks Forum

Hello all,

Anybody help with this little prob,had to take the old 1959 250cc Clipper into the local bike shop to get the front wheel balanced, bit put out when the guy was finished because he had fitted these chrome type weights that just stick on the rim. these look totally out of place on a 59 machine, and when I complained about them he said, can't use lead weights any more he said health & safety.

Anybody know were I could pick up some of the old type weights, (need 55 grms approx).

Also is it possible to take it to a wheel builder still with the tyre on & get the wheels re balanced so to speak. ie no weights needed.

Your help will be appreciated lads.

Cheers.

I'm a bit surprised he felt the need to balance the wheel of a 60mph bike! But if he's a jobsworth he might insist. I'd just take the weights off if you don't like them. Have a look at the tyre (you don't say what it is,) and there may be a coloured dot (usually pink or yellow,) on the sidewall. This should be next to the valve when fitted (some say opposite, not sure why this would be but you can check manufacturer's website,) and this should give some basic balance.
REgards, Mark

I have not bothered with balancing the wheels on my "small or slow" bikes. Only the 600+ cc that i regularly ride at motorway speeds for long distances. However, 55 grammes out of balance is a lot and may well be noticeable on a front wheel even at moderate speeds. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

What you could do is find some copper thread as thick as possible and cut a 55 g piece of that. Cut that length in maybe five pieces (depending on the length) and wind the pieces tightly round five of the spokes close to the rim at the correct side of the wheel. Copper is also rather heavy, 8,9 g/cm3 compared to lead at 11,3 g/cm3. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Note: I haven't tried this! Maybe 55 g will be too long a thread and not very convenient. Still it may be worth a try. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Regards, Anders F. R.

I would use plumbers solder wire, you can even get a lead free version of it too. Lead wire was often used back then... Just put a plank of wood under the centre stand so the front wheel is off the ground and something heavy across the back wheel through the spokes to hold it down and also slacken off the brake adjustment. Let the wheel stop revolving and add the wire weight by twisting a length of solder wire to the top spoke exactly at 180 degrees to the bottom untill the wheel stops at any position. The rear wheel is not often done but you will need to remove it as the chain will add too much resistance to free movement should you choose to balance it. A black and Decker Workmate clamps the spindle horizontally very well.

Hello HOWZIE, ---------- are these of any use ?? }---- EBay Item No.251150225073. ------ Also just an additional to LES H, ---- disconnect the speedo drive if it's at the front.

Many thanks lads,

When riding at 45mph ish & take one hand of the handle bars you can realy feel the shake, so balancing was needed. Thanks Mark M I will checkout those coloured dots, and Les H the plumbers solder wire sounds good to me.

Cheers Lads will let you know how things go.

Howzie.

Howzie, is it me. You don't like the look of modern, unleaded weights, but are prepared to wrap plumbers solder wire around the spokes?????

Hello MadMike,

These modern weights stick over the wheel rim MM, so will see what the solder looks like then take it from there. nothing is cast in stone yet.

Cheers.

Howzie.