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[ogri]

Hi guys, first time for everything - just about to attempt to replace the front tyre on Alice (350 Classic). I got a German Heidenau which looks good. I presume this is fairly straightforward - just unbolt the retainers at the base of the forks and release the cables for the speedo & front brake.
Any hints or tips? Cheers.

[Jojje]

Let me put it this way: first one difficult second better and then you run out of tires. Then after two years tires worn out and your hands have forgotten how you did it...
Use tire lube. If excessive use of force is required you are doing something wrong. Get someone more experienced to help (I never did).
I heartily recommend Heidenau tires!

[stefaand]

put a bit of air in the inner tube when you place the new tyre, so you don't pinch the inner tube. Make sure the outer edges of the tyre are both in the center of the rim, so they have enough play to get that last annoying bit over the rim. This is what has kept me busy mostly when swapping tyres.

[ogri]

Many thanks men. I got it all together and followed your pointers.

Unfortunately, however, I encountered a couple of additional issuies that added stress and strain:
#1 - when I got the new tyre onto the rim and was almost finished on the final section I noticed a directional arrow and, Murphy's Laaw, this was pointing the wrong way. Crap! Removed the tyre again and began the process once more. I was remounting the wheel and tightening up the bolts to hold the axel in place when I came across
#2 - I noticed two small red dots which, I believe, ought to be placed next to the valve. Wouldn't you know, these were about opposite. Crap again!

By that time I'd had enought and decided I'd just go out and enjoy the new tyre. And what a difference it made. No wobbling at all when taking my hands off the bars at about 30 and also much easier to "steer" shifting my body weight with no hands on the bars. An amazing difference!

I'll tackle the job to reposition the dots next to the valve during the week. Thanks again.

[ChrisD]

Ogri
I have 1996 Classic and also need a new front tyre. Which Heidenau did you get and which bike is it?
Cheers,l ChrisD

[Jojje]

If you haven't noticed any unbalance i.e. vibration by now don't bother with repositioning the dots.
(One set of tires having TWO sets of dots left me puzzled, though.)