Advice on Cycle Hill & No-MAR Classic tire changers

[jabcb]

Will soon have spiffy freshly-powder-coated wheels for our 2 cafe racer projects. Am thinking about getting one of these tire changers rather than trust the local bike shops.
Likely will occasionally do some wheels for modern bikes (R1, Bonneville, …)

Any personal experience or suggestions?

http://www.nomartirechanger.com/Tire_Changers_s/37.htm

[smokin_blue]

I bought their Classic from them last year through their ebay site on sale with free delivery. Was $600 to my door. The current sale looks really good although if they charge shipping on top of that find their ebay site and compare.

I have been very happy with it. I used to work in a shop that had a commercial changer and it isn't quite as nice but it is very close in capability. The biggest difference I have seen is no one has matched the quality of the main bar/spoon of the commercial unit from the shop.

So far I have changed my 180 wide Triumph sprint ST tire, 2 akront style rims/tires on my cafe bike, a set of 14" honda 50cc scooter tires, and a set of early suzuki mag wheels with fresh powder coat.

I love the stand. The bar can be a little tricky. I still use as extra tools like a good set of tire irons and Motion Pro rim protectors. I would definitely add these to your arsenal of weapons when you attack a wheel.

I have mine bolted down to a piece of 4x4 foot plywood with 2x4 reinforcing underneath it. I drop sand bags on top of it as well as my weight when standing on it. I just didn't want to bolt it to one specific place on the floor yet.

fire back any questions you may have.

[jabcb]

Did you get the Posi-Clamps?

From what I’ve read, the Posi-Clamps are preferred for vintage spoked wheels.
The Cycle Hill comes with Posi-Clamps.
The Classic comes with Cam & Blocks, and the Posi-Clamps are a $150 option.

[smokin_blue]

I did not get the posi clamps but I would agree they would be a nice option. I am not totally sold on the cam locks. They definitely work but the professional unit I used was more like the posi clamps and I think they would work better on many rims. They provide more working room.

On my wide low profile Sprint ST tire the cam locks push up on the tire when really you want it to be able to go down as far as possible.

[jabcb]

The Classic with Posi-Clamps is about twice the price of the Cycle Hill.
I’m leaning toward the Cycle Hill but my mechanic friend want to get the Classic.

[smokin_blue]

Yes the price is a tough one to get past. Basically other than the posi clamps the main difference in the units is how heavy duty and rigid the systems are built. The classic is built a little better.

You need to see how many tires you are going to do. I do sport bikes too which can be a major bear so I like the rigidity of the classic. The arm over the top helps stabilize the center column that you pull back against with the bar when pulling and seating the bead over the lip. Based on that I like the heavy duty aspect of it. That said you can do a lot with the cycle hill.


Personally I would call them and ask them about the older rims and if the cam blocks are that big a problem. I don't remember that notice on there when I bought mine. I have not had any issues with mine with classic rims. Not sure what they are advising against as far as problems. If you do call and find out please pass on the info.

I chose to buy the classic and then see if I felt I needed to buy the extra qrips. so far I haven't seen the need.

As far as calling them I did talk to them before buying mine and they were great to work with.

Lastly determine if you want the floor mount or the truck hitch mount. I almost bought the hitch mount for simplicity but I didn't. I do like the floor mount.

[smokin_blue]

Here is the deal I bought...only I think this is cheaper than what I got

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121575639731?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

it is from no mar but through ebay. $545 They have free shipping too.


oops looks like it is the deal of the day on their site (through the end of oct. ) the cycle hill is on sale too. you could probably negotiate free shipping and buy direct if you dont' like ebay.

http://www.nomartirechanger.com/dealoftheday.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

you could check also if they will sell the classic with the posi clamps in place of the cam locks and not charge the full $150.

talk to them! they are good to deal with.

[smokin_blue]

Just wanted to let you know they dropped the price on the classic on their ebay listing to $499.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121575639731?ul_noapp=true" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jabcb]

I bought the Cycle Hill tire changer via eBay. Am hoping to have time to assemble it tomorrow and then give it a try with Yamaha R1 tires later next week. Will first practice on a wheel+tire that’s in my parts inventory.