Your advice is respectfully accepted. A brand change might be in order, but tons of riders are using the Exedra Max and getting higher mileage. Looks like the Commanders are too narrow. The Chromes are $115 more than the Exedra and would need to last nearly twice as long to make a difference, cost wise.
I have to believe it has to do with the way I like to ride- twisty back roads here. I can't change tire prices, but I do have some control over tire mounting costs. Your method/cost is nearly identical to mine. Doing that three times/year (four if I do a tour) is adding up. The straw that breaks my back is having had rim damage twice in recent months- two different shops, two different bikes. Another member just experienced this. If you think about it, rim damage is probably the only disclaimer you're likely to see posted in a shop. I have had good luck with one particular shop, so far, and, apparently, so have you- so good luck to us both in the future, cause if a mistake happens they'll be pointing up to that sign.
I do all my own maintenance and repairs from valve shims to wheel bearings, forks, brakes, etc. When it comes time for new pistons, or something deeper than clutch work, I'll gladly take her to Carpenter for an upgrade, but having to rely on a shop to change the rear tire (can't balance) is getting expensive, a hassle, with risk of damage thrown in.
I'm about ready to order
this stand as it looks more stout than the HF model and the "grippers" seem better designed. Add a duck head tool and just wondering if that might do the trick.
I've seen posts where other members do their own rear tire change. I'd really like to hear from them. There are a lot of smart people here with lots more experience wrenching than I do. I think there's an affordable solution if we just put our heads together.
