The why and how they work, and what you need to do to keep them working.
twowheeladdict
For those that are interested in using balancing beads.
1 reading
Most of the new touring bikes come with TPMS sensors, so unless you install the beads when the tire is broken down, not sure how you will get beads into to one.
Take the core out of the valve stem and pour the beads in thru it, the beads are small. On HD's TPMS valve stems, once the valve stem core is taken out, the valve stem is just a tube to the inside of the tire. The sensor mounts to that tube sliding over the outside of it, and the bolt that holds the sensor to the tube has a hole thru the center of it (kinda like the head's breather bolts).
The part I found most interesting is that every time you stop you have to get above the resonance speed for the beads to start working.
Things that make you go hmmm. When the AE tires were installed, they used beads, first time for me using them. I never notice any imbalance/vibration, from a stop to any speed, smooth as silk. I guess if a tire is out of balance, it wouldn't be realized until highway speeds, so that makes sense. I know they work and will use them from now on. Better balance and it cleans up the rim appearance, so win/win.
when you install them you have to be careful not to get them stuck when you add or release air through the valve stem. they will get stuck if you're not careful...
I guess I’m the odd one out. I’ve tried them twice, both times they didn’t work for me. Regular weights solved my issue both times. Also I had one tire that kept going down after awhile, found some beads had found their way in between the tire and rim.
My indy uses balance beads. I had issues so ended up removing and used wieght. I had a discussion with him and he said at the time the American Elies were having issues with the beads
I do and have used Ride-on for several years. I believe it does keep the tire balanced but it does not really help with even tire wear. I change my own tires and have checked the balance several time prior to changing the tire never had a balance problem using ride-on. Just my opinion based on experience. Ride-on also provides puncture sealing protection which I do know works. I replaced a tire that had two nails the penetrated all the way through and I never lost air pressure. Changed the tire because I noticed the nails while doing a once over of the bike.
I've tried to remain open minded about beads. I used them in truck tires several times and they definitely did NOT eliminate tire imbalance. I grew annoyed and decided they weren't for me. I could not fault using weights. They always worked and had a smoother ride for me. So I stopped trying to fix what wasn't broken. Little chrome stick-on weights are nearly invisible on my wheels and I've never lost one. My tires are balanced at any speed, too.
It might be the difference in size between truck/car and bike tires, quicker effect on smaller bike tire. Also using the correct amount of beads. My local tire shop uses lead weight for four wheels but beads for bikes. Who knows...
Just did 90 mph down the local interstate with my 2023 and all was smooth sailing. I am still trying to find a reason to not like them but so far they are a keeper.
Could be that I suppose. But then as I said above, I personally find no practical advantage to the beads...in my case. I hope all who use them have great results. I'm definitely interested in improvements.
Maybe that's my problem. I'm too pokey to find my balance!
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