Tire Changing Tools - Erie, PA

[RedRider]

In another thread I proclaimed my stupidity about leaving on a trip with insufficient tread on my rear tire. It is Sunday, and the M'cycle dealers are all out riding. I am stuck in Erie, PA.

 

I can likely find a car tire, but am not sure anyone will mount it - or even let me mount it.

 

Does anyone in the Erie, PA area have the tools (lift, wrenches, changing tools or machine) to change a rear tire. I can do the work if you have the tools.

 

Thanks.

 

RR - Jeff

[rod]

You can pick up tire changing "spoons" at Harbor Freight cheap or look around at the auto parts stores. A scissor jack will work to lift the rear in a pinch (block it up good while doing the work). We changed a tire on a friends Nomad in the motel parking lot in Tombstone once and all we had was a flat bar and two big screwdrivers and a scissor jack. Breaking the bead was the hard part. Lots of lube and care full prying and stomping did the job in the end. Good luck Rod

[RedRider]

Rod,

 

Thanks for the info. I have spoons on my other bike - never thought I would need it on this one. The problem has been solved (or at least postponed) by no availability of the tall, thin car tire in town on Sunday. Walmart, Sears, Firestone, and any other shop I could find open did not have one. Therefore, we are hanging out at the hotel for the day and will hit the stealer tomorrow when they open. That's going to hurt.

 

As a side note - The best idea I heard for breaking the bead is to use the kickstand. Place the tire on the ground, move the kickstand over the bead and let the weight of the bike break the bead.

 

You obviously will need a different bike to do this with since the one with the tire removed isn't very easy to move around. Never had to try it, but others have on smaller bikes.

 

RR

[flb_78]

You broke down in the wrong town. There's only 1 other member listed in Erie.

 

f6ryder - http://www.venturerider.org/forum/member.php?u=655

 

I went through all the PA members who have been active in the last month and and there are only 2 others that are within an hour away. You may wanna try to contact them and see if they can be of assistance.

 

ridefree40 is in Cochranton which is 54 miles away. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/member.php?u=3612

 

Dale A Allio is in Tionesta which is 61 miles from Erie. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/member.php?u=3276

[flb_78]

Also, call every bike shop in the phone book. They may be listed as closed on Sundays, but someone may be in doing some catchup work. I caught a bike shop open once in Tulsa like that. They just happened to be there that day.

[flb_78]

Just did a search through the New York members and found the MRAF is 25 miles away in Ripley, NY. He was active today so you may wanna try him.

 

MRAF http://www.venturerider.org/forum/member.php?u=233

[RedRider]

Forrest,

 

I really appreciate your help. I called Moe last night and left a message. However, without the appropriate rubber, tools don't do any good. No one has a tire.

 

I called all the motorcycle dealers and car tire stores in the area. The closest I found open, with a tire of any kind, is 110 miles away. We are going to just stay the night and hit the local dealer in the morning.

 

My dad is here with me. He's retired so the extra day is no big deal for him.

 

RR - Jeff

[KingSizer]

I'm about 90 miles south of Erie. The only rear tire I have doesn't look any better than the one you have, plus it's from a first gen so I don't know if it would fit anyway. But if you want it you can have it. I was planning a little trip to Geneva on the Lake today but I guess I could take a detour though Erie. It's not really that far out of the way.

If you're a gambler there is a casino and horseracing track, I think it's called Presque Isle Downs, gotta be near you somewhere. Although Erie is not the vacation capital of the world, I think there are alot of places that could be worse to be stranded at.

Oh well, try to enjoy you day.

[RedRider]

Todd,

 

Thanks for the offer, but a first gen is the wrong size tire.

 

As I was reading your post, my father was on the phone calling the casino/track about getting a shuttle pick up. Looks like a good place to watch a ball game and have lunch and a beverage.

 

Enjoy this beautiful day.

 

Thanks again.

 

Jeff