[ranger800]

how important is it on a small tire like a k70 gold seal at relatively low speeds?
for the shop to balance both would be twenty bucks, which is a lot for me right now.

[Geirskogul]

Those balance beads (dynabeads) actually work.

[Ice]

Good idea If you can raise the funds. I have been known to do odd jobs from time to time.

[Thumper]

BTW and in case you didn't know, balancing the wheel/tire combo is not hard for joe-do-it-yourself.

With the bike on the centerstand spin the wheel and see which portion ends up at the bottem near the ground. That's the heavy side - potentially. Do it 5 or 6 times - if that spot consistently ends up at the bottem then it is indeed a heavy spot. If it seems to randomly fall to different places then there is no heavy spot - it's balanced.

If it does consistently fall to one spot - then put a weight (your choice of the size and type) on the opposite side (that is, in this case, the top of the wheel). Continue to do this until you get random results.

BTW, I'd first do the spin test - chances are it already random (balanced). And if you do need to add weights, I'd start with SMALL ones (lightweight).

Also, to do the front wheel you'll have to have some way to push the back end down and raise the front up.

Matt

[UncleErnie]

If I went to a shop and paid for a tire and installation- if it wasn't also balanced I would not pay and go elsewhere.  Balancing the wheel is part of the installation I'm paying for in every shop I've been to.
Note- if the bead is not properly seated, it can feel like the wheel wasn't blanaced- ie; bouncing.   There is some kind of line or refereence point on the sides of the tire to make sure it is even all the way around.  A Wheel can be balanced while the tire bead is not seated properly- they both feel similar.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Yeah, but Ernie, tires are rubber now.

[UncleErnie]

Oh dear.  That's really going to irritate my blacksmith.  How long has this been going on, anyway?   

[1Blackwolf1]

Yeah, but Ernie, tires are rubber now.

  But they're still solid right?

[Vince]

     You can balance it nicely as Thumper has described, but you do have to remove the chain and fully loosen the brake adjustment. Otherwise the drag of these items will not allow proper balancing.

[ranger800]

cool
thanks for the tips guys