My funny tire story.

[BigMac (SoCal)]

Last week when I did my forks and new tire I noticed an out of balanced feeling in the front over 50mph. I use Dyna beads in my tires and at first thought that Chaparral who mounted my tire didn't get mine transferred out to the new tire. I put 2 oz in thinking that would do it. Well it didn't and so then I thought maybe my wheel bearings are going out. So since I had a set I decided to go ahead and change them as well. Well that didn't do it either so I call my friend who owns a small bike shop and asked him if he would check it for me if I brought the wheel in. He said that would be fine so I did. We looked for any sign of a problem and all we could see was that maybe the tire was a bit out of round. So I took it back to Chaparral and talked to the tire guy who sold me the tire and he said what they would do is take the tire off and send it back to Bridgestone to see if there was a problem with it. They said I would have to buy another tire and if a problem was found they would refund the cost back to me. So of course I said to do it and here is where the funny part comes in. A few minutes later the kid who took off the tire comes up front with it and show everyone what's inside of it. Someone has left a 12mm end wrench in my tire the first time they mounted it. The tire manager was very sorry for the trouble and put a new tire on as the old one was damaged from the wrench inside. I have had dozens of tires mounted at Chaparral and have no ill will toward them. They took care of the problem and I will always buy my tire from them as they have given me great deals.Most of the time they mount them for free since I'm in there all the time and know most of them by there first name. 

On a side note I went up to BigBear today and I love the way those Bridgestones 701 handle the curves. Also I think the Progressive springs make a difference as well.     

[The emperor has no clothes]

Dang Dave, I bet the wrench was nice and shiny from the beads polishing them. That is pretty funny and good for them fessing up to their screw up and making it right.

[NautiBrit]

I can see the funny side, but the outcome could have been tragically different. I understand that you still trust the dealer, I'm not sure that I would.

[Big Tom 10628]

How do you leave a wrench inside a tire? 

[RichW]

Quite a story and a good outcome. 

[BigMac (SoCal)]

The way I look at it is things just happen. We're all human and make mistakes. Above all they admitted to it when they could have just taken it out and not said anything. I've been going to Chaparral for 20 years and they have always treated me well and I have made friends with many of the employees. I would never have any service work done there but then again I would take my bike to any dealer for service or repairs. A tire is a different matter to me. I thought about getting a tire mount tool but to me it would take to many tire changes to make it pay for itself. Besides they mount most of my tires for free or at a discount anyway.