Question on Balancing Wheels

[lljjmm]

Is it best to  balance the wheels with rotors on or not?  Ya, one of those questions.

[Gryphon Rider]

Only if, when riding the bike, the rotors will be on.

[Jess from VA]

 

[Pete]

Yes and on the rear with the rubber cush blocks installed and any stem caps you intend to use.

[F6Dave]

You can also try dynamic balancing, with something like Dyna Beads.  They are simple to install.  I was a skeptic but have to admit they work very well.

[The emperor has no clothes]

You can also try dynamic balancing, with something like Dyna Beads.  They are simple to install.  I was a skeptic but have to admit they work very well.

+1

[F6Dave]

You can also try dynamic balancing, with something like Dyna Beads.  They are simple to install.  I was a skeptic but have to admit they work very well.

Let me elaborate.  The front wheel on my Interstate was always difficult to balance.  There was always a speed range where I'd get a little vibration.  These massive Valkyrie wheels can have light areas that make balancing very tricky.  I've read of some with enough porosity to allow slow air leaks.

At first I thought Dyna Beads were snake oil.  Then I read truck drivers had been doing this for years, with lead shot, BBs, even sand.  The concept actually makes sense.  And it works.  I pulled the weights and put the beads in that front tire.  It was glassy smooth at all speeds.  I'm a believer now.