Alternative to KC Engineering?

[moto-rama]

I've been putting off even thinking about replacing a set of tires, as it is still painful to be reminded of Robbie's passing.

I was a KC Engineering customer way back in "the day" , but my last experience at their place was very disappointing, to say the least. I don't want to badmouth them here, but am seeking an alternative in San Francisco for tire installs. (The way Moto-Tire Guy did it)

Thanks for any advice, and I hope this is a great year for BARFers.

 

[davidmc]

I'm interested in hearing recommendations too. I was a customer of Robbie's for many years and I loved his system of ordering online yourself to get the best price and ship directly to him for install.

 

[180yzfr1]

Of course you want to bad mouth them, otherwise why would you post.

 

[moto-rama]

Of course you want to bad mouth them, otherwise why would you post.

read the title.

Don't bother responding, you're on my plonk list.

 

[Marcoose]

Jim, while not a 100% replacement for Robbie's business model, you can arrange with the Moto Guild to order and receive tyres, and reserve time with a tech to install them for you. Word is Junior will start there full time as of 1 January, and he is a proper bloke. Good luck!

 

[WWWobble]

I've been putting off even thinking about replacing a set of tires, as it is still painful to be reminded of Robbie's passing.

I too was a long time customer of Robbie, so I don't have direct tire purchase experience elsewhere, HOWEVER a couple riding friends have said good things about Santa Clara Cycle Accessories in Sunnyvale.

They call to ensure tires they want are in stock, then set up an appointment. Bring the wheels in and usually they are mounted quickly, at least mid-week. They discount tires a bit, and do not charge for mount and balance.

Plus, you get a nice drive down the Peninsula :laughing So sad. I used to enjoy getting tires installed by MotoTireGuy, often replacing them sooner than I actually had to.

 

[Blankpage]

Not that big a deal to do it yourself if you have the garage space.
Lately I just ride it to the dealer but I've done my own for years. I warped a front disk though early on and learned to be more careful after that.

 

[davidji]

Not that big a deal to do it yourself if you have the garage space.

I do that sometimes with tire levers, but I don't always have enough profanity on hand.

Mostly I ride in/ride out at Santa Clara Cycle Accessories in Sunnyvale. For the BMW rear tire, with centerstand & single sided swingarm, I'll remove and install the wheel there. For others, I'll make an appointment, pay a little for installation, and they'll remove/install the wheel.

 

[moto-rama]

Not that big a deal to do it yourself if you have the garage space.
Lately I just ride it to the dealer but I've done my own for years. I warped a front disk though early on and learned to be more careful after that.

I gave up doing my own tires about 20 years ago when I moved across the bay; and even though I am capable, I seem to have lost a lot of the grunt it takes to do a tire changes. In fact, I feel lucky to have lived all the way to 2020!
I might do the Moto-Guild thing, though. But am likely to take the recommendation of WWWobble.

Let me add that if you're a customer of KC, and are satisfied with them, that's great.

 

[WWWobble]

I might do the Moto-Guild thing, though. But am likely to take the recommendation of WWWobble.

Well, if you get there before me... let me know how it works out so I'll know if I should take my own recommendation. :laughing

 

[gixxerjeff]

Well, if you get there before me... let me know how it works out so I'll know if I should take my own recommendation. :laughing

:laughing

 

[Blankpage]

I do that sometimes with tire levers, but I don't always have enough profanity on hand.

Mostly I ride in/ride out at Santa Clara Cycle Accessories in Sunnyvale. For the BMW rear tire, with centerstand & single sided swingarm, I'll remove and install the wheel there. For others, I'll make an appointment, pay a little for installation, and they'll remove/install the wheel.

My last 3 bikes have black rims that I didn't want to scratch up with tire irons so I gave up doing my own. And only going through one set per season so not stressing the cost of paying someone else to deal with the hassle.

 

[tuxumino]

in SF you have tokyomoto and sf moto, call em up and see what they charge

 

[bunnygoat]

I second TokyoMoto! I have my own manual tire machine and I don't even bother doing it myself anymore. Its a pain and sometimes I run into seating issues.

 

[Kestrel]

Hell, IMO the only real hassle is getting the wheels on and off the bike. The actual tire change part is pretty trivial.

With good technique and warm tires that have sat in the sun, it doesn't usually take me more than a few minutes to get the old tire off and the new tire installed. But... I've changed dozens and dozens at this point, either on a machine or just by hand with levers.

 

[Snapping Twig]

The S shop in northern Pacifica across the highway from Eureka Square.

I get mine done there.

 

[Izzy_C]

Adam @ City Cycle Werks...

not to shill my guy again lol buuut he's always taken care of my bikes.

 

[orbframe]

I like cycle gear... tons of tire changes never a problem

 

[Archimedes]

Is KC Engineering still in business?!

 

[Cabrito]

I think I paid $40 at SF Moto if you bring the wheel. I called ahead and I was in and out of there in short time on a Saturday morning.

I like the sound of the MotoGuild thing. I might check that out.