Wheel balancing: when it is actually needed

An unbalanced wheel causes handlebar shake and vibration at speed, and it wears out the tyre and bearings faster. October is a good time to check your wheels while roads are still dry.

• Balance the wheel after every tyre change, even if the tyre is new and the old balance was perfect.
• Watch for symptoms: handlebar or footpeg vibration at a certain speed, front wheel shimmy, uneven tread wear.
• Recheck the balance after a puncture repair or if the tyre was removed from the rim, since the weights may have shifted or fallen off.
• Inspect the rim before balancing: runout, shape, bearing condition. A worn bearing or bent rim will not be cured by balancing.
• Bring the wheel to the stand clean, free of dirt and old weights. If you are not experienced with removing wheels, brake and suspension parts, leave it to a workshop.