The local bike shops don’t always have the size/tread/compound that I really want, so I probably need to order them. Haven’t had to do so lately, and the online market has changed quite a bit in the past few years. So where do you all source your tires? Bonus points if anyone knows a place that will have a selection of 24" tires
I’ve ordered 24 inch MTB tires off Commencal Canada before-they look like they have a decent selection of a few brands for reasonable prices right now.
Needed at least a new rear for my bike, so decided to try a different front as well. I ordered from bikeinn as they were the cheapest by far. They also have almost every tire
BikeInn usually ships from Spain, I would use them in a pinch for a part or something to keep me running but expect some decent custom fees.
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Your local bike shop can order whatever is not in stock. Go to them before ordering online is always my method. Support local.
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I try and keep a decent selection of modern 29er tires in stock at Granite Suspension. Granitesuspension.ca. I can get other sizes, but they don’t tend to move as quickly as 29 so I special order them, and as an ultra small part time business I need to be mindful of my overhead. I am required, like all shops, to list all of my Maxxis and Conti tires at MSRP on my website, but I can assure you that I do not sell them for retail. I can basically price match TBS Bike Parts out of BC on Maxxis pricing.
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I expect that as well, but at $50 per tire they were the cheapest by far. I assume they will be white label, but the Soma is hardly performance oriented.
Last time I ordered something from bikeinn I thought it was deal until I had to pay the duties. End up costing almost the same as if would of gotten local
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I guess I’ll find out when they get here. Will update then
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Some shops have limited their access to certain brands though and are more interested in trying to convince you to buy whatever they have in stock.
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What shipping option did you choose?
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That I Dont remember
I agree with @Plunksalot, these days, I do try to get all my MTB consumables from an LBS, even if it costs a bit more or I have to wait longer (if they have to bring it in) compared to online. Small price to pay in grand scheme of things. A quick scan of HRM LBS has Maxxis, Conti, Schwalbe, Specialized, Bontrager, Michelin, WTB. Then again, I’m not a discriminating enough consumer or performance oriented enough that I need to chase down a very specific tire. Using the crowdsourcing power of the forum -perhaps if there’s a certain tire compound etc our favourite pros are using that several people want/are ordering online - enough people could approach an LBS for a group order/deal or convince them to stock going forward?
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Added bonus of ordering/buying from a shop: no shipping fees or customs fees, and get the EXACT tire/size/compound you want, something to keep in mind.
Also, check local used marketplaces, I’ve seen great sets of tires for a fraction of the price new with very little tread wear.
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Thanks for the discussion everyone. I have to admit, it had never even crossed my mind that I could just ask the LBS to order the tire I was looking for. One issue is my trail bike is still rocking 27.5 wheels, and sadly those are less common than they used to be.
I’m also at the point where I don’t need to risk international shipping and fees and such just to save a couple bucks on a tire. Though I’ll still keep my eyes open for sales!
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Similar. I ordered a race face saddle a few years ago. I was given the induction it was coming from quebec and then saw it was spain… took about 4 weeks to arrive.
coincidentally, I saw this linked on PB this morning.
I definitely can’t hit the TBS sale prices, and quite frankly I don’t know how they can sell tires that cheap. But I can match their regular in season pricing, which is substantially cheaper than the MSRP on tires.
I can also order in specific tires if you are looking for something. I can get Maxxis, Continental, Goodyear, and Vittoria. Stuff is expensive for sure, and tires tend to wear out quickly, so I am more than happy to help out folks who want to support local with better tire pricing.
But like I said, tires need to be listed for MSRP, and that applies to everyone as far as I know other than apparently TBS. If you want actual pricing on tires just hit me up through here or any of the Granite Suspension avenues.
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If you’re looking for 24/26” (seriously limited selection locally of course), I’ve found www.bike-components.de to be great. Lots of in stock options and great pricing. It’s been a while since I ordered from them but shipping was always reasonably priced and suitably fast- 2 or 3 days usually.
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Thanks for chiming in!
By no means was I trying to undermine our local folks.
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