Rear Wheel Balancing

[Pickaxe]

Just wondering what forum members thoughts are with regard to balancing the rear wheel.

I had the rear tyre changed yesterday and after I asked if the wheel had balanced up OK, the fitter dismissively said " we don't keep spoke weights and you won't notice imbalance in a rear wheel.

Obviously the first comment was silly as you can place the usual adhesive weights on the rim of our Crosstourer wheels. However, regarding the second comment about not feeling the imbalance, this is true, but does the imbalance have an affect on tyre wear and/or impact on suspension components?

[__Ray__]

In theory he's right, you won't get problems when you don't balance the rear wheel but even if you don't really notice it it will be a bit relaxter if you do.
I tried it with the same tyre, once put the new one on without but the next i did balance was on long trips just a bit smoother.

[Maritimer]

I just put a new rear Michelin Anakee Adventure recently and I did not get it balanced. I can't tell the difference. I was told the same by a mechanic at a local bike shop.  I don't object if a shop wants to balance the tire and charge me $10 for the balancing but I don't ask that for it.

[thetrecker]

there is an opinion at bike tyre fitting shops that only the front needs balancing, I can't figure this theory. A car will show unbalanced rear wheels quickly when you get up to speed so why would'nt a bike?. A good car tyre fitting shop will balance all 4 wheels when they fit new tyres ( modern tyres for example)
I witnessed a bike tyre fitter balancing a wheel directly after he injected a quantity on Slime into it! still trying to figure that one.
 Tom