Rabaconda Dirt Bike Tyre Changer - "I only wish I'd bought one sooner"

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Having spent my trials bike riding youth having to change my own tyres it’s not something I’m unfamiliar with, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy it. In fact I’d go further and say I dislike it. Chasing wheels across the garage floor, damaging rims and smashing knuckles is most definitely not one of my favourite pastimes.

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But if you’re an adventure or off road rider – tyre choice is everything so having the ability to change your own tyres is a huge bonus…and also quite empowering.

The Rabaconda tyre changer is designed to take all the grief, sweat and tears out tyre changing and when I saw the videos and advert for it boasting about ‘3 minute tyre changes’ I honestly thought it was way too good to be true.

Assembling it for the first time was easy with the help of the online instructions. The first test was removing the Michelin Trackers – which are road legal enduro tyres which I had on my KTM 690 Enduro R. Being an enduro type tyre they are reasonably soft meaning they aren’t that difficult to fit. I’d put these on myself using the ‘damaged hands and chasing the wheel across the floor’ technique previously mentioned.

First of all the Rabaconda system means the wheel is completely secure along with it being at a good height so you’re no longer having to work on your hands and knees. Using the big bead breaker lever the tyre was off the rim in no time – no sweat, no scratched rims.

But before I allowed myself to get carried away I knew that removing tyres is far easier than fitting them plus I knew my tyre choice would also be a massive factor.

With the soft side walled Michelin Trackers removed I was fitting a far more rigid adventure style tyre for a planned six day trip to France to ride the TET (Trans Euro Trail). My tyres of choice were the Dunlop 606 Front and Dunlop 908RR rear. The rear in particular is a full on rally tyre that can also be used on big bikes. Being a Dunlop it also has notoriously stiff structure and side wall making fitting them a real challenge.

I’ll be honest, I was almost psyched out of even attempting to fit the 908 rear having spoken to far better mechanics and tyre fitter than me who warned me how hard they are to fit. As a result, my plan was to give it a try and if I was unable to fit it, I’d go to my local dealer with my tail between my legs and get them to sort it. But 30 stress free minutes and the job completed. I didn’t rush, followed the tips on Rabaconda’s YouTube page and in just over an hour both tyres were on perfectly seated on the bead and ready to put back on the bike.

A key part to the ease of this is also down to the Rabaconda tyre levers. First of all you get five levers in the pack so you’re never left wanting. The length and shape has also been designed in harmony with the tyre changer making the job even easier.

How practical is the Rabaconda tyre changer?

Not only does the Rabaconda system do it exactly what it promises and make tyre changes doable whoever you are, it’s also incredibly practical and portable. Before and after use it can be dismantled and stored in it’s 70 x 25 x 20cm carry case and tucked away in the corner of the garage. Put together in minutes it’s a true game changer allowing you to change tyres without the stress or cost normally associated with what is not a particularly nice job.

Is the Rabaconda tyre changer good value?

If you add in the tyre levers it’s well over £400 for the set-up you’ll need. As a one off price that is a lot of money but if you change your tyres two or three times a year, or have a mate that rides and wants to go halves it’s a no brainer investment. Given that getting tyres changed at a dealer is likely to be between £30 and £40 per loose wheel it won’t take long for you to get your money back.

It’s also great knowing that you can get both tyres changed on an evening in the comfort of your own garage or driveway without needing to visit a dealer.

It’s also built to last so if you’re planning on riding for years to come it’s a purchase you won’t regret.

So what’s the verdict?

Having watched the videos I had high hopes for the Rabaconda tyre changer, but having used it, it has exceeded expectations. Combined with the tyre levers it’s a great, easy to use system that means tyre changes are no longer something to be scared of. It’s not cheap, but it’s not crazy money for what you get and in the long run it has the potential to save you a lot of cash.

If you ride off-road and take your tyre choice seriously then I can’t recommend it highly enough.

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