For $270 they ARE AWESOME! It makes the Cimex easier to transport, makes it easier to climb steps/stairs. Plus it changes the balance of the machine - so it becomes a heck of a lot easier to run on the carpet.
Now to the original question. Why do they cost $270?
A BIG part of the cost is that the stock Cimex axle and wheels have a weird size center hole. If it was as easy as slapping on a new set of after-market wheels that'd be great. But we couldn't go down that path because nothing fits the stock axle. So here's what we did.
We replace the stock (and corrodible) axle with a solid stainless steel axle. Stainless steel isn't cheap, but it does't end there. We have our machinist turn the axles so that they can accommodate the Cimex machine and also step down for "normal" wheel diameters. Then we add some good quality wheels with sealed bearings (the stock wheels have no bearings). We also include a new Tee Piece for aftermarket wheel kits, because the original Tee piece is most likely corroded to the stock zinc plated axle.
As you can see this is a pretty decent group of improvements. We'd love to be able to sell the wheel kit for $99, but the machined stainless axle, tee piece, and upgraded wheels don't make that possible. Stuff costs money.
Tell ya what, buy yourself a Big Boy Wheel Kit. Install it on your Cimex. Run it on the carpet. And then come back and tell us if you feel it was worth it or not. In fact, you will LOVE it - I guarantee it!
On a side note... Why does this upholstery tool sell for $476? Because it works. It makes the job easier. Most guys would say it's worth what it costs. The same is 100% true with the Big Boy Wheel Kit
