32
SIMPLE MAINTENANCE
continued
WHEELS
The condition of your wheels is key. The best maintenance for
a wheel is preventative maintenance. Watch for these potential
usage-created problems:
BUCKLED WHEELS
Bike wheels withstand great forces and weight. Watch for bent,
loose or broken spokes that can cause your wheel to go ‘out
of true’. Because wheel truing is a complicated procedure it
would be best to seek professional help if you feel the wheels
need some attention. This is always better done sooner rather
than later, as once a wheel loses its ‘balance’ or even spoke
tension, it will deteriorate to a point where it is not possible to
repair it.
SEATING TYRES
When re-inflating a tyre or after changing an inner tube ensure
tyre is seated centrally on the rim. Look for an even bead
distance around the edge of the tyre. You can re-seat the tyre
by inflating the tyre to 95% of the maximum air pressure stated
on the tyres sidewall.
SPROCKET, CRANK & FREEWHEEL
These are components that come under significant stress.
The crank and front sprocket fit onto the bottom bracket of
your bike and is held on at either side by a bolt. These are
among the most important bolts to check regularly – once a
week. Make sure you have the right size tool (5mm Allen key)
to fit the preload and pinch bolts.
The Hellion bikes are fitted with a 2 pc crank. The pinch bolts
located on the top and bottom of the non driveside crank hold
the crank arm in place. The side crank bolt is a bearing pre
load bolt. The pinch bolts should be tightened the pinch bolts
to 14Nm.
Never ride your bike with loose cranks or pedals as this could
damage your cranks which will never tighten up properly
again.
IMPORTANT STUFF
Never ride your bike with loose cranks or pedals
as this could damage your cranks which will never
tighten up properly again.
TYRE BEAD
