Having a spare set can be wheely handy so our Technical Editor Mat Boyd shows you how to fit a set of wheels.
A set of aftermarket wheels can really make your bike look trick but another advantage of having another set of wheels is so you can keep some worn tyres on a set of practice wheels and a set of good tyres on a set of race wheels. This helps so you aren’t continuously changing tyres but also keeps your race tyres in good condition as you aren’t putting several hours a week on them and wearing them out. It’s also an advantage on race days if you happen to get a flat tyre. You can just change out a wheel instead of having to change a tube. So here is how to fit up a new set of wheels.
#1FRONT WHEEL FIRST
Start with the front wheel. Lay it out on the box it came in for protection and then fit a new rim lock and rim tape to the rim.
#2 FIT AND INFLATE
Now fit up the tyre and tube. In this particular Pirelli tyre we fitted a heavy duty Vee Rubber tube. Then inflate the tyre, tighen the rim lock and set your tyre pressure.
#3 DISC JOCKEY
Next you will need to bolt on the new disc. These bolts can strip easily so use a good set of Allen keys and put Loctite on the thread. Then grease the wheel spacers and fit them into the hubs.
#4 AXLE GREASE
Now grease the front axle with fresh grease and fit the front wheel into the bike and tighten the front axle and pinch bolts.
#5 NOW THE BACK WHEEL
Now you can start on the rear wheel. Fit a new rim lock and rim tape to the rear wheel.
#6 DON’T SCRATCH
Now fit up the rear tyre and tube to the rear rim. Be gentle and be careful not to scratch the new rim. If using tyre levers you can wrap the tyre levers in a rag or electric tap to stop them scratching the new rim. Then inflate the tyre, tighen the rim lock and set your tyre pressure.
#7 REAR SPROCKET
Once the tyre and tube is fitted it’s time to fit up the rear sprocket and disc. Use new bolts and apply Loctite to all bolts.
#8 SPACERS
Grease up the wheel spacers and then fit them into the hub and then fit the new wheel into the bike with a freshly greased axle.
#9 TIGHTEN REAR AXLE
Check and adjust the chain tension and then tighten the rear axle. Lastly pump the brakes up so they are working correctly and then go hit the track on your new wheels.
DO’S
- Always use fresh grease on wheel spacers and axles.
- Use Loctite on sprocket and disc bolts
- Use good quality tools.
DON’TS
- Over tighten or strip any bolts
- Scratch your new rims
- Over tension the chain
TOOLS:
Tyre levers, tyre inflator, spanners, screw drivers, grease, Allen keys
WARNING:
If the wheels are fitted incorrectly and happen to fail then it could lead to serious damage to the bike or yourself.
BREAKING IN NEW WHEELS
Fitting new wheels is not just a set and forget procedure. After an hour of riding you will need to check the tension on the sprocket bolts and disc bolts. You will also need to re-tension the rim locks and re-tension all the spokes. If you don’t do this then the spokes will likely become loose and the rims could become buckled or the spokes could snap. To re-tension the spokes just go around the wheel with one spoke at a time and add half a turn to each spoke until all spokes are tight. You may need to make your way around the wheel several times before all spokes are tight. You will only cause the wheel to buckle if you completely tighten one spoke at a time.