Do new wheels have to be "ridden in"?

[RodTi]

Hello all!

 

Some advice would be much appreciated.

 

Is it to be expected that a brand new wheelset will be a bit "stiff", and will only start spinning very freely (as one would expect), after they have been ridden a bit?

 

Had new wheels installed, and when I put them into the big gear front and back, on the stand, 'pedal' hard and release - the rear wheel spins, but turns the pedals as well. When I then pedal backwards, as in the opposite direction to the spinning rear wheel, the chain cannot pass over the cluster freely enough, and the chain ends up going slack. The rear wheel also doesn't free-wheel/spin for nearly as long as my ancient Shimano STX Parrallex hubs used to, most likely because the pedals are being turned with the wheel [i.e. the cluster rotates while the wheel is spinning, thereby turning the chain, which turns the pedals]...

 

Took the bike back in this morning, to ask them whether some adjustment needs to be made - and was told by the mechanic that, since they are brand new wheels - they are simply a bit, 'tight' - and that with some riding, everything will loosen up and settle, and the wheel will start spinning on its own...

 

Anyone had new wheels put on recently - did things start out a bit tight with yours too? Kinda makes sense what the mechanic was saying - but would love some piece of mind ...

 

 

[ChrisH]

My new wheels were smooth from the word go. I even compared them to the old ones and they freewheeled for almost 20 seconds  longer than the old 'worn in' wheels.

[Prince]

Got new wheels and immediately felt the improvement in performance.CAADman2007-04-30 04:36:31

[RodTi]

Oh great!

 

Any thoughts on why mine might be sticking?

[PhilipV]

might be the freebody screwed on too tight.phone the local supplier,not your lbs. by the way,which wheels?

[RodTi]

Thanks Muddy!

 

Pretty bummed about all of this - spent lots of money on them, and certainly looks like the old one's were working better...

 

I put on Cane Creek Zonos SS (v-brakes)...

[PhilipV]

My wheels don`t do that,also the CC Zonos wheels.there is a manual on CC site.take a look,but phoning the local guys may be your best bet.that is a real bummer,i luv my wheels.

[RodTi]

Thanks Muddy - will see what I can work out..

 

Do any of you know exactly what the "pre-load adjuster" that lessens or increases "axial play" on the hubs does?

 

Had a look at the manual, and this is listed under the heading "Hub Adjustment"... mentioned this to the mechanic this morning, who simply said, flat out - that no adjustments could be made...

 

Could this be the source of my problems? 

RodTi2007-04-30 05:03:12

[PhilipV]

that does what cones used to do on old axles.lessens sideways play on the wheel.don`t know wether that might be the issue.you can also phone malan at maverick cycles in somerset west.he is a genius.services my wheels,no issues.

[RodTi]

Thanks Muddy!

[Epic Bike Shop]

what wheel brand is it.

some manufacturers over grease the freebody on the rear wheel so when you pick them up in a shop to oggle them, they feel smooth and stuff but they do resist the free wheeling action they should have normally.  Most of this excess grease is expelled with centrifical force within 3 rides about.  if this still persists there is something wrong!

 

[RodTi]

what wheel brand is it.
some manufacturers over grease the freebody on the rear wheel so when you pick them up in a shop to oggle them' date=' they feel smooth and stuff but they do resist the free wheeling action they should have normally.  Most of this excess grease is expelled with centrifical force within 3 rides about.  if this still persists there is something wrong!
[/quote']

 

Hey Epic!

 

They are Cane Creek Zonos SS...

Must say - am getting a bit concerned.

Also heard that the grease might be packed a bit thick - and that it should dissipate - so will give it another couple of rides, and then see.

 

It really is sticky though - I get major chain wrap when I 'backpedal' the pedals, with the rear wheel spinning whilst its on the stand.

That just doesn't seem right to me...

 

When I took it in - the mechanic said there is nothing wrong, that the grease will thin, and the free-wheeling will begin to function normally. But everyone that I've spoken to says that so much stick means something ain't right...

 

The problem of course is that the mechanic was adament - now me going back again starts rubbing his nose up the wrong way, and then maybe my bike don't get such good services anymore... Kinda like the angry waiter who sneezes in your soup!

 

Should I ride on a bit longer, and see if it improves - or go back and throw my toys?

[Spinnekop]

RodTi.

 

Don't worry.  Worst that can happen is you get chainsuck.  Mavic freewheel bodies LOVES to do this.  The body has two little springs that pushes out the "wings" (For a lack of a better word) that makes the freewheel go grrrrrrrr.....if there is too much grease in there, the wings doesnt kick out and you know what happens from there.

 

Open the body.  Remove excess grease and put back....problem solved.

[RodTi]

Thanks Spinnekop!

 

You've just given me much needed piece of mind...

 

[Joss]

RodTi no wheels should be stiff at all. No wheels need to be ridden in. Seems to me the spacers on the axle is not correct or that the hub body is not installed correctly. Take them back to the dealer and have them checked out. Hope it helps.

[Mike T]

Hi Rod Ti. New wheels should be smooth from the beginning. Might loosen up with use but should not make your pedals turn when you spin the wheel. I Have a pair of XT hubs on my spare set of wheels which were tight in my opinion - took them back to the lbs and they sorted them out. If the hubs you have are sealed bearing ones and there is no adjsutment then these are defective. Mike T2007-05-09 10:42:39