We are now closed until Dec 2024 for unavoidable health reasons. I WILL BE UNABLE TO ANSWER MESSAGES DURING THIS PERIOD. Please accept my apologies. Andy

K1 Owners Manual

Owners Manual



SECTION 1.Setting your wheels up for the first time
 

i) who should work on your wheels?
Correct parts installation such as tubes, tyres, tapes, cassettes, bike gearing and quick release levers, is critical to ensuring performance and safety. If you are not familiar with installation procedures, have your shop or dealer do this work. Or you can of course get us to do it – we offer tyre and cassette installation options when you place your order.
  
 Special tools and skills are necessary for the assembly and the first adjustment of your wheelset. Consider having your dealer assemble the tyres/cassette etc and install them into your bike.  If you prefer to do this work yourself, make sure you understand and are competent to do so. Contact us if in doubt!
 
 PLEASE NOTE; SADLY WE ARE FINDING THAT A GROWING NUMBER OF BIKE SHOPS ARE NOT ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY WORK ON HIGH END WHEELS. FOR THIS REASON WE ADVISE TAKING GREAT CARE WITH YOUR CHOICE OF BIKE SHOP.
 
 IN ADDITION WHEN IT COMES TO SERVICING/REPAIRING YOUR WHEELS WE HAVE NOW DRAFTED A CHECKLIST OF DO's and DON'Ts SPECIFICALLY AIMED AT BIKE MECHANICS. WE ADVISE YOU TO PRINT THIS OUT AND TAKE IT TO YOUR BIKE SHOP. IF A BIKE SHOP IS OFFENDED BY YOU DOING THIS.. WE SUGGEST FINDING ANOTHER SHOP! 
CLICK HERE FOR CHECKLIST.
  



ii.) First time setup
The following elements must all be carried out correctly – Some of these are more straightforward than others and do not require specialist tools and/or knowledge. Others require special tools and knowledge and are not therefore described here. .
 
a) Fitting Rim Tapes 
 All our wheels are supplied with rim tapes. Tubeless compatible wheels are supplied wtih rim tapes that can be used with both clincher and tubeless tyre systems. 


b)Fitting Tyres
 Please read the wheel-specific information supplied with your wheels about tyre setup - even if you are an experienced rider. Modern rims (especially tubeless ready rims) require new learning for most riders. In addition there are now so many rim widths available - and ensuring you choose correct width tyres is of key importance for both safety and performance. The correct tyre widths for your wheels are stated on the product page on our website.
 
FOR INSTALLATION OF CLINCHER TYRES; see Section 5 below.
 
FOR INSTALLATION OF TUBELESS TYRES; We have a detailed guide specifically describing how to correctly setup tubeless tyres. CLICK HERE
 
 IMPORTANT: Please only use tubeless if you know that the wheels you have bought are tubeless ready. We do not recommend using tubeless systems on non-tubeless rims (often called 'ghetto' tubeless). For example: tyre fitment to tubeless ready rims requires a precise location of tyre beads and it is common to hear a loud pop when inflating, even with clincher tyres  - this can surprise anyone not expecting it!! PLEASE DO READ SETUP INSTRUCTIONS!!

 

IMPORTANT: TYRE PRESSURES

There is endless debate and opinion on optimal tyre pressures. Our view is that there are just so many factors at play that we should all become our own lab-subjects and test for ourselves. (Roll without pedalling down a long gentle sloped hill on the same day in the same conditions and time yourself at different pressures!)

Variables include: tyre width on rim, tyre height on rim, rim width, rider weight, temperature, tyre tpi, tubeless or tubed, road surface, riding style etc etc!

WHAT IS CLEAR IS THAT THE 'OLD SKOOL VIEW IS INCORRECT: 'HIGH PRESSURE IS NOT FAST.

AND OF COURSE HIGH PRESSURE CAN BE EXHAUSTING ON NORMAL ROADS.  OLD IDEAS ARE BEING CHALLENGED TIME AND AGAIN BY NEW RESEARCH NUMBERS DEMONSTRATING THAT LOWER PRESSURES ARE BETTER IN SO MANY WAYS: 

For example: https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/8131/can-wider-tyres-and-lower-pressures-make-you-faster

Having said all this we are often asked for some 'ball park' numbers for performance and for rim safety etc. So here goes.

TYRE PRESSURE RANGES

The numbers below relate to modern rims with internal widths around 18-21 mm - which encompasses most of our range. For narrower rims you may want to go a little higher to avoid sponginess on cornering.

25mm tyres: never go over 110 psi tyre pressure on K1 rims in usage. 100 psi is the highest effective working pressure you should ever need on 25mm tyres. (Optimal performance on 25mm tyres is 90-95 psi for lighter riders and 100-110 only for riders over 100kg).

28mm tyres: 95psi is the effective maximum pressure. (Optimal performance is achieved at 75-85psi for lighter riders up to 100kg or so. Again heavier riders only should go to 95psi - and no higher in our view!).
 

30mm tyres: Drop another 5 psi compared to 28mm tyres

32mm tyres: Drop another 5psi again

35/38mm tyres: Drop another 5psi again!

If you still use 23c tyres first check they can be safely used on your Kinetic-One wheels and inflate to 110psi max. 


c) Fitting a Cassette 
 Please note that it is critical that the right torques are used and the correct spacers are used when installing your cassette. Failure to do this will lead to poor functioning gears and is also safety critical. 
 
 A summary of the most common setups is included below. But check with us or a good bike shop if you are at all unsure.
 
11 speed shimano/sram1: No spacers required before cassette.
 
10 speed shimano 105/ultegra/dura ace: requires the spacer we supply with your wheels then the silver 1mm shimano spacer supplied wtih your cassette. Then fit the cassette.  Note: some shimano 10 speed cassettes do not need a 1mm silver spacer. e.g Tiagra.
 
10 speed SRAM - requires only the spacer we supply with your wheels
 
8/9 speed shimano/sram - requires only the spacer we supply with your wheels
 
8/9/10/11/12 Campagnolo: no spacers required before cassette


SRAM XD-R Please refer to manufacturers instructions as this one is more complex with both XD and XDR cassettes being usable but with different requirements on different hubs.


d) Brake Block setup/positioning  (rim brake wheels)

Ensuring your brake blocks are set correctly to the wheel braking surface is both, safety and performance critical. Poor setup can ruin your wheels and be very dangerous.
 
FOR  ALL RIMS ENSURE THAT THE PADS ARE PARALLEL AND PRECISELY  LEVEL WITH THE BRAKE TRACK. WE RECOMMEND NEW PADS FOR ALL NEW WHEELS.
 
 WE SUPPLY BRAKE PADS WITH ALL OUR FULL CARBON RIM BRAKE WHEELS (AND DETAILED FITTING INSTRUCTIONS AND A LIST OF COMPATIBLE PADS FROM OTHER BRANDS).
 
 FULL CARBON WHEELS MUST ONLY BE USED WITH CARBON SPECIFIC PADS. THESE MUST BE SETUP CORRECTLY.
 
 CARBON ALLOY WHEELS CAN BE USED WITH STANDARD PADS.
 
 ON ALL ALL CARBON WHEELS - INCLUDING CARBON ALLOY/WHEELSS  - BRAKE PADS MUST BE SET AS LOW AS POSSIBLE ON THE BRAKE TRACK TO MAXIMISE HEAT TRANSFER. FULL INSTRUCTIONS ARE INCLUDED WITH THE WHEELS.
 
 PLEASE NOTE: ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO YOUR RIMS AS A RESULT OF INCORRECT PAD PLACEMENT WILL NOT BE COVERED BY OUR WARRANTY.
 
SEE ALSO SECTION 2E BELOW: SPECIAL CHECKS FOR CARBON WHEELS



e) Other elements of setup
 Other straightforward (though still very important) elements of CORRECT SETUP are described in more detail at the end of this page.  Such as fitting a Quick Release Skewer or using valve extenders for deeep section wheels.
 
 Some elements such as fitting a cassette and checking and setting the gear mech end stop position require more rigorous mechanicing knowledge and/or tools and so are not described here.


 


SECTION 2.  Essentials: Checking and Using Your Wheels

You can stop trouble before it occurs by examining your wheels regularly. If a wheel is not in satisfactory condition, the power of the brakes and the strength of the wheel can be greatly decreased. If you change tyres or tubes, make sure an approved rim strip is in the correct location to avoid puncture or sudden air loss.
  
A) Before Each Ride
 Make sure your wheels are correctly attached to your bicycle. For instructions on how to use wheel quick-releases, see below.  


Check tyres are fully inflated. Do not simply inflate to the max pressure  stated on the tyre wall. Whilst this is a statement as to how much pressure a tyre can take - it says nothing about the rims! Check the specific max pressure of your rims -especially carbon rims.

As a guide never inflate carbon rims or carbon alloy rims to over 100 psi for 25c tyres. (The exception is when installing tubeless tyres where 120 psi (8,3 ATM) for installation of tyre onto rim for a few seconds is acceptable).


 
 Examine your tyres for wear and other damage. Replace the tyre if you can see the inner tube through any cuts or separations which go through the tyre. If you can see a part of the tyre casing through the tyre tread (contact surface) or if tyre knobs are worn or are not there, replace the tyre. Make sure the wheels are straight and circular. Turn the rim. If the rim moves up-and down or side-to-side, have your dealer repair the wheel. Make sure your rims are clean. Dirty or greasy rims make your brakes less powerful. Clean your rims with a clean rag, or clean them with soap and water, rinse, and let them air dry.
  
 NOTICE: Do not fill your tyres at petrol/gas stations because gas stations use compressors. A compressor releases pressure and volume very fast, so it could explode your tyre.
  
B) Each Week
 Make sure there are no loose, bent, worn, or broken spokes. If the spokes are not in good condition, have your dealer repair your wheels.
  
C) Each Month

Examine your rims for wear. Some rims have marks on the brake surface that show wear.

Some Aluminium rims have a continuous indented band or several small spherical” dents” at regular distances around the brake surface. If the marks are worn or are not there, have your dealer replace the rim.
 
 Carbon fiber rims have a layer of scrim, a woven material, on the brake surface of the rim. Under the scrim layer, the carbon fibers are straight and parallel. If you can see straight fibers showing through the scrim layer, have your dealer replace the rim.

Make sure the bearings of the wheels are correctly adjusted. Lift the front wheel of the bicycle off the ground with one hand and try to move the rim laterally, left to right. Look, feel, and listen for loose bearings. Turn the wheel and listen for grinding or other noise. For the rear wheel, do these procedures again. If a bearing feels loose or makes noise, have your dealer adjust the bearings


D) Every 18 months of use

Have your hubs serviced by an authorised Shop after every 18 months of use. More frequent service may be required for wheels under heavy usage.



E) IMPORTANT CHECKS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF WHEEL 


  1. Using Tubular (sew-up) Wheels

Regularly examine your tubular tyres and keep them in good condition. Examine the casing and tread of the tyre for cuts or tears to the tubular casing. Make sure the base tape does not have cuts or tears. Most important, make sure the tyre is correctly installed.

Clean tyres with a weak, soapy solution. Do not use cleaners that contain hydrocarbons, dilutants, or corrosives. Store tubular tyres, on or off a rim, in a dry location, away from light, and inflated to 70-90 psi (5-6 bar).


  1. Using Track (fixed-gear) Wheels


With a fixed-gear bicycle, the rider controls his or her speed by resisting the motion of the pedals with their legs. This requires additional strength, skill, and reflexes. Until you have mastered the fixed-gear technique, do not ride your fixed-gear bicycle without hand brakes. Even after you have mastered this skill, do not ride a fixed-gear bicycle on public roads or paths unless your bicycle has hand-operated caliper brakes; riding without brakes is only suitable for a velodrome or a special bicycle track. Riding without hand brakes on public roads may be illegal.


  1. CARBON CLINCHER/ TUBELESS WHEELS

Carbon wheels are the ultimate road bike performance enhancement but there are a few things you need to know.

You will have seen on our web-page at point of order that we do not recommend any standard model full-carbon (denoted by code UC as in 50UC, 58UC etc) or carbon-alloy rim brake wheels (as denoted by code C, as in 50c, 58c etc) be used for alpine style or very long descents - especially on hot days.

Why? All carbon rims with rim brakes are prone to heating on such descents – especially when used by inexperienced cyclists who often “ride the brakes” on descents.

Whilst metal rims efficiently conduct the heat generated from braking friction away from the braking surfaces - Carbon is an insulator and hence heat dissipation is not as effective and can build up - especially when correct brake/tyre setup and/or knowledgable usage are compromised.

In extreme cases the rims can heat to an extent where inner tubes will overheat and blowout - or in worst case scenarios can cause rim delamination. Not good on a fast descent of course!

You should regularly check both your rims and your brake pads to ensure all surfaces are smooth and clear and without excessive wear. 

Carbon wheels with alloy braking surfaces do offer better heat transfer than full-carbon and a familiar braking feel. However they still are made principally from carbon (an insulating material) so they still do have the same limitations in their safe usage.)

With record temperatures being set seemingly every summer this becomes a more important safety consideration. Please note: A number of overseas Sportives/Triathlons are not allowing the use of carbon clinchers in their events for these reasons. Don’t worry: for most UK descents they are fine except for very long ones on really hot days!

IMPORTANT: For all riding with any carbon rims (full-carbon or carbon-alloy), the brake pads must be set correctly as per instructions supplied with wheels (also repeated in section 2d above) and the learning and application of proper braking technique is strongly advised (see below).
 
 Any damage to your wheels as a result of overheating your rims through incorrect setup or unrecommended usage is not covered by our warranty.
 
 If you still choose to use your full-carbon or carbon-alloy wheels for long hot descents please put safety first: ensure you have followed all the setup instructions included with your wheels (and in Section 2d above) and DO learn proper braking technique: 

  • Brake “harder and shorter”, rather than keeping the brakes partially engaged all the time. 
  • One brake applied for a few seconds then released then the other brake for a few seconds is the best way to allow time for pads/rims to cool down. And a few seconds is all it takes! This is how the pro’s brake.
  • In addition if conditions are hot then periodically slow down or even stop to allow the rims and pads to cool down. 
  • Google “proper braking technique”. It’s great to know how to descend safely anyway
  • Some of our full-carbon wheels are tubeless compatible (none of our carbon-alloy wheels are tubeless compatible). Going tubeless reduces the risk of tyre blowout but does not negate the need for correct wheel/brake setup and correct safe usage. We have produced a detailed setup and usage guide for riding tubeless.


lf in doubt take your alloy wheels -Safety First!

 




SECTION 3.  Care and Servicing of wheels
 
 Wheels are not indestructible. As with anything mechanical, every part of a wheel has a limited useful life due to wear, stress, and fatigue. Fatigue is a low stress force that, when repeated over a large number of cycles, can cause a material to crack or break. If you ride hard or aggressively, you must replace the wheel and/or its parts more frequently than riders who ride gently or carefully.
  
 Several factors can change the condition of your wheels: weight, speed,
 skill, terrain, maintenance, environment (humidity, salinity, temperature, and more). Because there are many variables, it is not possible to give an accurate timetable for replacement.
  
 To be safe, replace the wheel or parts more frequently. If you are not sure, speak to your dealer. Light-weight, high-performance wheels and parts require better care and more frequent inspections even though in some cases they have a longer life than heavier ones.
  
A) Rim wear
  
 All road bike wheels that use rim brakes are subject to wear. Every rider should know this and it is not always clear with some manufacturers!
  
 Some Kinetic-One rim-brake wheels have rim wear strips – visible grooved lines on the braking surface that disappear as the rim wears – when the grooved line is no longer visible and the groove cannot be felt with the finger tip then the rim must be replaced.
  
 Some Kinetic-One wheels such as the ultra lightweight and high performance wheels do not have a wear line – regular checking and servicing of the wheels by a qualified mechanic is thus essential.
  
 
  
B). Bearing wear
  
 All Kinetic-One wheels (except some very early models) use sealed bearing units. These are sealed for life and must be replaced as a unit. This is a skilled task and only competent home mechanics should attempt this. We stock replacement bearings for our wheels.
  
C). Spokes: Tensions / replacement etc
  
 All Kinetic-One wheels are hand tensioned prior to leaving our workshop. Each wheelset has a range of acceptable tensions (available on request.)
  
 Whilst uncommon with our wheels it is of course not unheard of for the occasional spoke to pop. This is more likely with heavier riders and with those riding on rough or potholed terrain.
  
 In the event of a spoke or nipple going we look after our customers and stock replacement parts for all our wheelsets.
  
 Should a spoke go we also offer a repair and replacement service – where you can simply send your wheel back to us and we can replace the spoke and send it back. You simply cover the cost of the shipping.
  
Should you need to go to a bike shop for a repair we would suggest going only to a reputable road bike shop which has skilled mechanics with experience of wheel building. Sadly we have come across poor repairs on a growing number of occasions and invariably this is due to lack of knowledge and skill on the part of the person at the shop attempting the repair. If you choose to use a bike shop please take this checklist with you. HERE....
  
 All wheels and especially paired spoked wheels such as our "K1-42S  Duo" wheels require careful truing to specific tensions in order to perform safely and at their best.
 
WE WOULD RATHER REPAIR YOUR WHEELS THAN SEE YOU HAVE TO TRUST THEM TO A BIKE SHOP THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW.
 
 
d) If I break a spoke on a ride, can I ride home?
 
 Yes. In most cases by opening your brake pads you can ride home or to a bike shop for repair.
 
If I break a spoke, does it have to be replaced with the exact same type of spoke?
 We recommend replacing a broken spoke with a Kinetic-One spoke (available on our website). However in an emergency, a standard bladed J-bend spoke of the right length can be used temporarily.

 
  
  

 


 


SECTION 4  A guide to Safe Riding
 
 Most of this is obvious but we want people to be safe out there!
 .
Use Common Sense When You Ride
 Many cycling accidents could be avoided by using common sense. Here are a few examples:
 ++Do not ride with ‘no hands.’
 ++Do not ‘ride double.’
 ++Do not ride with loose objects attached to the handlebar or any other part of the bicycle.
 ++Avoid objects that might get into the spokes.
 ++Do not ride while intoxicated or while using medications that might make you drowsy.
 ++For road bicycles, ride only on paved surfaces.
 ++When approaching a descent, reduce speed, keep your weight back and low, and use the rear brake more than the front.
 ++Do not ride in an aggressive manner.
  
Avoid Riding Too Fast
 Higher speeds create higher risks and greater forces in the event of a crash. At higher speeds, it is more likely that wheels will slip or that a small bump can create a significant impact to your frame, fork, or wheels. Keep your bicycle under control, at a reasonable speed, at all times.
  
Watch for Cars, Pedestrians, and Other Obstacles
 A bicycle rider is hard to see, and many drivers do not know the rights and special considerations of a bicycle rider. Ride defensively; watch for cars, pedestrians, and other trail users.
  
 Be prepared for all situations. Watch for and avoid potholes, drain grates, soft or low shoulders, and other deviations which could impact your wheels or cause them to slip. If you are not sure of riding surface conditions, walk your bike.
  
Do Not Make Changes to the Wheelset
 If you make a change to the wheelset, you will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Also, this is not safe.
  
 Do not install parts on this wheelset that do not have approval. Parts that lack approval can cause damage to the wheelset and are not safe. If you are not sure if a part has approval, speak to us! 
 
Specific Note on Full Carbon Clinchers - Long Descents
 
 Please see Note 2 above

 


 


SECTION 5. Fitting tyres, tapes etc
 
A) PLEASE NOTE: SETTING UP OF TUBULAR WHEELS  WHEELS IS A SPECIALIST MECHANICS TASK AND IS NOT COVERED IN THIS MANUAL.
 
B) WE NOW HAVE A GUIDE ON  SETTING UP TUBELESS WHEELS: SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE BY COMPETENT HOME-MECHANICS. CLICK HERE


C)TYRE PRESSURE RANGES

The numbers below relate to modern rims with internal widths around 18-21 mm - which encompasses most of our range. For narrower rims you may want to go a little higher to avoid sponginess on cornering.

25mm tyres: never go over 110 psi tyre pressure on K1 rims in usage. 100 psi is the highest effective working pressure you should ever need on 25mm tyres. (Optimal performance on 25mm tyres is 90-95 psi for lighter riders and 100-110 only for riders over 100kg).

28mm tyres: 95psi is the effective maximum pressure. (Optimal performance is achieved at 75-85psi for lighter riders up to 100kg or so. Again heavier riders only should go to 95psi - and no higher in our view!). 

30mm tyres: Drop another 5 psi compared to 28mm tyres

32mm tyres: Drop another 5psi again

35/38mm tyres: Drop another 5psi again!

If you still use 23c tyres first check they can be safely used on your Kinetic-One wheels and inflate to 110psi max.



D)  INSTALLING CLINCHER TYRES
  
 i) Rim tapes:  All our wheels come supplied with appropriate rim tapes. 
 
ii) Installing a clincher tyre and tube.
  
 The following steps are necessary for proper installation of a traditional tyre and tube on a clincher wheel. Rim tape will need to be installed prior to proceeding with these steps.
  
 1. Inflate the inner tube until it begins to take shape.
 2. Place the inner tube in the tyre.
 3. Insert the valve stem through the hole in the rim.
 4. Install the first bead onto the rim (Figure 14). Start at the valve stem.
 5. Push the tyre and inner tube over until the inner tube is inside the rim (Figure 15). MAKE SURE YOUR TYRE IS THE CORRECT SIZE FOR THE RIM - MOST OF OUR WHEELS ARE FOR 700c TYRES ONLY (WE MAKE ONE SET OF 650c CARBONS!) 

THE WIDTHS OF TYRES ACCEPTABLE FOR ANY RIM IS SPECIFIED ON THE PRODUCT PAGE FOR THAT RIM. IF YOUR RIMS ARE NO LONGER A CURRENT MODEL PLEASE CONTACT US.
 
6. Push the second bead into the rim. Start at the valve stem. Be careful not to pinch the inner tube between the rim and the tyre (Figure 16) when you install the tyre. NEVER FORCE THE TYRE ONTO THE RIM AS YOU MAY DAMAGE IT. IF THE BEAD WILL NOT FIT OVER THE RIM WITH MODERATE HAND PRESSURE ON A PLASTIC TYRE LEVER THEN STOP. THEN CHECK THE ABOVE STEPS AND IF THE TYRE STILL WILL NOT FIT - THEN TRY A DIFFERENT TYRE OR CONTACT US FOR ADVICE. Nb ALL 700c Tyres should be a standard size but variance does exist.

7. Push the base of the valve stem up into the tyre so that it is not caught between a tyre bead and the rim (Figure 17).
 8. Inflate the tyre to 20-30 psi (1.5-2 atm).
 9. Check the inner tube. Push in the sidewall of the tyre slightly and make sure the inner tube is not pinched between the rim hook and the tyre bead. Continue all the way around the rim, on both sides.
 10. Check for correct tyre bead engagement in the rim (Figure 18 and 19). Most tyres have a mold line near the bead of the tyre where it engages the rim. All the way around the rim, the distance between the mold line and the top edge of the rim must be even and equal. If the distance is not equal, deflate the tyre and repeat this procedure.
 11. Inflate the tyre to 100psi for 25c / 80psi for 25c or 32c / 110psi for 23c. NEVER go over 120 psi on any carbon wheels as this can damage the rim.
 12. Check for correct tyre bead engagement again.
  

  

 


 



SECTION 5b Notes on Tubeless” tyre use

 

Some of our wheels are “tubeless ready”. Which wheels are tubeless is clear on the website and in the hard copy information supplied with your wheels. IF the wheels are not stated as Tubeless ready - do not try to use TUBELESS WITH THEM.
 
 TUBELESS READY means that they can be converted for use with the new generation of road tubeless tyre and sealant systems. 

 

We now have a guide to fitting tubeless tyres CLICK HERE. A competent and patient home mechanic with the right tools can safely fit tubeless. As there are several different systems and no universal standard system we recommend you also visit the tubeless tyre manufacturer’s website for further details about compatibility and installation and maintenance of tubeless wheels.

 

 We recommend the use of HUTCHINSON AND SCHWALBE TUBELESS TYRES / RIM TAPES / SEALANTS /VALVES with these wheels.

 

If you need any further information you can of course contact us at Kinetic-One too.
 
  






SECTION 6. Installing and operating a Quick-release
  

PLEASE NOTE; THIS GUIDE DOES NOT COVER THE NEW GENERATION-THRU AXLE TYPE LEVER MOST OFTEN FOUND ON DISC WHEEL BIKES. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIKE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS FOR CORRECT USAGE.
 
 This section tells you how to operate (open and close) a traditional wheel quick-release (Figure 28). For correct and safe operation and adjustment of a wheel quick-release, read and follow these instructions carefully.
 
  
Testing the Attachment: Quick-Check
  
 Before each ride, test the attachment of your wheels. If a quick-release does not pass a test, either do the adjustment procedures (and tests) again or have your Shop or dealer repair your bicycle.
  
 + Test A. Lift the bicycle and sharply hit the top of the tyre (Figure 29). The wheel must not come off, be loose, or move from side to side.
  

  

 ++Test B. Make sure the quick-release lever can not be turned in a circle (Figure 30).
 ++Test C. When the quick-release is correctly adjusted and in the CLOSE position, the clamp force makes marks on the dropout surfaces.
 ++Test D. Evaluate the Closing Force of the Quick release: If more than 45 pounds (200 Newton) force is necessary to move the quick-release lever to the CLOSE position, move the lever to the OPEN position and slightly loosen the nut. If less than 12 pounds (53.4 Newton) force is necessary to start to move the lever to the OPEN position, move the lever to the OPEN position and slightly tighten the nut. Do the test again. If necessary, do the adjustment again.
  

 
 
Adjustment and Operation
  
 These instructions explain how to adjust and operate (open and close) a traditional quick-release. When you move the lever on a quick-release from the OPEN to CLOSE position, the ends of the quick release move inward, clamping the wheel into the fork tips.
  
 The security of the clamping depends on two things: the correct motion of the lever and the correct adjustment of the adjustment-nut.
 1. Move the lever of the quick-release to the OPEN position (Figure 31, #3) and set the wheel so it fully touches the inner surfaces of the fork ends.
 2. With the lever in the adjustment position (Figure 31, #2), tighten the adjustment-nut (Figure 27) until it is slightly tight.
 3. Lock the quick-release; with the lever in the palm of your hand, move the lever to the CLOSE position (Figure 31, #1).
  

 ++Do not turn the lever in a circle to increase the quick-release tension (Figure 32); this will not correctly hold the wheel in its location.
  

  
 4. Align the levers so they do not touch a part of the bicycle or an accessory part (such as rack or fenders), and so obstacles in the path of the bicycle can not catch the levers (Figure 33 and 34).
 ++If necessary, speak to your dealer about a quick-release that closes correctly and does not touch the bicycle.
 5. Do the Quick Check above  to make sure the quick-release is correctly adjusted and locked.

  
  
  
  
  
 Each year, lubricate the wheel quick-releases. Put several drops of light oil on the parts of the Quick release that move (Figure 35):
 ++Where the quick-release lever slides on the concave washer.
 ++Where the quick-release lever turns on the end of the skewer
  

 

 






7. Using Valve Extenders
 
a) To Install an External Extender
  
 1. Turn valve counter clockwise. Give it a firm twist to lock in fully open position which prevents it from vibrating closed while riding (Figure 36).
 2. Wrap four thin layers of Teflon plumber’s tape around the end of the valve covering both the narrow threads and a small portion of the wider body.
 Warning: Do not cover the air opening at the end of the valve (Figure 37).
 3. Screw external extender onto valve by turning clock-wise firmly with fingers. Warning: Do not over tighten as this may damage the extender (Figure 38).
  

  
b)To Install an Inline Extender
  
 ++Requires a Valve Key
 1. Place Valve Key over presta valve core lining up the flats in the key with the flats on the valve core (Figure 39).
 2. Turn key counter-clockwise to remove valve core.
 3. Screw inline valve extender into valve stem clockwise (Figure 40).
 4. Place tool over extender.
 5. Tighten by turning clockwise.
 6. Screw valve core into extender clockwise.
 7. Place key over valve core, lining up flats, and turn clockwise. Note: should be snug. Do not over tighten as it may damage the extender (Figure 41).