As one of the bicycle components, do wheelsets require regular inspection and maintenance? The answer is obvious.

If you want to keep your bicycle wheels in better condition and extend their lifespan, you will surely understand that regular maintenance is necessary. By regularly inspecting and understanding the usage and lifespan of your wheelset, and replacing them if they become damaged or unusable, you can always keep them in optimal condition and enjoy a comfortable and easy ride. This time, we will explain the key points of maintenance in detail.

1. Inspect Bearings and Quick Releases

Is the quick release tightened correctly? If there is a pre-calibrated torque value from the original factory, that's good. If the quick release is locked and you feel the wheelset moving laterally, there may be a problem with the bearings. If the wheel cannot rotate smoothly, the bearings may be too tight or rusted inside. In either case, the quick release lever or bearings need to be disassembled and adjusted.

If you are riding in a dry, sand-free environment, it is recommended to clean the bearings and re-oil them every 2-3 months. You don't need to remove them from the hub; just remove the outer cover and clean them with a cloth and degreaser. If you are using a compressed air gun, the effect will be even better.

If you are riding in wet, humid, or muddy conditions and ride multiple times a week, it is recommended to perform these inspections at least once a month. To check for worn bearings, simply move the bearing with your finger and check if it rotates freely or has no friction. It is also recommended to check for lateral frame volume, which is a sign of wear. If there is significant rotational resistance, replacement is recommended. Most rear hubs have two sets of internal bearings that need inspection and replacement, and the pawls and springs should be cleaned and re-oiled. Clean and re-oil with the correct lubricant.

Cheaper wheelsets usually use open bearing systems like ball bearings. This reduces the time required for cleaning and re-greasing and requires regular inspection. Replacing these types of bearings is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure.

2. Is there any wheel runout?

If the space on both sides of the wheel increases or decreases by more than 2mm when you spin the wheel, the wheelset is not properly aligned. Continuing to ride in this state will make the runout increasingly severe and pose some danger.

3. Are there any damages or impact marks on the spoke surface?

If spoke tension is too high or too low, wheel wear will also accelerate. If any spokes are loose, damaged, or cracked, they will affect the remaining spokes as an integral part of the wheelset, so it is recommended to check spoke tension at regular intervals. This task is best performed by a qualified technician and requires the use of correct tools. Without these tools, there is a higher risk of damaging the spokes or nipples.

4. Is the rim's braking surface smooth, or is the disc deformed?

Check for irregularities with your eyes or fingers. While the designed mileage of a rim can exceed 40,000 kilometers, it can be significantly reduced by improper maintenance in wet and sandy conditions. If the sidewall of a rim brake is too thin, the rim can deform or crack under pressure.

Whether aluminum or carbon fiber, it should be inspected inside and out at least several times a year. Check for cracks. That is, ensure the braking surface is clean and there are no signs of damage to the rim edge. This can affect the correct installation of tires and the loss of tubeless rim sealant. For clincher tires, check that the wheel is in the correct position and clean the tires regularly. Furthermore, to avoid unexpected problems, it is recommended to use original brake pads or manufacturer-recommended brake pads.

Note: Additionally, when using aluminum rim brake pads on a road bike, you must regularly clean any metal fragments embedded in the brake pads. This effectively avoids abnormal wear on the brake edges.

 5. Tire Inspection

Are there any cracks in the tires? Is there an arc when viewed from the front? Are the bead and rim firmly integrated? Do clincher tires have rubber openings, etc.?

Always adhere to the recommended tire pressure values. Do not exceed or fall below the recommended pressure, as this can pose a very high risk.

Regardless of the tire system you use, regular inspection is very important. If you are using traditional tires and inner tubes, ensure the inner tube is installed at the correct angle and there is no angle between the valve and the rim.

For tubular tires, the most important thing is the bonding process. If it is not done correctly, it may not be centered on the rim, or in the worst case, it may come off while riding, causing serious injury to the rider.

If you are unsure how to install tubular tires, it is recommended to consult a professional. For tubeless tires, replace the sealant at least once a quarter, and occasionally check that the air nozzle is properly tightened and not leaking.

Regardless of the type of tire you use (conventional, tubeless, or tubular), check for signs of damage, cuts, or punctures that could cause a blowout. If found, replace immediately.

Note: Regularly cleaning metal shavings, broken glass, and small stones embedded in the tread can reduce the likelihood of a tire puncture.