Elitewheels Maintenance Instructions

To keep that performance mile after mile, we provide clear, practical maintenance guidance—helping you protect your investment and get the most out of every ride because true peace of mind comes not just from a promise, but from knowing exactly how to care for the wheels that carry you forward.

Carbon wheelset maintenance primarily focuses on four key components: the carbon rims, spokes (and spoke nipples), hubs (and freehub bodies), and the tire system. Among these components, the hub assembly typically requires more frequent inspection and servicing than the others to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

1. Carbon Rim Maintenance Instructions

1.1 Regular Rim Cleaning

• Clean the rims using mild soap water. Avoid using aggressive or corrosive solvents.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to remove dirt, dust, and tubeless sealant residue accumulated during riding.
• Dry the rims thoroughly with a clean towel after washing.

1.2 Regular Rim Inspection

Inspect the rims periodically, and always perform a thorough inspection immediately after any significant impact, crash, or collision.

Check for:

• Cracks, deep chips, or dents in the carbon fiber structure
• Carbon fiber delamination, bulges, or deformation
• Cracks around spoke holes and the valve hole
• Damage to the tire bead seat, including the hook and hookless bead area (where applicable)

Note: Minor scratches in the clearcoat are generally cosmetic and do not affect structural integrity. However, if a crack penetrates the carbon fiber laminate, the wheel must be professionally inspected. Please contact the original point of purchase for after-sales support.

1.3 Brake Track Maintenance for Rim-Brake Wheelsets

• Before each ride, check that the brake calipers are properly centered and aligned. When the brake is fully released, a minimum clearance of 1 mm per side must be maintained between the brake pads and the rim brake track.
• Before and after each ride, inspect the brake track and brake pads to ensure that they are free from dust, dirt, metal particles, or abrasive debris. The cleanliness of the brake pads is often more important than the cleanliness of the brake track itself. Most severe brake-track damage is not caused by normal braking wear, but rather by hard particles, such as dust, grit, or small stones, embedded in the brake pads.
• During long descents, use intermittent braking techniques and avoid dragging the brakes continuously. Prolonged braking can cause excessive heat buildup in the brake track, potentially resulting in overheating and structural damage.
• Do not use brake pads that are not specifically designed for carbon rims. Premature brake-track wear or failure resulting from the use of non-carbon-specific brake pads is not covered under warranty.

Note: The complimentary brake pads supplied with the wheelset are intended for general riding conditions only. Riders who frequently ride long mountain descents are encouraged to upgrade to a higher-performance carbon-rim brake pad, such as the SwissStop Black Prince. Internal testing conducted by Elitewheels has shown that the SwissStop Black Prince provides excellent braking performance while generating lower brake-track temperatures during prolonged braking.

2. Spoke and Spoke Nipple Maintenance Instructions

2.1 Keep Spokes and Related Metal Components Clean and Dry

• Clean using mild soap water. Avoid aggressive or corrosive solvents.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning, and dry thoroughly with a clean towel afterward.
• For steel spokes, a light application of lubricant or corrosion-protection grease is recommended, particularly at spoke crossings and around the spoke head and nipple interfaces.

Note: After riding in the rain or through standing water, coastal environments, or salt-treated roads, clean and dry the wheelset as soon as possible to minimize the risk of corrosion to the spokes and related metal components.

2.2 Regular Inspection of Spokes and Spoke Nipples

Inspect the spokes and spoke nipples periodically, and always perform a thorough inspection immediately after any significant impact, crash, or collision.

Check for:

• Cracks or chips in the spokes or spoke nipples
• Corrosion or rust on the spokes or spoke nipples
• Fiber splitting or fraying (carbon spokes)
• Surface delamination (carbon spokes)
• Loose or separated metal inserts/end fittings (carbon spokes)

2.3 Monitor Wheel Trueness and Spoke Tension

Wheel trueness and spoke tension should be checked:

• Before the first ride (ideally within one week of receiving the wheelset; if any abnormalities are found, contact the original point of purchase immediately for after-sales support)
• Immediately after any significant impact, crash, or collision
• At least once per year during normal use

Important:

• If any of the above conditions are found and may compromise riding safety, the affected spoke(s) must be replaced before the wheelset is returned to service.
• Avoid unnecessary spoke adjustments if the wheel remains true and spoke tension remains within the manufacturer’s specified range.
• Any wheel truing or spoke tension adjustment must be performed by a qualified bicycle mechanic using appropriate professional wheel-building and truing tools.
• Carbon-spoke wheelsets utilize wheel-building methods and service tools that differ from those used for conventional steel-spoke wheelsets. Do not use tools designed for steel spokes when servicing carbon-spoke wheelsets. Damage to spokes or related components resulting from the use of incorrect tools or improper service procedures is not covered under warranty.

2.4 Transportation and Storage

Use a padded wheel bag during transportation to prevent contact and abrasion between the spokes and other objects.

Do not place heavy objects directly on the spokes.

Keep the wheelset away from heat sources and prolonged direct sunlight. Extended exposure to extreme temperatures or intense UV radiation may adversely affect the performance and service life of carbon spokes.

2.5 Brass Spoke Nipple Upgrade Option

For gravel and MTB wheelsets, Elitewheels offers an upgrade to Sapim brass spoke nipples.
This upgrade is recommended for riders who frequently ride in:

• Hot and humid climates
• Coastal environments
• Areas with high salinity
• Regions where de-icing salts are commonly used during winter

Brass spoke nipples provide superior corrosion resistance and durability compared to aluminum alloy spoke nipples.

Note:  A wheelset built with brass spoke nipples will typically weigh approximately 50 g more than an equivalent wheelset built with aluminum alloy spoke nipples.

3. Hub Maintenance Instructions

3.1 Keep the Hub Clean and Dry

• Clean the hub using mild soap water. Avoid aggressive or corrosive solvents.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the exterior of the hub, then dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
• Do not use a pressure washer or high-pressure water spray to clean the hub.

Note: If water enters the hub, the internal components—including the end caps, freehub mechanism, axle, bearings, and related parts—should be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and re-lubricated as soon as possible.

3.2 Regular Maintenance of the Hub and Freehub System

Regularly inspect the hub and freehub system to ensure proper operation.

Check the following components:

• Ratchets or pawls
• Springs
• Ratchet ring(s)
• Bearings
• Other moving components within the freehub mechanism

During service:

• Remove old grease, dirt, and contaminants.
• Reapply a lubricant recommended by Elitewheels, such as Klüber NB52 grease or an equivalent approved lubricant.

Recommended Service Intervals

3.3 Monitor Hub Bearing Condition

Periodically inspect the bearings for the following signs of wear or damage:

• Rough or inconsistent rotation
• Binding, notchiness, or increased rolling resistance
• Excessive lateral play or bearing clearance
• Abnormal noise during riding

If any of the above conditions are observed, the bearings should be replaced promptly.
Elitewheels provides a 6-month warranty on hub bearings. If a bearing issue occurs within the warranty period, please contact the original point of purchase for warranty support.

After the warranty period has expired, replacement bearings may be purchased directly through the Elitewheels website. Alternatively, customers may contact Elitewheels customer service to confirm the bearing specifications and source replacement bearings through a local bicycle shop.

4. Tire System Maintenance Instructions

4.1 Select the Appropriate Tire Type

Refer to the tire size recommendations provided on the Elitewheels product page and ensure compatibility with your bicycle frame’s tire clearance when selecting a tire.

Wheels with hooked rims sold by Elitewheels are generally compatible with both clincher tires (used with inner tubes) and tubeless tires. Wheels with hookless rims, however, are typically compatible only with tubeless tire systems. If you are unsure which tire type is compatible with your wheelset, please contact customer service before installation.

4.2 Install the Tire System Correctly

Clincher tires must always be used with an inner tube. Using a clincher tire without an inner tube may cause the tire to unseat from the rim, potentially resulting in loss of control, serious injury, or death.

Tubeless tires must be used with tire sealant. Sealant should be replenished periodically to ensure it remains in a liquid state and can effectively seal punctures and maintain airtightness. In hot climates, sealant should typically be refreshed every 2–4 months. In moderate climates, a service interval of 4–6 months is generally recommended.

When installing or removing tires, use plastic tire levers only. Do not use metal tire levers, as they may damage the rim, tire bead seat, or rim tape.

4.3 Use the Appropriate Tire Pressure Range

The appropriate tire pressure range depends on multiple factors, including rim internal width, bicycle and tire type, rider weight, road surface conditions, and ambient weather conditions. Users may contact customer service for recommended pressure ranges tailored to their setup. Tire pressure should be checked before every ride to ensure it remains within the recommended range.

Do not exceed the maximum tire pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.

Be aware of the effects of temperature fluctuations. A tire inflated to an appropriate pressure in cool conditions may experience a significant increase in pressure in hot weather, and vice versa. When descending on rim-brake bicycles, use intermittent braking rather than sustained braking to avoid continuous heat buildup in the rim brake track, which may lead to tire failure or blowout.

Note that different tire and inner tube brands and models may exhibit different rates of air loss. Insufficient tire pressure may result in reduced performance, increased risk of puncture, and potential rim damage. Tire pressure should be checked and topped up regularly as needed.

Note: Rim damage caused by the use of incorrect tire types, improper installation, or operation outside the recommended tire pressure range will not be covered under warranty.

4.4 Regular Tire Cleaning

• Clean tires using mild soap water. Avoid using corrosive or aggressive solvents.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to remove dirt, sand, road debris, and tubeless sealant residue accumulated during riding.
• Dry the tires thoroughly with a clean towel after cleaning.

4.5 Regular Tire Inspection and Wear Monitoring

Before each ride, inspect the tire surface for cuts, embedded glass, gravel, or metal debris, and remove any foreign objects when found.

Regularly monitor the tread and sidewall condition for signs of aging and wear, including cracks, bulges, exposed casing cords, and tread wear reaching the wear limit indicators. Replace the tire immediately when necessary.