Service and Maintenance
Welcome to a new era in wheel design. Read these instructions and follow them for correct use. Since specific tools and knowledge are necessary for proper installation, we recommend a qualified bicycle technician install your wheels. These instructions and up to date technical information are available at http://www.madfiber.com.
SERVICE
Brake pads:
- Use of incorrect brake pads can cause damage to carbon fiber braking surfaces. Use only the pads supplied with your wheels. This special cork formulation was created to provide consistent, reliable braking. Other pads can damage your wheels by melting and depositing material on the brake track, which can cause surging, and diminished brake performance. Worse yet, deposits may create hot spots that could bring local rim temperature to a dangerous level. Beware, at only 140º F, most tire rim cements liquefy, which could cause a crash.
- Note: Use of any other brake pads will void the warranty.
- Contact your local bicycle dealer or Mad Fiber to obtain correct replacement pads when necessary.
Mounting tires:
- Carefully follow instructions provided by your tire manufacturer. Gluing procedure for composite rims, while similar, is different from aluminum rims. Use the correct adhesive and procedure to make a reliable tire mounting.
- Use the valve extensions provided so you can inflate your tires. For a better air seal, wrap some Teflon™ tape on the threads.
Quick releases:
- Quick releases provide superior wheel retention if they are correctly installed and maintained.
- Closing a quick release requires substantial effort. If it closes with only moderate hand pressure, it must be readjusted by turning the nut at the opposite end of the release from the lever.
- Orient your lever so, when closed, it points upward in order to avoid hitting it on passing objects when riding.
- Regularly check your quick release adjustment. Clean and lubricate the lever pivot periodically so it can exert maximum sideways force.
Cassette installation:
- The titanium freehub body is compatible with all Shimano-type 9 or 10 speed cassettes, including SRAM, or it is compatible with Campagnolo type cassettes. Consult an experienced bicycle technician or Mad Fiber if you are uncertain about compatibility.
- Lubricate the freehub body exterior with oil or grease before mounting the cassette.
- Keep a generous amount of grease in the exposed end of the freehub body to protect the drive side outboard bearing.
MAINTENANCE AND USE
It is your responsibility to examine your wheels regularly to determine the need for service or replacement. Inspect your bicycle on a regular basis in order to detect damage that may have occurred from normal use and abuse. Check for damage and wear before every use. Should any problems or concerns arise, stop riding and seek advice from a qualified bicycle technician.
Wheel truing:
Your Mad Fiber wheels will never need truing. Their composite design permanently captures trueness and tension. In case of damage, contact Mad Fiber for advice and assistance.
Hub maintenance:
Your wheels are equipped with high-grade, precision, sealed cartridge bearings. Under normal circumstances, no maintenance is required for years. Please keep the following points in mind:
- Avoid solvents, aerosol lubricants (as for chain), and strong cleaning solutions near the bearings. These fluids can wick passed the seals and break down the bearing grease.
- When washing your wheels, use only mild soap and a gentle stream of water for rinsing. Always avoid pressure washing. Such systems can direct super heated water with special wetting agents at 10X atmospheric pressure, forcing water passed the bearing seal and removing vital bearing grease.
Wheel Replacement Parts:
Replacement parts are available for purchase through bicycle service and retail locations. If you can't find the required parts, by all means contact Mad Fiber.
Rim maintenance:
Carbon fiber rims are complex composite structures. Please ride them thoughtfully and inspect them regularly.
- When braking, especially during descents, use both front and rear brakes. They have different benefits and limitations, so use them according to instructions from an experienced rider. It is important that both brakes are employed during descents to properly dissipate heat.
- When riding in wet or dirty conditions, listen for scraping sounds that might indicate soil or grit trapped in the brake pad. So contaminated, the pad will be less effective for stopping and extra abrasive against the rim. Stop, remove the wheel and inspect the pad surface. Remove any debris before it damages the rim brake surface.
- Water on the rim and brake pads reduces brake effect. In the wet, allow extra distance for stopping.
- Vigorous braking will cause brake pads to melt and mark the rim brake track. Do not allow melted pad material to accumulate on the rim surface. Pad deposits should be removed with care using a slightly abrasive pad and alcohol. Be careful to keep solvents from reaching the tire or the rim cement that secures it. Pad material on the rim brake track can interfere with brake response, cause vibration, and create hot spots that could damage the rim.
- If, during one of your frequent inspections, you notice impact damage or any other deformation of the rim, immediately seek advice from an experienced mechanic or contact Mad Fiber.
WARNING: In the event of an accident, discontinue riding your wheels until thoroughly examined by a qualified bicycle mechanic.
All damaged parts should be repaired or replaced by a qualified bicycle mechanic before the bicycle is used again. Continuing to use damaged parts may lead to loss of control of the bicycle and cause injury or death.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Click here for information about Mad Fiber's wheelset warranty.
