CARE, MAINTENANCE & WHEEL SERVICE

Your setup. Your maintenance. Long-lasting joy from your wheelset. Spoked wheels require regular inspection and professional maintenance. Here you will find the most important information – as well as our rim service for checks, repairs, and rebuilds.

BEFORE THE FIRST RIDE

Have installation and safety-relevant adjustments carried out by a qualified specialist workshop if you lack the necessary knowledge or tools.

  • Check for suitable components, correct spacing, freedom of movement, and professional installation.
  • Check axles, brake disc, and sprocket bolts according to the specifications of the respective vehicle and component manufacturer.
  • Check tire pressure, tire mounting, wheel bearings, and the condition of the wheelset.

The information on this page supplements the respective installation and maintenance guidelines; it does not replace them.

NEW WHEELSET? PLAN FOR INITIAL INSPECTIONS.

With new or newly spoked wheels, components can settle under load, affecting spoke tension.

Have the spoke tension and run-out checked after the first short ride once the wheel has cooled down. Repeat the inspection after the next few rides and observe the specifications for your specific wheelset.

Severely or repeatedly loose spokes, unusual noises, or changes in run-out must be professionally inspected. They should not be casually dismissed as normal settling behavior.

SPOKE TENSION – SUITABLE RATHER THAN MAXIMUM TIGHTNESS

The tension values intended for the wheelset and professional truing are decisive. Spoke tension that is too high, too low, or uneven can damage components and alter the run-out.

  • Checking spokes does not mean tightening them further at every inspection.
  • Do not tighten loose spokes individually to be extra tight; tension and run-out must be checked together.
  • Only use confirmed torque or tension values for the spoke/nipple system used. The nipple material alone does not determine a suitable torque value.

Do you need the specifications for your wheelset? Contact us with your order number and details of the installed components.

REGULAR INSPECTIONS – DEPENDING ON LOAD

Before every ride: Visual inspection of the rim, hub, spokes, and nipples, as well as checking tires and air pressure. Have spoke tension, run-out, wheel bearings, and bolts professionally checked on a regular basis.

Motorsports, off-roading, jumps, and other high-stress activities require more frequent inspections. After a fall, hard impact, or noticeable changes in handling, an additional inspection is required – even without immediately visible damage.

Do not continue riding if there are broken or significantly loose spokes, cracks, noticeable deformation, conspicuous wheel bearing play, or loss of air. Have the cause inspected and rectified before further use. A bent rim cannot be safely repaired by tightening individual spokes more.

CLEANING & CARE

  • Clean cooled-down wheels with water and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner suitable for the surface.
  • Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry afterwards.
  • Remove brake dust, dirt, and road salt promptly; do not let cleaners dry on the surface.
  • Do not use acidic or highly alkaline cleaners, abrasive agents, or hard brushes.
  • Do not direct a high-pressure jet directly at bearings, seals, or sensitive coatings.
  • Keep oils, greases, and care products away from brake discs, brake pads, and tire treads.

Store clean and dry for the winter break. Have the condition, spoke tension, run-out, bearings, and tires checked again before the start of the season.

SM WORKS RIM SERVICE – CHECK & REBUILD

Rim bent, spoke broken, or time for a thorough check? We offer a rim service for condition assessment and repair of your wheelset – including for winter rebuilds or before the start of the season.

Depending on the condition, we inspect the rim, hubs, spokes, nipples, run-out, and wheel bearings. Upon consultation, damaged components can be replaced and your wheelset rebuilt and trued.

Email us at support@smworks.at with photos, a brief description, and details of your wheelset. We will clarify the possible scope of service and costs in advance. Please only send in your wheelset after consultation.

Whether a repair is possible or a component needs to be replaced will be determined after the inspection.

USE, MAINTENANCE & RESPONSIBILITY

Spoked wheels require regular inspection and professional maintenance. In the case of motorsport use and high loads, correspondingly more frequent inspections are necessary. Use your wheelset only within its intended application and load limits. Use on public roads requires the necessary eligibility for the vehicle and components.

Improper installation, incorrect spoke tension, neglected maintenance, accident damage, and unsuitable cleaning agents can cause damage. Such damage is to be distinguished from potential material or manufacturing defects; the cause will be examined on a case-by-case basis.

Statutory warranty rights and mandatory liability claims remain unaffected.