Tech - Torq Zone Academy

Pressing Hub Bearings: The Small Details That Make a Big Difference

Graeme Stickells — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:31:41 +0000

Replacing cartridge bearings in a bicycle hub may appear straightforward, but correct installation is essential for bearing life and hub performance. A few simple principles can prevent costly damage.

The first consideration is cleanliness. Ensure the hub bore and bearing seat are free from dirt, corrosion, and burrs. Even small contaminants can prevent the bearing from seating correctly or cause misalignment.

Always confirm that the replacement bearing matches the original specification. Installing the wrong size or type can result in poor performance or premature failure.

When pressing the bearing into the hub, force must only be applied to the outer race. Pressing on the inner race transfers load through the bearing balls, which can create microscopic damage (known as brinelling) before the bicycle is even ridden.

Use a quality bearing press with correctly sized drifts or adapters that fully support the outer race. The bearing should enter the hub squarely and smoothly. If excessive force is required, stop and identify the cause rather than forcing the bearing into place.

Avoid striking bearings into position with a hammer. While it may work occasionally, impact loading significantly increases the risk of damaging both the bearing and the hub.

Finally, once the bearing is fully seated, check that it rotates smoothly without roughness or binding. Correct installation should leave the bearing turning freely while being securely located in the hub.

A few extra minutes spent preparing and using the correct tools will help ensure a reliable repair, maximize bearing service life, and deliver the smooth wheel performance every rider expects.

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Why a Proper Pre-Delivery Inspection Matters

Graeme Stickells — Mon, 25 May 2026 15:04:43 +0000

A Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) is one of the most important steps in bicycle servicing and retail. Simply put, it is a full inspection of a bicycle before it leaves the shop to ensure it meets manufacturing standards and is safe to ride.

A PDI is not only about ticking boxes — it is about protecting the rider, the technician, and the reputation of the workshop. While South Africa does not legally enforce a specific bicycle inspection standard, it remains the recommended minimum benchmark. Professional workshops should aim to exceed these standards to improve reliability, longevity, and customer confidence.

The importance of a proper inspection is also backed by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Act No. 68 of 2008. Retailers, read cycle shops, can be held liable if unsafe goods are supplied to customers. This means every bicycle sold or serviced must be safe, roadworthy, and correctly adjusted accordingly.

Importantly, a PDI does not apply only to new bicycles. Any bicycle that has undergone repairs or servicing should receive a final safety inspection before being returned to the customer. This helps identify additional wear, damage, or future maintenance requirements.

A thorough PDI includes checking that all components are secure, correctly adjusted, lubricated, and free from faults or damage. Workshops should also maintain detailed inspection records, including the mechanic’s name, inspection date, customer details, and bicycle information.

Failing to carry out a proper PDI can have serious consequences. If an unsafe bicycle causes an accident, the shop or mechanic may be held liable. In today’s environment, good workmanship alone is not enough — proper documentation and consistent inspection procedures are essential.

Download here an example of a PDI which you can custom and use in your workshop.

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Clean, Inspect, Lubricate, Torque — The Four Maxims of Professional Bicycle Servicing

Graeme Stickells — Mon, 11 May 2026 05:27:19 +0000

In professional bicycle servicing, experienced mechanics often work according to four simple maxims: Clean, Inspect, Lubricate, and Torque. These principles are not merely a sequence of workshop tasks; they form a logical process and a disciplined way of thinking that helps ensure no critical step is overlooked.

Whether servicing a hub, headset, bottom bracket, pedal, or suspension linkage, the process always begins with (1) cleaning the individual components thoroughly. Dirt, old grease, corrosion, and contamination hide wear patterns and damage. A mechanic cannot accurately evaluate a bearing race, axle, freehub body, or thread while it is still covered in old lubricant and grime. Cleaning creates visibility and allows the true condition of the component to be revealed.

Once the parts are clean, the next step is (2) inspection. This is where careful observation becomes essential. Bearings are checked for roughness or pitting, threads for damage, seals for wear, and surfaces for corrosion. Inspection is not a rushed glance; it is a deliberate assessment of the condition and serviceability of the component. Skilled mechanics understand that small signs often indicate larger developing problems.

After inspection comes (3) lubrication. Fresh grease, oil, or assembly compound is applied correctly and only where required. Lubrication reduces friction, protects against corrosion, improves sealing, and ensures smooth operation. Equally important is understanding where lubricant should not be applied, as excess grease or incorrect products can attract contamination or compromise performance.

Finally, components are reassembled and (4) torqued correctly. Torque represents precision and accountability. Correct torque settings ensure bearings preload properly, fasteners remain secure, and delicate components are protected from damage caused by over-tightening.

Together, these four maxims create consistency and professionalism. Over time, they become more than workshop steps — they become the mechanic’s mindset. Every component is approached logically, methodically, and with the discipline required to produce reliable, safe, and professional work.

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A Brief History of Bicycle Componentry

Graeme Stickells — Mon, 05 May 2025 14:37:22 +0000

The evolution of bicycle componentry is a story of innovation and competition, as manufacturers have consistently pushed boundaries to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency. From pioneering derailleur systems to cutting-edge electronic shifting, the development of bicycle components has been driven by companies like Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM, Simplex, and Suntour, each leaving a lasting impact on cycling history.

Simplex

Founded in 1920 by Lucien Juy in France, Simplex was among the earliest innovators of derailleur technology. Starting with rod-operated systems, Simplex advanced to cable-operated derailleurs in the 1930s, revolutionising gear shifting for road cycling. Their experimentation with lightweight plastic components in the 1960s was ahead of its time but proved problematic due to durability issues, leading to the decline of the brand. Despite this, Simplex remains a significant part of the technological evolution of cycling.

Campagnolo

Established in 1933 by Tullio Campagnolo, this Italian brand is synonymous with high-quality components. Campagnolo’s quick-release skewer invention and the 1949 Gran Sport parallelogram derailleur set new standards for performance and reliability. Over the decades, Campagnolo became a favourite among professional racers, with its Record and Super Record groupsets epitomizing elite craftsmanship. The company continues to innovate, blending tradition with modern technology, such as electronic shifting systems.

Suntour

Suntour, founded in Japan in 1912, was a major innovator during the mid-20th century. Its slant-parallelogram derailleur, introduced in the 1960s, dramatically improved shifting performance and became the industry standard. Despite producing reliable and affordable components, Suntour struggled to compete after its patents expired in the 1980s, and Shimano’s innovations dominated the market. However, Suntour’s influence persists, particularly in its pioneering derailleur designs.

Shimano

Founded in 1921 by Shozaburo Shimano in Japan, Shimano’s rise to dominance began in the 1970s with the introduction of indexed shifting (SIS), making gear changes more precise. Shimano’s STI levers in the 1990s combined braking and shifting into a single control, revolutionizing bicycle cockpits. In the 2000s, the company introduced Di2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence) electronic shifting, setting new standards for seamless gear changes. Today, Shimano is a leader across all cycling disciplines, from road to mountain biking.

SRAM

SRAM, an American company founded in 1987, initially gained recognition for its Grip Shift technology for mountain bikes. Its growth accelerated with the acquisition of RockShox, Avid, and Truvativ, enabling it to offer complete groupsets. In 2006, SRAM entered the road market with its DoubleTap shifting, and in 2015, it introduced wireless electronic shifting (eTap), showcasing a groundbreaking approach to cable-free drivetrain technology. SRAM remains a leading innovator in high-performance cycling with its transition to 12 speed wireless electronic AXS, “access”, shifting.

There are other peripheral component manufacturers such as Vittoria Margherita from Italy, Mavic, Super Champion, and Huret all from France, but from Simplex’s early derailleur systems and Suntour’s ingenious slant parallelogram design to Campagnolo’s luxurious craftsmanship, Shimano’s technological breakthroughs, and SRAM’s wireless innovations, the history of bicycle componentry is a testament to human ingenuity.

These brands have not only shaped the bicycles of their time but have also laid the groundwork for the future of cycling, ensuring that every pedal stroke brings riders closer to perfection.

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Understanding Bicycle Frame Materials: Steel, Aluminum, and Carbon

Graeme Stickells — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 14:42:01 +0000

When choosing a bicycle, the frame material plays a vital role in determining the ride’s feel, weight, durability, and cost. The three most common materials—steel, aluminum, and carbon—each offer unique characteristics suited to different riders and purposes.

Steel: Timeless Durability and Comfort

Steel has been a staple material in bicycle frames for over a century. Known for its strength and durability, steel frames are incredibly resilient to fatigue, making them ideal for touring or rugged conditions. Steel’s natural elasticity absorbs road vibrations effectively, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.

Modern steel alloys such as Chromoly have reduced its weight compared to older high-tensile steel, but it remains heavier than aluminum or carbon. While this weight may be a drawback for competitive riders, steel’s longevity and repairability make it a favorite for custom and long-distance bikes.

Aluminium: Lightweight and Affordable Performance

Aluminum is a popular choice for recreational and performance-oriented cyclists. It is significantly lighter than steel, making it ideal for quick acceleration and climbing. Aluminum frames are also more affordable to produce, contributing to their widespread use in mid-range bikes.

However, aluminum is less forgiving than steel, transmitting more road vibrations to the rider. To address this, many modern aluminum frames use hydroforming techniques and tapered tube designs to enhance stiffness while improving ride comfort. Though not as durable as steel, advancements in alloy composition have made aluminum frames more robust and fatigue-resistant.

Carbon: Featherweight and Precision

Carbon fiber is the pinnacle of high-performance frame materials. Its ability to be molded into virtually any shape allows designers to optimise aerodynamics, stiffness, and comfort. Carbon frames are incredibly lightweight, making them the top choice for competitive racing and high-end bikes.

Despite its advantages, carbon is less durable under heavy impacts and can be expensive to repair. The manufacturing process also makes it the most costly option. Riders seeking ultimate performance and willing to invest heavily often choose carbon.

Conclusion

Choosing between steel, aluminum, and carbon depends on your priorities—durability and comfort (steel), affordability and performance (aluminum), or cutting-edge lightweight precision (carbon). Understanding these materials ensures your bike meets your specific needs.

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