Installing a supermoto wheel set – checklist before your first ride

New wheels at home? Great! This checklist helps you install your wheel set correctly and check everything before your first ride. If you're not used to doing the work yourself, have a professional fit them – brakes and wheels are safety-critical parts.

Before you start

• Check the box contains everything: front and rear wheel, spacers (standard 22 mm front and 20 mm rear) and, in a wheel set, the 320 mm brake disc with adapter, 45T rear sprocket and 220 mm rear brake disc.
• Have your bike's service manual at hand. It lists the correct torque values for the axle, brake disc bolts and sprocket bolts.
• You'll need a torque wrench, threadlocker and a bike stand.

Step by step

1. Brake discs: fit the 320 mm disc to the front wheel and the 220 mm disc to the rear wheel. Clean the hub and disc contact surfaces, use threadlocker if the service manual recommends it and tighten the bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque.
2. Brake caliper adapter: fit the adapter to the fork and the caliper to the adapter. Check that the disc runs in the middle of the caliper and doesn't rub.
3. Rear sprocket: fit the 45T sprocket to the rear hub and tighten the bolts in a cross pattern.
4. Tyres: fit 17" supermoto tyres and check the rotation direction on the sidewall. If you use a tubeless kit, seal the rims before fitting the tyres.
5. Spacers and axles: fit the spacers on the correct sides, lift the wheel into place and tighten the axle to the specified torque.
6. Chain: adjust chain tension and alignment. A new sprocket may require checking the chain length.

Checks before your first ride

• Spin the wheels by hand: they turn freely and the brake disc doesn't rub.
• Pump the brakes a few times until the lever and pedal feel firm.
• Set tyre pressures as recommended by the tyre manufacturer.
• Ride the first kilometres gently so the brake pads and new discs bed in.

After the first rides

New spokes can settle during the first rides. Check spoke tension and the axle, brake disc and sprocket bolts after the first rides and regularly after that. A loose spoke sounds duller than the others when tapped.

Questions?

We're happy to help with installation and fitment. Email us at sturdyracingfi@gmail.com. And when your bike is ready, show it to us: tag your photos @sturdyracing and #sturdyfamily – the best ones make it into the Sturdy bikes gallery.