Break in time for a new wheelset?

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2009-03-21 10:25 PM

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Subject: Break in time for a new wheelset?

Just curious, I got a new bike with the shimano 550 wheelset that seems to be on every bike these days.  I am just curious about the brake in time for the hubs. 

 Both wheels seem to be a little sitcky to me.  Compared to my previous wheels with 1000s of miles, they feel slow. When spun by hand off the ground, they rotate about 1/10th as long as my other wheels.

 

Will hubs brake in over time?  Should I be worried?  This is my first real bike purchase and I need all the help I can get.  Thanks

 

 



Edited by radycardia 2009-03-21 10:34 PM

2009-03-21 10:31 PM
in reply to: #2032481

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Subject: RE: Brake in time for a new wheelset?

Not an expert, but I don't think wheel bearings need to "break in."  I assume you've verified they're not rubbing on the brakes.  If they don't spin freely, more likely they're misadjusted. 

I'd recommend a run to the shop.  You probably don't need to take the whole bike, just the wheels.

2009-03-23 4:13 AM
in reply to: #2032481

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Subject: RE: Break in time for a new wheelset?
Generally, hubs do need a few miles to loosen up the bearings, but it shouldn't be that noticeable. If you spin the wheel, you may notice it sticking ever so slightly, but nothing that you should notice while riding. If the bearings feel really tight (and it does sound like it from the way you are describing the problem), I would take them to a shop unless you are very comfortable taking them apart yourself.
2009-03-27 7:24 AM
in reply to: #2033826

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Subject: RE: Break in time for a new wheelset?
Audiojan got it.

Sometimes, factory-built wheelsets will have too much preload on the bearings, making them feel sticky or slow. Run the wheels by your LBS and have them checked, or you can try it yourself. It's not difficult, you just have to be careful.

www.sheldonbrown.com is a great resource for DIY bike knowledge.
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