Just wondering when tightenning wheel bearings, should they be tightenned to the point of zero axle
play, or should a slight amount be allowed, to compensate for bearing expansion with heat?

Which option gives the least rolling resistance after riding a few km's?

Ben Wight

"Ben Wight" <wight@giant.net.au> wrote in message news:3eb11503_3@news.chariot.net.au...
> Just wondering when tightenning wheel bearings, should they be tightenned
to
> the point of zero axle play, or should a slight amount be allowed, to compensate for bearing
> expansion with heat?

No play.

> Which option gives the least rolling resistance after riding a few km's?

Rolling resistance of correctly adjusted, quality bearings is insignificant IMHO. More drag from
your unshaven legs.

Cheers Peter

Ben Wight <wight@giant.net.au> wrote:
: Just wondering when tightenning wheel bearings, should they be tightenned to the point of zero
: axle play, or should a slight amount be allowed, to compensate for bearing expansion with heat?

The gurus say that you should leave a small amount of play to allow for the extra pressure of the
quick releases, ie, no play when the wheel is mounted on the bike.

: Which option gives the least rolling resistance after riding a few km's?

Huh? There should be no difference even after many Ks. I haven't taken any measurements but doubt
that there is any significant heat generated by the bearings during typical riding, even quite
fast riding.

Cheerz, Lynzz

Ben Wight:

> Just wondering when tightenning wheel bearings, should they be tightenned to the point of zero
> axle play, or should a slight amount be allowed, to compensate for bearing expansion with heat?

There should be a small amount of play after assembly, but not because of bearing expansion with
heat (which is insignificant on bicycles), but because the bearing assembly is compressed when
mounted on the dropouts. How much play depends on how tight you mount the wheel on the bike, and the
best way to determine this is to do several iterations.

For example, when tightening the cone on the bearing assembly, first determine the position which
gives no play, and loosen the cone about a quarter turn then lock in place with the locking nut. Be
careful not to further loosen the cone upon tightening the locknut. Mount the wheel on the bike, and
see how tight the QR needs to be to eliminate play. If the QR is too difficult to close before
eliminating play, tighten the cone a "small amount" then lock and re-mount, and repeat the whole
process until you get the right combination of "suitably tight" QR and no play.

> Which option gives the least rolling resistance after riding a few km's?

Too insignificant to worry about.