Tandem Cycling - DT Swiss hubs: What maintenance is needed/possible

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duppie
02-16-09, 07:52 PM
One unintended side effect of buying an expensive (to us) tandem is the maintenance of unfamiliar parts. First up are the DT Swiss tandem hubs.
I have looked through the documentation here (http://www.dtswiss.com/getdoc/4e78add1-601b-4af0-b7c7-07f7e2e2a8df/Datasheet.aspx) and read RickinFL's excellent explanation here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=4209868&postcount=3). So I think I can figure out how to service the freewheel. I also understand that the bearings are in a separate unit, that is not servicable and has to be replaced if the bearing starts to malfunction. So besides cleaning the freewheel periodically, is there any need for servicing this hub? How about the front hub; is there any need to service it? If so do I need any of the special tools that DT Swiss mentions?
I have decent maintenance skills, but I am no mechanic.

As always your advice is highly appreciated
Duppie

RickinFl
02-16-09, 08:53 PM
Servicing the star ratchet mechanism is about it in my experience. The bearings are all sealed, so there is no service except to replace them when necessary (I have many, many miles on mine and they are still going strong). Go ahead and pop for the expensive little tub of grease that DT recommends for the ratchets- you only use a tiny bit about once a season, so it should be a lifetime supply.

According to what I've read, the bearings in the cassette holder cannot be replaced, so if they go, you replace the whole thing. On the other hand, those bearings only work when you are coasting, and you should never be doing that, right? :)

The DT hubs are one of the best bike purchases I've ever made.

Rick (inFL)
duppie
02-17-09, 12:51 PM
I will miss crawling around on my knees with a flashlight looking for that steel ball bearing that bounced off the workbench.....:rolleyes:

Thanks for your reply. It does indeed sound like the maintenance is pretty simple
Duppie

Onegun
02-18-09, 07:31 AM
On the other hand, those bearings only work when you are coasting, and you should never be doing that, right? :) Rick (inFL)

Oh, you must have a track tandem! :lol: