Possible to overtighten bearings?
 

Is it? I recently got a set of spinergy rev-x carbon wheels. I pulled the wheel apart myself just to see what the hubs/bearings were like. I noticed that it doesent spin as free as my old wheel. Its not bad, it just doesnt spin as long. Is it possible that when i put it back together i overtightened something and am restricting bearing play? and would i notice this? ive kinda elt like the brakes must be rubing or something lateley(though they arent).

Yeah, it's definitely possible. Depending upon the design of the axle and bearings, the procedure varies. You can even adjust bearings so tight, the hub won't turn at all... ;)

Yes, hold the wheel by the axle with one hand, and turn the wheel. You shouldn't "feel" any resistance on the axle. You also don't want any play in the hubs. Ideally, you want it at the exact point where there is no play, and the wheels turn freely.

Welll... it depends upon the axle-design... Cup & cone bearings should be adjusted with some play because the QR compresses the axle. Some cartridge-bearing designs do this also while some don't. Either way, his hubs are too tight... :)

Since you spent a fair amount of cash on new wheels, and it sounds like you don't know how to adjust the hubs, why not take the wheels to a good local mechanic and have him/her fix them up properly for you?

I mean, if they aren't spinning correctly, what's the point? plus you will wear them out sooner.

Just my 2 cents.

joel

As others have said, it is very possible to over-tighten the bearings in the hubs. Sheldon Brown has a good article on the adjustment procedure here. Getting the adjustment perfect involves a lot of patience. Good luck!

Bearing will spin with less resistence with age. Settting up a wheel to spin freely while on the bike stand is not a good way to decide bearing tension. Under full load, the bearings behave differently. you have to get the right tension that prevents play, but still allows the lubricant to go in between the bearings and races. Too tight, and the bearing will wear and drag, too lose, and the bearing will not run correctly and lead to control problems.
The brake rubbing may come from the fact that the new rims are not as stiff as the old and you are flexing them into the pads on climbs.

This happens? I suppose there isnt any real way to avoid that? Im pretty big and ive gotte to where when i really put the power to the pedals i can feel the bike flexing. When im on the big ring I can make the chain hit the front derailuer. Dosent happen when im spinning down a hill or something, but if im up off the seat sprinting i can make it happen. Im pretty mechanically inclinced, been into cars my whole life soi would prefer to do all the work on the bike myself. I didnt even get the chance to ride to day, but ill take a bit of tension off the rear hub in the morning.