HAMILTON BIKES

General Refurbishment Process

I only buy bikes which have minimal component wear, however some repair work is generally required and in all cases a series of checks for safety and reliability is required.

The following is a brief description of the process.



BRAKES
Check free operation, generally replace brake blocks, replace inner cables, replace outer cables if corroded or damaged. Note that I always lubricate inner cables during fitment. As often as not I fit new brake mechanisms and levers on adult bikes. I often replace old cantilever brakes with new alloy V brakes.

WHEELS
Check tyre condition,check tube and rim tape, replace punctured tubes. Check wheel rim for wear and true wheels if nescessary. Adjust wheel bearings checking for wear and adequate grease. Check wheelnut torque. All adult bike reconditions have new semi slick road / trail tyres fitted. Many "premier" uprated bikes have new rear wheels fitted.

GEARS
Check for free operation, adjust if nescessary and replace inner cables. Replace outer cables if corroded or damaged. Note that I always lubricate inner cables during fitment. Check chain condition, lubricate, check condition of chainrings and rear gear cogs.
Note that for my "premier" reconditioned bikes I always replace chain and rear gears with new components. (I generally replace 5 speed rear gear freewheels with 6 speed and change the gear shifter to any type preferred by the customer).
I generally replace triple chainrings with new triples or new single rings -- especially if the bike will be used mainly on roads.
NOTE that after Feb 15 08 I will 100% grease pack the freewheel mechanisms on all premier commuter bikes to prevent water ingress and resulting corrosion / bearing failure.

PEDALS AND CRANKS
Check crank bearing adjustment for minimal play, check pedal freedom, check fit to crank arms, check crank arm fit to bottom bracket bearing, rebuild bottom bracket bearing. Note that "premier" reconditions have new cartridge type bottom bracket bearings fitted, fit new pedals to all adult bikes.

HANDLEBARS
Check torque of handlebar location screw, lightly grease internal expander to prevent corrosion seizure. Adjust headstock bearings. Fit new grips.

SADDLE
Check tightness of saddle adjustment screws. "Premier" reconditions always have new saddles fitted and generally a new alloy seatpost.