Disassembling Your Track Bike: A Step-by-Step Guide
Disassembling a track bike, while seemingly straightforward due to its minimalist design, requires a systematic approach and the right tools. Whether you’re performing maintenance, upgrading components, or packing your bike for travel, understanding the proper disassembly procedure is crucial. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to help you safely and effectively take apart your track bicycle.
## Why Disassemble Your Track Bike?
Before we dive into the process, let’s consider why you might want to disassemble your track bike in the first place:
* **Maintenance and Cleaning:** Disassembly allows for thorough cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of individual components, extending their lifespan and improving performance.
* **Component Upgrades:** Upgrading parts like the crankset, chainring, or wheels requires removing the existing components.
* **Travel:** Packing a track bike for air travel or shipping often necessitates partial or complete disassembly to fit it into a bike box.
* **Frame Repair or Painting:** Accessing the frame for repairs or a new paint job requires stripping it of all components.
* **Selling Components:** If you’re selling individual parts, disassembly is a must.
## Essential Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools will make the disassembly process much smoother and prevent damage to your bike. Here’s a list of essential tools:
* **Allen Wrench Set:** A comprehensive set of Allen wrenches (also known as hex keys) in various sizes is crucial for loosening and tightening bolts throughout the bike.
* **Torx Wrench Set:** Some modern track bikes use Torx bolts, so having a Torx wrench set is a good idea.
* **Crank Extractor:** Specifically designed for removing the crank arms from the bottom bracket spindle. There are different types depending on the crankset type (square taper, ISIS, Octalink).
* **Chain Whip:** Used to hold the rear cog in place while loosening the lockring.
* **Lockring Wrench:** A specialized wrench designed to fit the lockring on the rear cog.
* **Bottom Bracket Tool:** Required for removing and installing the bottom bracket. The specific tool depends on the bottom bracket type (e.g., Shimano Hollowtech II, square taper).
* **Headset Wrenches:** Thin, open-end wrenches specifically designed for adjusting and removing headset components. Sizes will vary.
* **Pedal Wrench:** A long-handled wrench for removing and installing pedals. Can also use a large Allen wrench on some pedals.
* **Cable Cutters (Optional):** If your track bike has brakes (some do), you’ll need cable cutters to disconnect the brake cables.
* **Grease:** For lubricating threads and bearings during reassembly.
* **Degreaser:** For cleaning dirty parts.
* **Rags:** For wiping down parts and cleaning up messes.
* **Bike Stand (Recommended):** A bike stand makes the process much easier by holding the bike securely.
* **Hammer (Optional):** For gently tapping stubborn components loose. Use with caution and a soft-faced mallet is preferable.
* **Soft Cloths or Protective Tape:** To protect the frame from scratches.
* **Camera or Smartphone:** Take pictures of each step to help you remember how everything goes back together.
* **Containers or Bags:** To organize and store the removed parts. Labeling them is highly recommended.
## Safety Precautions
* **Work in a Clean and Well-Lit Area:** This will help you see what you’re doing and avoid losing small parts.
* **Protect Your Eyes:** Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
* **Use the Right Tools:** Using the wrong tool can damage components or cause injury.
* **Don’t Force Anything:** If a bolt or component is stuck, try applying penetrating oil or using a different technique. Forcing it can lead to damage.
* **Be Aware of Pinch Points:** Be careful when working with moving parts like the chain and cranks.
* **Consult a Professional if Needed:** If you’re unsure about any step, it’s best to consult a qualified bike mechanic.
## Step-by-Step Disassembly Guide
Here’s a detailed guide to disassembling your track bike. Remember to take pictures at each step to aid in reassembly.
**Step 1: Prepare the Bike**
1. **Clean the Bike:** Wipe down the frame and components to remove dirt and grime. This will make the process cleaner and easier.
2. **Position the Bike:** Place the bike in a bike stand if you have one. If not, lean it against a wall or stable surface, making sure it’s secure.
3. **Gather Your Tools:** Have all the necessary tools within easy reach.
**Step 2: Remove the Wheels**
1. **Loosen Axle Bolts/Nuts:** Use the appropriate wrench to loosen the axle bolts or nuts on both the front and rear wheels. Since track bikes use bolt-on wheels, you’ll need a wrench.
2. **Remove the Wheels:** Carefully lift the bike and remove the front and rear wheels from the frame. Set them aside.
**Step 3: Remove the Pedals**
1. **Identify Pedal Threads:** Pedals have different thread directions. The right pedal (drive side) has a standard right-hand thread (tighten clockwise, loosen counterclockwise). The left pedal has a left-hand thread (tighten counterclockwise, loosen clockwise).
2. **Use a Pedal Wrench or Allen Wrench:** Use a pedal wrench or, if your pedals have an Allen key interface on the inside of the crank arm, use the appropriate sized Allen wrench to loosen the pedals. Apply firm, steady pressure.
3. **Remove the Pedals:** Once loosened, unscrew the pedals completely from the crank arms.
**Step 4: Remove the Chain**
Since track bikes don’t have derailleurs, chain removal is typically done by breaking the chain.
1. **Locate the Master Link (if applicable):** Some chains have a master link that can be easily removed with chain pliers or a chain tool. If your chain has a master link, use the appropriate tool to open it and remove the chain.
2. **Use a Chain Tool:** If your chain doesn’t have a master link, you’ll need a chain tool to push out one of the pins. Position the chain tool on a pin, making sure the tool’s pin is aligned with the chain pin. Turn the handle of the chain tool to push the pin partially out of the chain. You don’t need to remove the pin completely, just enough to separate the chain. Some people prefer to completely remove the pin, but it makes reassembly slightly more difficult.
3. **Remove the Chain:** Once the chain is separated, carefully remove it from the chainring and rear cog.
**Step 5: Remove the Crankset**
1. **Identify Crankset Type:** Determine the type of crankset you have (e.g., square taper, ISIS, Octalink). This will determine the type of crank extractor you need.
2. **Remove Crank Bolts:** Use an Allen wrench to remove the crank bolts from both crank arms. Store the bolts safely.
3. **Install Crank Extractor:** Screw the crank extractor into the threaded hole in the crank arm. Make sure it’s fully seated.
4. **Extract Crank Arms:** Tighten the extractor bolt. This will push against the bottom bracket spindle and force the crank arm off. Repeat for the other crank arm.
5. **Remove Crankset:** Once both crank arms are removed, carefully remove the crankset from the bottom bracket.
**Step 6: Remove the Bottom Bracket**
1. **Identify Bottom Bracket Type:** Determine the type of bottom bracket you have (e.g., square taper, Shimano Hollowtech II, threaded, press-fit). This will determine the type of bottom bracket tool you need.
2. **Use the Bottom Bracket Tool:** Insert the appropriate bottom bracket tool into the bottom bracket cups. Some bottom brackets thread into the frame, while others are press-fit.
3. **Loosen Bottom Bracket Cups:** Turn the tool to loosen the bottom bracket cups. Note that the drive-side cup typically has a reverse thread (tighten counterclockwise, loosen clockwise).
4. **Remove Bottom Bracket:** Once the cups are loosened, unscrew them completely and remove the bottom bracket from the frame.
**Step 7: Remove the Headset**
Removing the headset requires specialized tools and a good understanding of headset types. It’s often best left to a professional bike mechanic. However, if you’re comfortable with the process, here’s a general overview:
1. **Loosen Stem Bolts:** Loosen the bolts that clamp the stem to the steerer tube.
2. **Remove Stem:** Slide the stem off the steerer tube.
3. **Loosen Top Cap:** Loosen the top cap bolt on top of the stem.
4. **Remove Fork:** Carefully remove the fork from the head tube. Be prepared for the headset bearings to come loose.
5. **Remove Headset Cups:** Use headset wrenches or a headset press to remove the headset cups from the head tube. This may require specialized tools and techniques, especially for press-fit headsets.
**Step 8: Remove the Seatpost and Saddle**
1. **Loosen Seatpost Clamp:** Use an Allen wrench to loosen the seatpost clamp bolt.
2. **Remove Seatpost:** Slide the seatpost out of the frame.
3. **Remove Saddle (if necessary):** If you need to separate the saddle from the seatpost, loosen the bolts that attach the saddle to the seatpost clamp.
**Step 9: Remove the Cog and Lockring (Rear Wheel)**
This step requires specialized tools and techniques to avoid injury or damage.
1. **Secure the Wheel:** You’ll need a way to hold the wheel securely. A vise with soft jaws is ideal, but you can also use your feet or a friend to help hold it.
2. **Apply Chain Whip:** Wrap the chain whip around the cog in a direction that will tighten it when force is applied to loosen the lockring.
3. **Position the Lockring Wrench:** Place the lockring wrench onto the lockring, ensuring it’s fully engaged.
4. **Loosen the Lockring:** While holding the chain whip firmly, apply significant force to the lockring wrench in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the lockring. This can be quite tight, so be prepared to use some leverage.
5. **Remove the Lockring:** Once the lockring is loosened, unscrew it completely.
6. **Remove the Cog:** Once the lockring is removed, the cog should slide off the hub. If it’s stuck, you can gently tap it with a rubber mallet.
**Step 10: Remove Brakes (If Applicable)**
Track bikes often don’t have brakes, but if yours does, follow these steps:
1. **Loosen Brake Cable:** Loosen the brake cable at the brake caliper.
2. **Disconnect Brake Cable:** Disconnect the brake cable from the brake lever.
3. **Remove Brake Calipers:** Use an Allen wrench to remove the brake calipers from the frame.
4. **Remove Brake Levers:** Use an Allen wrench to remove the brake levers from the handlebars.
**Step 11: Handlebars and Stem**
1. **Loosen Stem Bolts:** Loosen the bolts that clamp the handlebars to the stem.
2. **Remove Handlebars:** Slide the handlebars out of the stem.
3. **Remove Stem from Fork (if not already done):** If you haven’t already removed the stem while removing the headset, do so now.
**Step 12: Frame Stripped**
At this point, your frame should be completely stripped of all components. Inspect the frame for any damage or wear.
## Organizing and Storing Parts
* **Clean Parts:** Clean all the removed parts with degreaser and rags before storing them.
* **Label Everything:** Label each container or bag with the name of the part and where it came from on the bike. This will make reassembly much easier.
* **Store in a Safe Place:** Store the parts in a dry, safe place where they won’t be damaged.
## Reassembly Tips
* **Refer to Your Photos:** Use the photos you took during disassembly as a guide.
* **Grease Threads:** Apply grease to all threaded parts before reassembling them. This will prevent corrosion and make future disassembly easier.
* **Tighten Bolts to the Correct Torque:** Use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Overtightening can damage components.
* **Adjust Bearings Properly:** Adjust headset and bottom bracket bearings so they are smooth and free-spinning, but not too loose.
* **Test Ride:** After reassembly, take the bike for a test ride to ensure everything is working properly.
## Conclusion
Disassembling a track bike is a manageable task if you follow these steps carefully and use the right tools. Remember to be patient, organized, and take your time. With a little practice, you’ll be able to confidently disassemble and reassemble your track bike for maintenance, upgrades, or travel. If you are uncomfortable with any of these steps, consult with a professional bike mechanic.