Cycle Assembly

• 4, 5 & 6mm Allen/Hex keys
• 15mm spanner (for pedals & some wheel nuts)
• Crosshead screwdriver
• Tyre pump (Schrader or Presta, depending on valve)
• Basic bike grease (recommended for pedals and seatpost)
• Torque wrench (recommended for accurate tightening)

1. Carefully open the box and remove the bike and all loose parts.
2. Remove all packaging, cable ties and protective foam from the frame and components.
3. Check that you have:
   • Bike frame with rear wheel fitted
   • Front wheel
   • Handlebars or stem (may be turned or removed)
   • Saddle and seatpost
   • Pedals (marked L and R)
   • Reflectors, bell and any included accessories (e.g. e-bike charger)
4. Inspect the bike for any obvious transit damage. If something looks wrong, contact Cycle King before continuing assembly.

The handlebars usually arrive turned sideways or removed for shipping.

Faceplate (Ahead) Stem

1. Loosen and remove the four bolts from the front of the stem faceplate.
2. Position the handlebars in the centre of the clamp area.
3. Refit the faceplate and lightly tighten each bolt.
4. Align the handlebars so they are straight and at a comfortable angle.
5. Tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern (top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left).
6. Where possible, use a torque wrench to manufacturer spec (commonly 5–6Nm).

Quill Stem (Common on Some Kids’ Bikes)

1. Insert the stem into the steerer tube to at least the minimum insertion mark.
2. Align the handlebars with the front wheel.
3. Tighten the top bolt until the stem is secure and cannot twist.

Quick-Release Front Wheel

1. Ensure the quick-release skewer is fitted through the axle with springs on either side.
2. Place the wheel into the fork dropouts, making sure it sits fully home.
3. If the bike has disc brakes, carefully guide the rotor between the brake pads.
4. Tighten the quick-release nut, then close the lever so it is firm to push and leaves a light imprint on your palm.

Bolt-On / Nutted Front Wheel

1. Place the wheel fully into the fork dropouts.
2. Fit any supplied washers and thread on the wheel nuts.
3. Use a 15mm spanner to tighten each nut evenly and firmly.

Important: Pedals are side-specific and will be marked R (right) and L (left).

• Right pedal (R): screws in clockwise into the right crank arm.
• Left pedal (L): screws in anti-clockwise into the left crank arm.

1. Apply a thin layer of grease to the pedal threads.
2. Start each pedal by hand to avoid cross-threading.
3. Once hand-tight, use a pedal spanner or 15mm spanner to fully tighten.

1. Lightly grease the seatpost (for metal frames/seatposts).
2. Insert the seatpost into the frame and set an initial height.
3. Ensure the saddle is straight and level.
4. Tighten the seat clamp bolt or quick-release so the saddle cannot twist or slide.

A good starting height is where the rider has a slight bend at the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

V-Brakes / Rim Brakes

1. Ensure the brake pads line up with the metal rim and do not touch the tyre.
2. Reconnect the brake cable or noodle if it was disconnected for packing.
3. Adjust cable tension using the barrel adjuster or by loosening and re-anchoring the cable.
4. When applied, both pads should contact the rim at the same time.

Mechanical Disc Brakes

1. Check the rotor runs centrally between the brake pads when the wheel spins.
2. If rubbing, loosen the caliper mounting bolts slightly, squeeze the brake lever, then retighten the bolts.
3. Fine-tune using the barrel adjuster until the brake bites firmly without constant rubbing.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

• Ensure the rotor runs freely between the pads with minimal rubbing.
• Do not pull the brake levers if the wheel is removed.
• Any spongy feel or fluid leaks should be checked by a trained mechanic.

1. Lift the rear wheel or place the bike in a stand.
2. Turn the pedals and shift through each gear.
3. If the chain hesitates to move to a larger cog, turn the barrel adjuster anti-clockwise slightly to increase cable tension.
4. If it hesitates going to a smaller cog, turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to reduce tension.
5. Ensure you can access all gears smoothly without the chain coming off.

Inflate both tyres to the pressure printed on the tyre sidewall (shown in PSI or Bar).

• Kids’ bikes: typically 35–50 PSI
• Hybrid bikes: typically 45–65 PSI
• Mountain bikes: typically 30–45 PSI
• Road bikes: typically 80–110 PSI

Before your first ride, run through this quick checklist:

• Wheels: Secure in the frame/fork and spin freely.
• Brakes: Firm at the lever, stop the bike when pushed forward, no heavy rubbing.
• Steering: Handlebars aligned with front wheel, no side-to-side play.
• Gears: Smooth shifting across the range.
• Pedals & Cranks: Tight with no wobble.
• Tyres: Correctly inflated, no cuts or bulges.

New bikes will “bed in” over the first few rides as cables stretch and components settle. We recommend:

• Re-checking all bolts, wheels, brakes and gears after the first few rides.
• Booking in for a 6–8 week service (as required for many warranties).
• Keeping the chain lightly lubricated and the tyres at the correct pressure.

If you are unsure about any part of the assembly, please contact your local Cycle King store or a qualified mechanic before riding. We’re here to help you get the best and safest start with your new bike.