Cycle King Bike Assembly Guide
How to safely assemble your new bike from the box.
Thank you for choosing Cycle King. Most of our bikes arrive 85–95% pre-assembled, but some final work is required before you ride. If you are not confident assembling a bike yourself, we strongly recommend using a qualified bike mechanic at your local Cycle King store or independent bike shop.
Click Here to Open Our Cycle Assembly Video 🧰 What You’ll Need
- 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. Unpack Your Cycle King Bike
- Carefully open the box and remove the bike and all loose parts.
- Remove all packaging, cable ties and protective foam from the frame and components.
- 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)
- Inspect the bike for any obvious transit damage. If something looks wrong, contact Cycle King before continuing assembly.
🚲 2. Fit the Handlebars
The handlebars usually arrive turned sideways or removed for shipping.
Faceplate (Ahead) Stem
- Loosen and remove the four bolts from the front of the stem faceplate.
- Position the handlebars in the centre of the clamp area.
- Refit the faceplate and lightly tighten each bolt.
- Align the handlebars so they are straight and at a comfortable angle.
- Tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern (top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left).
- Where possible, use a torque wrench to manufacturer spec (commonly 5–6Nm).
Quill Stem (Common on Some Kids’ Bikes)
- Insert the stem into the steerer tube to at least the minimum insertion mark.
- Align the handlebars with the front wheel.
- Tighten the top bolt until the stem is secure and cannot twist.
🚴 3. Install the Front Wheel
Quick-Release Front Wheel
- Ensure the quick-release skewer is fitted through the axle with springs on either side.
- Place the wheel into the fork dropouts, making sure it sits fully home.
- If the bike has disc brakes, carefully guide the rotor between the brake pads.
- 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
- Place the wheel fully into the fork dropouts.
- Fit any supplied washers and thread on the wheel nuts.
- Use a 15mm spanner to tighten each nut evenly and firmly.
🔧 4. Fit the Pedals
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.
- Apply a thin layer of grease to the pedal threads.
- Start each pedal by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- Once hand-tight, use a pedal spanner or 15mm spanner to fully tighten.
🪑 5. Fit and Adjust the Saddle
- Lightly grease the seatpost (for metal frames/seatposts).
- Insert the seatpost into the frame and set an initial height.
- Ensure the saddle is straight and level.
- 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.
🛑 6. Set Up the Brakes
V-Brakes / Rim Brakes
- Ensure the brake pads line up with the metal rim and do not touch the tyre.
- Reconnect the brake cable or noodle if it was disconnected for packing.
- Adjust cable tension using the barrel adjuster or by loosening and re-anchoring the cable.
- When applied, both pads should contact the rim at the same time.
Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Check the rotor runs centrally between the brake pads when the wheel spins.
- If rubbing, loosen the caliper mounting bolts slightly, squeeze the brake lever, then retighten the bolts.
- 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.
⚙️ 7. Check and Fine-Tune the Gears
- Lift the rear wheel or place the bike in a stand.
- Turn the pedals and shift through each gear.
- If the chain hesitates to move to a larger cog, turn the barrel adjuster anti-clockwise slightly to increase cable tension.
- If it hesitates going to a smaller cog, turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to reduce tension.
- Ensure you can access all gears smoothly without the chain coming off.
🎈 8. Inflate the Tyres
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
✅ 9. Final Cycle King Safety Check
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.
🧴 10. Aftercare & First Service
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.
💬 Need Help from Cycle King?
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.
E-Bike Ownership & Care Guide
Your essential guide to getting the best from your electric bike, how to charge, store, clean and maintain it, plus key UK legal and safety information.
🚴♀️ 1. Before Your First Ride
Read your manufacturer’s manual
Every model has specific instructions for battery care, charging, display settings and torque recommendations.
Familiarise yourself with assist modes
Eco/Low → Longest range
Normal/Medium → Balanced
High/Turbo → Best performance, lowest range
Check the basics before you set off:
- Tyre pressure (usually printed on the tyre sidewall)
- Brakes working correctly and smoothly
- Battery correctly fitted and locked in place
- Lights functioning (if fitted)
🔋 2. Charging Your E-Bike Safely
Use only the original charger.
Third-party chargers can damage batteries and may invalidate warranties.
Charging tips:
- Charge indoors on a hard, non-flammable surface.
- Avoid leaving the battery charging overnight or completely unattended.
- Do not charge in damp, cold sheds or garages – lithium batteries prefer room temperature.
- Keep battery contacts clean and dry.
Best practice for battery life:
Try to keep your battery between 20%–80% for everyday use. Top up little and often rather than running it completely flat where possible.
🧊 3. Battery Care & Storage
Your battery is the most valuable part of your e-bike, so it’s worth looking after.
General care:
- Store the battery between roughly 10°C–20°C where possible.
- Avoid extreme cold or heat, as both will reduce battery lifespan.
- If your model allows, you can remove the battery in very heavy rain and store it indoors afterwards.
Long-term storage (e.g. winter):
- Charge the battery to around 50–70%.
- Store it indoors, away from damp and direct heat sources.
- Top up for around 30 minutes every 6–8 weeks.
🧽 4. Cleaning Your E-Bike
You can clean an e-bike much like a normal bike, but avoid anything that can force water into electrics.
Avoid:
- Jet washers / pressure washers
- Spraying directly into bearings, bottom brackets or electrical ports
- Submerging the bike or battery in water
How to clean properly:
- Use dedicated bike cleaner and warm water.
- Apply with a sponge or soft brush.
- Dry the frame and components with a clean cloth.
- Lightly lubricate the chain afterwards and wipe off any excess oil.
🛠️ 5. Regular Maintenance
E-bikes need routine checks, sometimes a little more often because of the extra weight and power.
Weekly:
- Check tyre pressure.
- Test front and rear brakes.
- Ensure the battery is locked securely.
- Inspect the chain for dryness or rust.
Monthly:
- Lubricate the chain.
- Check that key bolts (stem, handlebars, wheels, seatpost) are tight (but don’t overtighten).
- Inspect tyres for cuts, cracks or heavy wear.
Every 6–8 weeks:
Book a service check, especially during the bike’s settling-in period.
Annually:
- Full service including brake pads, wheel truing and gear adjustment.
- Software or firmware updates if your system supports them.
- Battery health check where available.
📏 6. Maximising Your Riding Range
You can increase how far you travel on a single charge with a few simple habits:
- Use Eco or lower assistance modes where possible.
- Keep tyres properly inflated to the recommended pressure.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary weight on the bike.
- Pedal consistently – let the motor assist rather than do all the work.
- Use your gears correctly and avoid labouring the motor in very high gears at low speed.
⚖️ 7. Riding in the UK – Legal Requirements
Most e-bikes sold as standard in the UK are classed as EAPCs (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles).
To be treated as a normal pedal cycle, an e-bike must:
- Have a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250W.
- Provide assistance only up to 15.5mph (25 km/h).
- Require you to pedal for the motor to work (no throttle-only above walking pace).
If your e-bike meets these rules:
- You do not need a licence, insurance or registration.
- You must be at least 14 years old to ride it on public roads and cycle paths.
🦺 8. Safety Tips
Ride safely and protect your investment:
- Wear a properly fitted cycle helmet.
- Check your brakes regularly – e-bikes are heavier and faster than standard bikes.
- Use front and rear lights in low light or poor weather.
- Consider mudguards if you ride all year round.
Security:
- Use at least one Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated D-lock.
- Add a heavy-duty chain or cable to secure wheels and frame.
- Lock the bike through the frame to a fixed, immovable object.
- Remove the battery and display (if easily detachable) when leaving the bike for long periods.
🧩 9. Troubleshooting Guide
Bike won’t power on?
- Check the battery is correctly fitted and locked in place.
- Make sure the battery is charged.
- Try the power button on both the battery (if fitted) and the display.
Assistance cuts out earlier than expected?
- Tyres may be under-inflated.
- You may be riding in too high a gear.
- Strong headwinds or hills will reduce range.
- The battery may be nearing the end of its charge.
No motor power at all?
- Check all visible connectors and cables.
- Ensure wheel speed sensor and magnet are aligned and clean (if fitted).
- Switch the system off and on again after a short pause.
If problems continue, Cycle King is here to help. Many issues are simple to diagnose and may be covered under warranty if within your guarantee period.
📑 10. Warranty & Aftercare
To keep your warranty valid and ensure the best long-term performance of your e-bike:
- Register your e-bike within the time stated (usually within 60 days).
- Bring your bike in for its 6–8 week settling-in service.
- Use only approved chargers and electrical parts.
- Do not modify the motor, controller or speed settings.
Cycle King is your local e-bike retailer and we’re here to help you look after your bike throughout its life.
We’re here for every mile — from your first ride to many years of confident cycling.
📝 11. Quick Checklist (Print & Keep)
Before every ride:
- Battery charged.
- Tyres inflated to the recommended pressure.
- Brakes working and not rubbing.
- Chain lubricated if it looks dry.
- Display securely fitted and visible.
After wet or muddy rides:
- Wipe down the frame and components.
- Dry and relubricate the chain if needed.
- Avoid storing the battery in damp or very cold places.