How to Set Up the Rear Wheel on a Hardtail

Set up the rear wheel on your hardtail bike.

A hardtail frame, as opposed to a softtail frame, refers to a bicycle, usually a mountain bike, that does not have rear-end shock absorbers. To set up the rear wheel on a hardtail mountain bike, you will need to install the wheel onto the rear fork and set the chain on the rear wheel gear sprockets. This is a relatively simple and tool-free process for many mountain bikes that are equipped with a quick release, but otherwise all you need is a wrench.

Things You'll Need

• Crescent wrench

Instructions

1. Turn your bike upside down, allowing the bike to rest on the seat and handlebars.

2. Disable the rear brakes by lifting the brake lever on the brake shoe and unhooking the brake calipers.

3. Lift the chain and place it on the lowest gear cog of your new wheel.

4. Slide the wheel onto the rear fork of the frame. Center it with the frame before tightening the wheel onto the bike.

5. Fix the wheel onto the fork by tightening the quick release lever in a clockwise motion and folding the lever down when you have enough tension. If you do not have a quick release on your rear wheel, tighten the bolts on each side of the wheel with a crescent wrench. Reattach the brakes.

Tips & Warnings

• Spin the wheel once it is on the bike to ensure its motion is not impeded by the brakes. If the brakes are dragging against the wheel rim, loosen them.

References

• Bicycle Tutor: How to Remove and Install Your Wheels
• Jim Langley: Removing a Rear Wheel
• Buy Mountain Bike Guide