Revised 6-3-2010
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Revised 6-3-2010
S and S Coupling User
Guide*
This is not a replacement
for your bicycle owners manual*
Keep the threads clean and lubricated with Finish Line™ Extreme Fluoro Grease. No other lubrication is approved. Apply enough grease to completely coat the threads then wipe off the excess. Re-greasing shouldn't be necessary if the grease stays clean and the nut turns smoothly. Grit and dirt can stick to the grease on the coupling causing damage to the threads so keep the couplings clean especially when they are open. To remove the old grease from the threads, wipe them with a rag or tissue. When using a tissue, an old toothbrush works well to force the tissue to the bottom of the threads so all old grease and dirt can be removed. Common solvents won't remove Finish Line™ Extreme Fluoro Grease so mechanical wiping is required.
The coupling nut can be removed to clean the inaccessible mating surfaces of the nut, rings and ring lug. This is only necessary when the nut doesn't turn smoothly due to lack of lubrication or debris getting inside.
When installing the coupling nut, be sure to lubricate the nut where it contacts the retaining ring.
When assembling your bike, make sure there is nothing between the coupling teeth that could prevent the teeth from meshing properly.
Always handle the the frame carefully when the couplings are opened exposing the threads and teeth. Do not drop the frame or allow the couplings to impact hard surfaces like concrete. Damaged threads or teeth could prevent the coupling from functioning properly which would result in an unsafe condition. Do not attempt to ride a bike with a damaged coupling.
When you pack your bike, protect the coupling threads and teeth from damage If frame tube covers are used, they should be long enough to completely cover the couplings. Covers will also help to keep the internal portion of the coupling clean. An old tennis ball with an x cut through on one side can be slipped over the coupling to provide additional protection. Damaged threads or teeth could prevent the coupling from functioning properly which would result in an unsafe condition. Do not attempt to ride a bike with a damaged coupling.
When you screw the coupling together or take it apart, be sure to align the frame in a manner that allows the nut to turn easily by hand. Turning the nut with the wrench should only be necessary for about the last 1/4 turn when tightening and the first 1/4 turn when loosening. Careful alignment will minimize thread wear.
Inspect the couplings frequently for wear or damage.
Tighten the nut with the spanner wrench
to at least 35 foot pounds of torque. That requires at
least 70 pounds force against the end of a 6" wrench. I
typically tighten the nut as tight as I can get it (I
don't think it's possible to over tighten the nut with
our 6" wrench). Remember, the 35 foot pounds
of torque is a minimum value and your cycle may require a higher torque
value to keep the nuts tight.
Be sure to apply the force at 90 degrees to the wrench.
A doubled over cycling glove laid over the wrench will allow more pressure to be applied to the wrench. Without the glove, the narrow wrench may hurt your hand.
Frame designs such as trikes, which are semi-monotube**, will require more torque. Consult the cycle manufacturer for the proper torque value.
Check the tightness of the couplings daily or more often with hard use. Once you perfect the amount of torque that is required to keep coupling tight over a long period of time, you may be tempted to check them less frequently, however, it is a good idea to take a few seconds to check them daily. Just like with other critical parts of a bike such as tires, skewers, brakes, spokes etc, it's better to check them to ensure your safety.
When assembling a bike, tighten the couplings twice to make sure you have done it right.
The most important time to recheck the couplings for tightness is after a bike has been put back together then ridden once.
Be sure to tighten the couplings and all the other components such as pedals, seat, handlebars and handlebar stem before you ride. Also, make sure adjustments all have been made. Riding without all components being properly tightened and adjusted could result in a serious accident or injury. It's a good habit to check things twice to be sure that they are tight and properly adjusted.
PLEASE READ THE MANUAL THAT CAME WITH YOUR BIKE!
*This guide is not meant to take the place of the instruction manual that comes with your bicycle. Since S and S Couplings are used in many different ways and on many different types of cycles, it isn't possible to include all of the possible safety rules in this guide. Check your bike owners manual for additional information and precautions. Failure to follow this guide and the instruction manual supplied with your bike, could result in a serious accident or injury.
** BTCs are not approved for use in monotube frames. Semi-monotube frames are approved since they use a large main tube like a monotube frame plus an additional structural part, such as the seat frame, to carry some of the load normally carried the single tube of a monotube frame.
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