FAQ Clavicula - Handling
-
My Clavicula originates a creaking noise when I ride my bike. What can be the reason?
Noise can be originated by many factors. You should check the following possible causes if you are totally sure that this noise is caused by the drive system and has no other origin:
The noise might be originated by the chainring securing elements. Remove the chainrings, apply a thin coat of grease to the contact area, apply a medium bodied screw locking agent and tighten the bolts crosswise in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
Another reason for the noise could be the two aluminium cross pins of the left-hand crank. Remove the Titan clamping screws and force out both aluminium pins. Reinstall the pins with some grease and insert the Titan screws with screw locking agent (very important!).
In the meantime we have experienced some cases with creaking noises caused by the use of carbon assembly paste. If the left-hand crank was installed with carbon assembly paste, please remove the paste very thoroughly (e.g. using a brake cleaner) and then install the crank again. In no case should grease be applied to the contact surface.
If none of these suggestions should help to overcome the problem, please contact us by e-mail. If necessary you will have to send the crank back to us.
-
How can I protect the crank surface against scratches or abrasion?
The crank surface can be protected effectively by applying a special protective sheet (e.g. 3M “Lackprotect” sheet).
-
Does THM supply single bearings without bearing cups?
If the bearings are worn and must be replaced, you should also replace the bearing cups because sooner or later they will get cracks as a result of fatigue. For this reason bearings are available in combination with the cups only.
-
Can I replace bearing cups or bearings from THM by products of another manufacturer (e.g. Shimano, FSA)?
No! Both Shimano and FSH axles have a diameter of 24 mm. Our crank axle has a diameter of 30 mm!
-
In my Clavicula instruction manual it says that the service life of the carbon crank is limited in the first instance to 3 years or 30.000 km. On expiration of this limit it is necessary to ask the manufacturer for information on how to prolong service life. What have I to do when this limit is reached?
Initially a limitation on service life has been made for safety reasons because this has put us in a position to have the estimation of durability not only based on laboratory tests but also on three years’ practical experience. After evaluation of all results we have prolonged the service life to 8 years or 80.000 km. Even after that period it is not to be expected that the useful life has actually come to an end. However, we would like to have a look at the cranks in order to gain more experience from a prolonged time of usage.