Mavic’s Allroad S [paid link] wheels are designed to offer versatility and durability for road cyclists who enjoy a mix of tarmac and gravel riding. Proper maintenance of these wheels ensures optimal performance and extends their lifespan. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps for maintaining the Mavic Allroad S [paid link] wheels, troubleshooting common issues, and optimizing their performance for different cycling conditions.

Tools Required

To perform the maintenance and adjustments outlined in this guide, you will need the following tools:

• 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
• 10mm open-end wrench
• Torque wrench [paid link] (with the appropriate settings)
• Hub maintenance tool (specific to Mavic hubs)
• Spoke wrench
• Needle bearings grease
• Clean, lint-free cloth
• Chain cleaner or degreaser
• Tire levers
• Rim tape (if needed)

Wheel Installation for Allroad S

Installing your Mavic Allroad S wheels correctly is essential to ensure safe riding and long-lasting performance. Below are the steps to install the wheels onto your bike:

1. Prepare the Hub and Dropouts: Ensure that the hub of the Allroad S wheels and your bike’s dropouts are clean and free of any dirt or debris. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down both surfaces.
2. Position the Rear Wheel: Place the rear wheel between the chainstays. Line up the freehub body with the chain and ensure the derailleur is correctly positioned over the cogset.
3. Insert the Axle: Slide the wheel into the rear dropouts or through-axle mounts. Secure the axle using the appropriate tool, ensuring that it is tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.
4. Install the Front Wheel: For the front wheel, align the hub with the fork dropouts. Insert the axle or quick-release skewer, depending on your bike’s system. Tighten the axle securely.
5. Check Wheel Alignment: After installation, check the wheels to ensure they spin freely without any rubbing against the frame or brake components.

Maintenance and Adjustments

Regular maintenance of your Mavic Allroad S wheels is necessary to keep them in top condition. Here’s a breakdown of the maintenance tasks:

1. Cleaning the Wheelset

Keeping your wheels clean is important for both performance and longevity. Dirt, grime, and road salts can degrade the components over time.

• Rims: Use a mild soap and water solution to wash the rims. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
• Hub and Spokes: Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the spokes and hub area. Pay special attention to the freehub body, as dirt buildup here can cause shifting issues.

2. Checking and Lubing the Hub

The Mavic Allroad S hubs feature sealed bearings, which require minimal maintenance. However, periodic checks are necessary to prevent wear.

• Freehub Body: Check the freehub body for smooth engagement. If it feels sticky or noisy, apply a thin layer of grease to the pawls and ratchets inside the freehub body.
• Bearings: If you notice any play in the bearings or feel roughness when spinning the wheel, it may be time to regrease or replace the bearings. Consult Mavic’s maintenance guide for specific bearing types and procedures.

3. Spoke Tension and Wheel Truing

Spokes on your Mavic Allroad S wheels should maintain consistent tension to keep the wheel true and properly tensioned. Check for any loose spokes or deformation.

• Spoke Wrench: Use a spoke wrench to check and tighten any loose spokes. Check the tension of each spoke and ensure they are evenly tightened.
• Truing the Wheel: If you notice any wobble or misalignment, you may need to true the wheel. Use a truing stand and adjust the spokes accordingly to fix any imperfections.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Despite their high quality, the Mavic Allroad S wheels may occasionally present a few issues that can be easily fixed with some troubleshooting. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Wheel Wobble

A slight wobble or misalignment is a common issue after installing new wheels. This can be caused by several factors, such as incorrectly tensioned spokes or improper installation.

• Solution: First, check the spoke tension and use a truing stand to identify any lateral or vertical wobble. Adjust the spokes accordingly to correct the wheel’s alignment.

2. Brake Rub

If you experience brake rub, it may be due to improper wheel installation or an issue with the brake calipers.

• Solution: Re-check that the wheels are properly installed in the dropouts or through-axle mounts. If the brake calipers are misaligned, adjust them so they do not make contact with the rim. Ensure the disc rotors (for disc brake models) are not bent or warped.

3. Freehub Body Noise

If your freehub body is making noise, it could indicate a lack of lubrication or contamination inside the freehub.

• Solution: Remove the freehub body and clean it thoroughly. Apply a light coat of grease to the pawls and ratchets before reassembling.

Customization and Optimization

To optimize the Mavic Allroad S wheels for different riding conditions, consider the following:

• Tire Selection: The Allroad S wheels can accommodate a wide range of tires. For road rides, consider 28-32mm tires, while for gravel or mixed-terrain rides, you can go up to 40mm tires. Always ensure that the tires are properly inflated based on your riding conditions.
• Tubeless Setup: The Mavic Allroad S wheels are tubeless-compatible, which provides additional puncture protection and improved rolling efficiency. For a tubeless setup, make sure you use the correct rim tape and tubeless valve stems. Follow the tire manufacturer’s guidelines for setting up a tubeless system.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Mavic Allroad S wheels are designed to be compatible with a wide range of drivetrain components, especially when it comes to freehub body options. Mavic provides different freehub bodies to match both Shimano/SRAM and Campagnolo drivetrains.

• Shimano/SRAM: The Allroad S wheels are compatible with 11-speed and 12-speed Shimano and SRAM cassettes. Ensure that the freehub body matches your cassette type before installation.
• Campagnolo: If you’re using a Campagnolo drivetrain, you’ll need the appropriate Mavic freehub body for Campagnolo cassettes.

When selecting a drivetrain system, always ensure compatibility between the cassette, freehub body, and wheelset to avoid shifting or performance issues.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Mavic Allroad S wheels is crucial for keeping them in top condition and ensuring a smooth, safe ride. Regular cleaning, proper hub maintenance, and occasional adjustments to spoke tension and truing will help extend the life of your wheels. Troubleshooting common issues such as wobble, brake rub, or freehub body noise can also be easily resolved with some basic tools and know-how. Finally, customizing your wheels for different terrains and ensuring compatibility with your drivetrain will optimize performance. With these tips, your Mavic Allroad S wheels will continue to perform at their best, no matter the conditions.