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Bombproof builds so you can push your limits. Confidence-inspiring bikes that grow with your ambitions.

How To Assemble Your Privateer

At Privateer Bikes we do our best to make sure there is only a small amount of work for you to do when your bike arrives. However, for us to package the bike safely in its box there are some things we cannot do. When your bike arrives please follow our instructional video (above) or this step-by-step guide to get you safely onto the trails. 

If there is anything that doesn’t seem right, doesn’t make sense, or is beyond your ability please do not ride the bike. Consult a qualified professional bicycle mechanic or contact us so any issue can be safely resolved.  

Tools for the job:

  • Side cutters, scissors, or a knife to remove packaging
  • Allen keys
  • Torx keys
  • Torque wrench
  • Track pump
  • Shock pump
  • Grease/anti-seize
  • A work stand makes the whole job easier.

Instructions:

  1. Carefully remove your new bike from its box and remove all packaging. Be careful of using sharp tools to open the box and remove packaging to avoid injury or damage.

🌍Sustainability: Please save and re-use any packaging you can. Carefully removed zip ties can be re-used, as can the box for storage/travel. If you need to dispose of anything, please try to recycle what you can.

  1. Check that the seatpost clamp bolt is tightened enough to hold the post in place (do not exceed MAX torque). If you are using a workstand, extend the post and carefully mount it in the stand. Make sure it is securely held, but do not clamp the post excessively tight as this may damage the post.

  2. Ensure that your cables and hoses are orientated correctly and fit the handlebars in the stem. Make sure that the handlebar clamp bolts are evenly tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque. Also, check the stem mounting bolts are tightened to torque. Always consult the stem manufacturer for correct tightening torque and technique.

IMPORTANT: Handlebar clamps should generally have even gaps between the clamp and stem body when assembled correctly. However, if your bike comes with a Race Face stem that has a Top-Lock handlebar clamp, the top two stem bolts must be tightened to have zero gap, and to torque, before the lower bolts can be torqued to spec.

  1. Secure your cables/hose in the cable guides. It is recommended to use grease/anti-seize on the bolt threads and do not overtighten (MAX 3nm).

  2. Remove your fork’s thru-axle, remove any packaging including the spacer that sits between the brake pads, fit the front wheel in the dropouts (carefully locating the disc rotor in between the brake pads in the brake caliper) and then re-fit the thru-axle. Tighten to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

  3. Fit your pedals of choice (not supplied). Remember to use any supplied washers and that the pedals are side specific. The left pedal (rider’s perspective) has a left-hand thread. Start by fitting the pedals by hand and finish by tightening securely to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

  4. Check your gears. Make sure the limit screws are set correctly to prevent the chain from derailing. Also, check the indexing to make sure that each individual click of the shifter corresponds with a single gear change.

Safety First! Keep your body and clothing clear of the wheels, gears and brake rotors. The moving parts can cause serious injury.

  1. Check both your brakes. Make sure that the calipers are centred over the brake rotors and that the wheels rotate with minimum rubbing. All bolts must be tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque. If any adjustments are required, please check our video (07:09). Check both brakes for correct function.

Beware! New brake pads will require bedding in before full stopping power is achieved.

  1. Before riding, check your tyre pressures. 30psi is a good starting point. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

  2. Set your suspension sag and adjust the damping. We have a basic guide in the User Manual, but please also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

  3. Make any final adjustments to the saddle height, angle, fore and aft positioning. Also, adjust the cockpit set-up as required (bar rotation, stem alignment, control positioning). Make sure all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

  4. Make a final physical check that the handlebar and stem are secure.

  5. Before every ride we recommend performing an ‘M Check’ to help ensure your bike’s safe operation. Details of this can be found in your User Manual.
Top Tip: Every 6 months we recommend removing your seatpost, cleaning where it slides into the frame and reapplying carbon assembly paste to help prevent it from seizing into the frame.

 

 WARNING: Bicycle riding is inherently dangerous and incorrect assembly or use of our products can increase the chance of serious injury or death. You must read the User Manual before riding. Follow the assembly instructions carefully or seek assistance from a qualified cycle mechanic. Privateer Bike’s User Manual, assembly, recommended usage and maintenance information can be found here -  Privateer Help Page

For further information and before riding please read the Privateer User Manual

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