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I've got a 2013 Nicolai Helius AC and im after some advice with the bushings.
The main swingarm bushing developed play recently but has been adjusted and is now pretty much back to normal.
I was thinking though what is the expected lifespan generally of them? As this frame is on its original set and ive a feeling an overhaul is imminent!
I emailed Nicolai at weekend and they've got back to me with prices of a full kit plus fitting tools. Before I order though, is their anywhere in the UK you can still source a bushing/bearing kit from or anywhere that do the individual bits instead of a full kit? or is it now all done directly through Nicolai in Germany.
Also is the removal/refit possible without the use of the specific tools?
Cheers
Try Geometron bikes, Mojo had become the U.K. importer if Nicolai before they went their separate ways so they may be able to help. The advantage is you save the postage from Germany which is a lot. As for the tools, they are just drifts but drifts that fit perfectly, so well worth having. I think the 2013 was full bushings/no bearings? It’s a bit of a faff job but to be fair it’s usually only the top hat bushing that needs replacing so worth doing only that one first and keep nipping up the bearing cap/grub screws on the others once in a while. In my experience the bushings have little to no wear even after a few years.
If it’s a bearing model then it’s equally useful to buy the tools.
Thanks duir , i tried ringing geometron bikes today a couple of times but no answer, will keep trying or send an email.
Yeah pretty sure mines on full bushings as it has the little grub screw on the other side from the bolt head.
I think the horst link runs on a sets of bearings though.
Is their a part number or something for the bushings so they can be sourced elsewhere? Like you would for hub bearings etc
I have an older Helius that uses needle roller bearings. Easily available at my local bearing supplier. They need replacing every three years or so, likewise the shafts that they bear upon. The Nicolai website may give exploded diagrams of the assembly so that you can get the dimensions of the required parts.
The bushings seldom need replacing providing that you keep everything snug, as mentioned by duir. The bushings are manufactured by IGUS who have a base in the UK.
https://www.igus.co.uk/wpck/5116/bicycle
Give them a call, they are really helpful.
IGUS are 01604677240
Cheers for the IGUS contact info, I will give them a call. I have some diagrams from nicolai but they are hand drawn type things and in German. Will see how i get on
Try Neil @ Moonglu in ripon they were a Nicolai dealer. He may or may not have stock but im sure he will be able to point you in the right direction.