How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain the Campagnolo Bora One Wheelset

Posted on
in No category

The Campagnolo Bora One [paid link] wheelset is a high-performance carbon wheelset designed for road cyclists seeking aerodynamic efficiency, lightweight construction, and exceptional power transfer. Whether you’re upgrading your wheels or maintaining an existing set, proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring durability and peak performance.

This guide will cover everything from installation to adjustments, maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues. Follow these expert recommendations to maximize your Bora One [paid link] wheelset’s lifespan and riding experience.

Tools Required

  • 10mm hex wrench (for rear hub maintenance)
  • Cassette lockring tool [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link] with hex bits
  • Tire levers
  • Floor pump with a Presta valve adapter
  • Spoke tension meter (optional)
  • Clean rags and degreaser

Installing the Campagnolo Bora One Wheelset

Step 1: Preparing the Frame and Components

Before installing your Bora One [paid link] wheels, ensure the bike frame and drivetrain are clean and free from debris. Check the following:

  • Dropouts are aligned and free of dirt.
  • Brakes (rim or disc) are properly positioned.
  • The cassette and chain are clean and well-lubricated.

Step 2: Installing the Cassette

The Bora One wheels are compatible with Campagnolo, Shimano, and SRAM cassettes (depending on the freehub body). Follow these steps:

  1. Slide the cassette onto the freehub, ensuring each cog fits securely into the splines.
  2. Tighten the cassette lockring using a lockring tool [paid link] and a torque wrench [paid link] (40Nm recommended).

Step 3: Mounting the Tires

The Bora One wheelset is available in clincher, tubeless, and tubular versions. Tire installation differs based on the model:

  • Clincher Tires: Use tire levers to fit the bead onto the rim, then inflate the tube slightly before fully seating the tire.
  • Tubeless Tires: Apply tubeless sealant inside the tire, then use a high-pressure pump to seat the bead onto the rim.
  • Tubular Tires: Apply glue evenly on both the rim and tire base, allowing it to dry before mounting the tire.

Step 4: Installing the Wheels on the Bike

  1. Align the front wheel with the dropouts and insert the thru-axle or quick-release skewer.
  2. Secure the rear wheel by aligning the cassette with the chain and ensuring it sits properly in the dropouts.
  3. Tighten the thru-axle or quick-release skewer to the recommended torque setting.

Adjusting the Campagnolo Bora One Wheelset

Checking Hub Bearing Preload

The Bora One hubs [paid link] use Campagnolo’s USB or CULT ceramic bearings, requiring precise preload adjustment:

  1. Spin the wheel and check for resistance or lateral play.
  2. Use a 10mm hex wrench to fine-tune the preload adjuster.
  3. The wheel should spin freely without excessive lateral movement.

Aligning the Brakes

For rim brake Bora One wheels, check brake pad alignment:

  • Ensure pads contact the brake track evenly.
  • Adjust brake tension using barrel adjusters.

For disc brake Bora One wheels:

  • Align the caliper by loosening the mounting bolts, squeezing the brake lever, and retightening.

Maintaining the Campagnolo Bora One Wheelset

Routine Cleaning and Lubrication

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your wheels:

  • Clean the brake track (for rim models) or rotors (for disc models) using isopropyl alcohol.
  • Inspect spokes and nipples for signs of corrosion or looseness.
  • Lubricate the freehub by applying a small amount of light grease to prevent excessive noise.

Checking and Truing the Wheels

If the wheels develop a wobble:

  1. Use a spoke tension meter to ensure even tension.
  2. Adjust tension by tightening or loosening spokes in small increments.
  3. Check for lateral or radial trueness.

Inspecting and Replacing Bearings

Ceramic bearings last longer but still require periodic checks:

  • Remove the axle and clean the bearings with a degreaser.
  • Inspect for roughness or play.
  • Replace if they feel gritty or worn.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Excessive Brake Noise

  • For rim brakes, clean the brake track and adjust pad alignment.
  • For disc brakes, resurface rotors and check pad wear.

2. Wobbly or Out-of-True Wheels

  • Check spoke tension and re-true the wheel as needed.
  • Inspect the hub shell for cracks or damage.

3. Freehub Drag or Noise

  • Clean and relubricate the freehub mechanism.
  • Check the freehub body for wear or damage.

Conclusion

The Campagnolo Bora One wheelset is a premium choice for performance-driven cyclists. Proper installation, regular adjustments, and thorough maintenance will ensure these wheels remain in peak condition for years. Whether fine-tuning spoke tension, adjusting brake alignment, or servicing the freehub, following these steps will enhance your riding experience and prolong your investment.