How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain the Ekar 13s Cassette

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in Campagnolo, Cassette, Ekar

The Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed cassette is a revolutionary component designed specifically for gravel riders, offering smooth shifting, lightweight design, and wide-range gearing. However, proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are crucial for maximizing its lifespan and ensuring flawless performance.

This guide covers the step-by-step installation, adjustment, and maintenance of the Campagnolo Ekar 13s [paid link] cassette, troubleshooting common setup issues, and ensuring compatibility with your drivetrain. Whether you’re upgrading or replacing your cassette, this guide will help you get the best performance from your Ekar groupset.

Tools Required

Before starting, gather the following tools:

Installing the Campagnolo Ekar 13s Cassette

Proper installation of the Ekar 13-speed cassette ensures smooth shifting and drivetrain longevity. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Prepare the Freehub Body

  • Ensure your wheel’s freehub body is Campagnolo N3W compatible, as the Ekar cassette will not fit standard HG or XD [paid link] drivers.
  • Clean the freehub body with a degreaser to remove old grease, dirt, and debris.
  • Apply a thin layer of grease on the freehub splines to prevent corrosion and make future cassette removal easier.

Step 2: Align and Stack the Cogs

  • The Ekar cassette comes in three sections: the largest five cogs are a monoblock cluster, the middle four cogs are a second cluster, and the remaining four are individual cogs.
  • Identify the indexing spline (the wider notch) on each cog section and align it with the corresponding spline on the freehub.
  • Slide the largest monoblock cluster onto the freehub first, followed by the middle cluster and then the individual cogs, ensuring they are in the correct order.

Step 3: Install the Lockring

  • Thread the Campagnolo-specific lockring onto the cassette by hand to avoid cross-threading.
  • Use a lockring tool [paid link] to tighten it to 40Nm torque as recommended by Campagnolo.
  • Check that all cogs are seated correctly and there are no gaps between them.

Adjusting the Ekar 13s Cassette for Optimal Shifting

Proper adjustment ensures smooth and crisp shifting across all 13 gears.

Step 1: Check Derailleur Alignment

  • Before fine-tuning, ensure your Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed rear derailleur is properly installed.
  • Use a derailleur hanger alignment tool to confirm that the hanger is straight. Misalignment can cause ghost shifting and inconsistent gear changes.

Step 2: Set the B-Screw for Correct Chain Gap

  • The B-screw adjusts the upper jockey wheel’s clearance from the cassette.
  • Shift to the largest cog and check that the jockey wheel is 5-7mm away from the cog.
  • If needed, turn the B-screw clockwise to increase the gap or counterclockwise to reduce it.

Step 3: Index the Shifting

  • Shift through the gears while making small barrel adjuster turns to fine-tune cable tension.
  • If shifting feels slow going to a larger cog, increase tension slightly.
  • If shifting to a smaller cog feels delayed, reduce tension slightly.

Maintaining the Campagnolo Ekar 13s Cassette

Regular maintenance extends the life of your cassette and ensures peak drivetrain efficiency.

Cleaning the Cassette

  • Remove the rear wheel and use a chain whip to hold the cassette in place.
  • Spray degreaser on a clean rag or brush, then wipe between the cogs to remove dirt and grime.
  • Rinse with a damp cloth and allow to dry before reinstalling.

Lubrication Best Practices

  • Do not apply lubricant directly to the cassette, as this attracts dirt and accelerates wear.
  • Instead, ensure the chain is properly lubricated to minimize friction and cassette wear.
  • Use a wax-based lube [paid link] for dry conditions or a wet lube [paid link] for muddy and rainy conditions.

Checking for Wear and Replacing the Cassette

  • A worn cassette can cause chain skipping and poor shifting performance.
  • Measure chain wear with a chain checker tool—if the chain is worn beyond 0.5% elongation, replace it to prevent cassette wear.
  • If shifting issues persist even with a new chain, inspect the cassette teeth for hooked or worn edges and replace if necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Ekar 13s Cassette

1. Poor Shifting Performance

  • Ensure cable tension is properly adjusted with the barrel adjuster.
  • Check for derailleur hanger misalignment.
  • Inspect the chain for wear or stiff links.

2. Skipping or Jumping Gears

  • Verify that the cassette lockring is tightened to 40Nm.
  • Check for a worn chain that may be skipping on worn cassette teeth.

3. Noisy Drivetrain

  • Clean and relubricate the chain and cassette.
  • Ensure the cassette is properly seated on the freehub.

Final Thoughts

The Campagnolo Ekar 13s [paid link] cassette is a precision-engineered component that requires proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance to deliver optimal performance. By following these steps, you can ensure smooth shifting, increased longevity, and peak efficiency on your gravel rides.