Adjusting the chain or belt tension
The bicycle you have purchased is a quality product. Nevertheless, as with other vehicles, you must look after the bike regularly and carry out regular maintenance work. This is the only way to guarantee the durable and safe function of all parts, as well as driving pleasure and safety over several years.
Adjust the belt tension on the veloheld.alleyX (from 2020), veloheld.lane and veloheld.path models
Instructions for tensioning the belt or chain on your veloheld bike
These instructions contain important information on adjusting the eccentric bottom bracket (EBB). Please read them carefully. If you are unsure or have no experience with this work, please contact a specialist workshop or contact us at info@veloheld.de / +49 (0) 351 212 952 95.
Belt tension by means of eccentric bottom bracket (EBB)
To ensure that your veloheld bike runs reliably and efficiently, it is important to regularly check the tension of the belt (or the chain if your model is equipped with a chain) and adjust it if necessary.
The belt should be tightened for the first time after the first 300 – 500 kilometres. After that, we recommend a check approximately every 1000 km. This is because the drive components run in over time and are subject to normal wear.
- If the tension is too low, the belt may slip or jump off.
- Too much tension can put excessive strain on the bearings and seals of the rear wheel hub and increase wear on the entire drive system.
Tools required
- 5 mm Allen key
- Face spanner (or alternatively a 4 mm Allen key with a long shaft)
- grease
- Torque spanner
Checking the tension
- Turn the cranks 2-3 times and check the tension of the belt or chain at various points along the chain stay.
- Press the belt together with your fingers approximately in the centre of the chain stay.
- If the belt can be compressed by more than 10 mm with an applied force of 2 – 4.5 kg, it must be retightened.
The same applies to the chain drive.
Tensioning the belt or chain
- Loosen the clamping screws
Use a 5 mm Allen key to loosen the two clamping screws on the underside of the eccentric bottom bracket housing (EBB). - Increase tension
- Insert the face spanner into the holes provided on the non-drive side of the housing and turn the EBB in the direction of travel.
- If no face spanner is available: Use the short shaft of a 4 mm Allen key and place the long shaft as a lever on the bottom bracket shaft or crank (protect the crank from scratches). Pressing downwards rotates the housing forwards and increases the tension.
- Check the tension
After tensioning, check the tension along the entire belt again. If necessary, repeat the process. - Note the alignment
Make sure that the eccentric inner bearing does not move horizontally so that the belt line remains exact. - Tighten the clamping screws
Tighten the screws evenly to 12 Nm using a torque spanner.
Your veloheld bike is now optimally adjusted and ready for use again. If you have any questions, please contact us!
EBB maintenance
To ensure the adjustability of the EBB inner bearing over the years and to eliminate creaking noises caused by dirt or similar, the eccentric must be removed once a year, cleaned and the EBB housing re-greased. This should be carried out by a bicycle dealer as part of the annual inspection.
Do you still have questions?
Are you unsure about the structure? Do you have questions about the individual steps? Or do you need help in general? Contact us or get in touch with a professional two-wheeler specialist!
