Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions
Wheel protection is an exceptional service product with which you can enjoy the uncomplicated repair or the uncomplicated free exchange of your defective wheel. All information, especially our wheel protection regulations can be found here.
Please report the chip numbers of the stolen wheels immediately either
We keep the stolen wheels in a database, so that they can be identified immediately, e.g. in service. Furthermore, we can check on request (e.g. after a purchase of a used wheels) whether the wheel was reported as stolen by the previous owner.
You can also register your chip number as stolen at www.bikefinder.de Of course you should report any theft to the police!
Lightweight wheels are generally sold through specialized bicycle dealers (retail shops or shops with online shop).
We are of the opinion that advice from a trained dealer helps to prevent mistakes during purchase and later use. Furthermore, you will always have a competent contact person for questions or maintenance and for the procurement of accessories or spare parts.
You can find a list of the dealers we supply here.
All Lightweight wheels can of course also be purchased separately. Your bike dealer will be happy to advise you. You can find detailed product information about our wheels on our homepage here.
Each Lightweight wheel is equipped with an individually numbered read only microchip. This enables a distinctive registration. All relevant production data of the corresponding wheel are thus traceable. In addition, we can use this chip number, for example, to determine whether a wheel has been reported as stolen.
Our models MEILENSTEIN Tubular and GIPFELSTURM have been approved for cross-country racing, as far as the mechanical loads alone are concerned. Are limitations in terms of durability of the braking surface is considerably compared to the pure road use. Thus, the braking surface of our cyclocross wheels wear out much faster. Information about the durability can not be made at this point, this is very much on the rider, route and depending on degree of soiling.
For registered Lightweight products, Lightweight offers crash replacement and goodwill provisions – including for material defects (warranty) beyond the statuary liability period. In respect of irreparable damage, e.g. as a result of an accident, we guarantee a reduction of 30% on the respective list price when buying a new Lightweight product as a replacement. The right of replacement must be claimed direct from Lightweight (carbovation GmbH). When this provision is exercised the irreparable Lightweight product will remain in our possession.
Slight damage to your Lightweight products will also be repaired by us for free, even after the expiry of the statutory warranty period – the maximum time spent on repairs is 0.5 hours. We alone will decide whether a repair will be carried out for free – in no case is there a right to free repair of damage caused by the customer! In cases of damage caused by the customer, please send us the affected Lightweight product for assessment. After estimating the time required for the necessary repairs, these will either be carried out for free or you will receive a quotation from us. The decision as to whether the repairs are to be carried out will be yours alone.
You may only use the original Lightweight brake pads, which are included in the standard delivery, because our brake pads are adjusted and developed in cooperation with our technical partner to our carbon resin system. Other brake pads can damage the brake track considerably or leave barely visible residues which can lead to braking problems or a loss of metering ability. If you disregard this requirement, you will lose any claim under warranty, goodwill and/or WHEEL PROTECTION.
You can get the right brake pads from your local dealer or in our Onlineshop.
The tolerance of 0.4 mm applies to the following models:
The tolerance of 0.5 mm applies to all Lightweight wheels.
We recommend the use of tubeless sealant. We use the tubeless sealant from the firm No Tubes. The benefits lie not only in that if one rides over sharp objects one does not necessarily get a flat tyre and one can save having to put on a new tyre or replacing the tube, one can also avoid damaging the carbon rim flanges as it does not lead to a “roll-out” following a rapid loss of air in the tyres. This is to be particularly recommended for the “Standard C“ models as well, as a damaged rim flange is irreparable. Moreover, a flat tyre can result in a rapid loss of control of the bicycle which could lead to a serious fall.
The tubeless sealant is best poured in prior to putting on the tyres. To avoid the valve clogging, it should be removed before filling. In addition, one can treat the valve rubber lightly with Vaseline for example. If in use in association with disc wheels note should be taken that it is almost impossible to subsequently fill the tyre with tubeless sealant.
Each Lightweight wheel is equipped with an individually numbered read-only microchip. Through this, a unique registration is possible – all relevant production data of the associated wheel is thus traceable.
Only Lightweight wheels registered by the initial purchaser can enjoy the Lightweight (carbovation GmbH) guarantee - and service provisions! You will find your individual chip number on the last page of your manual.
You will also find this and further information in the user manual and on our website at www.lightweight.info. Please register your Lightweight wheels within 8 weeks after receipt!
You can also register your chip number at www.bikefinder.de – find more information on bikefinder®’s services on the website given above.
Each Lightweight wheel has a laminated magnet (on the Ventoux model the magnet is fixed to a spoke), approximately opposite the valve. If the construction method of your road bike fork does not allow for the correct orientation of the front wheel sensor on the laminated magnet, inquire a specialist retailer about a suitable wheel magnet! Never use a wheel magnet with a screw clamp – the clamping screw seriously damages the fibres of the carbon spokes. A serious accident could be the result.
As well as the application instructions of the manufacturer of the tyre glue and/or the adhesive tape, you should also make sure that you do not use tubular tyres that are too wide. In respect of tyres that are too wide, the tyre cross-section and the rim bed no longer match optimally, such that the adhesive force of the glue/adhesive tape can be diminished.
Preferably you should choose wheels with a width of 22–24 mm, the maximum permissible tyre width is 27 mm.
Look at our video:
Lightweight makes no special limitations or approvals for the use of tyre adhesives.
However, we recommend the use of tyre adhesives from Continental – they have an excellent record with respect to adhesive power and durability, with both the standard adhesive and the special adhesive for carbon rims.
Basically we recommend the use of tyre adhesive for fitting tubular tyres. This provides the most durable connection between tyres and rims. However, we have also had first class experience with the adhesive tape “Extrem“ from TUFO; but please note that TUFO gives no warranty in connection with other tyre manufacturers – this applies only to use with TUFO tyres.
Basically there are two different types of valve extensions, both of which can be used.
Because of easier handling, we recommend the second variant. Optimised for use with the Continental tubular tyres and/or tubes in association with the Lightweight high-profile wheels, we offer a light aluminium valve extension weighing only 1.6 grams, which you can buy from your specialist retailer.
The Lightweight valve extension must be installed before the first fitting of the tyre. You can find the detailed installation instructions in your user manual under “Installing a valve extension“.
Each wheel model has an individual weight restriction. These are given as maximum total weight in kilograms and include the total weight of the rider + bicycle + possible baggage. For a combination of different wheels (e.g. 16 spoke front wheel with a standard rear wheel) the lower maximum total weight applies! Please take the precise weight restrictions from your user manual or the technical data on our website at www.lightweight.info.
No. Lightweight wheels may not be used on tandems. The forces arising caused by a turning manoeuvre or acceleration, are under certain circumstances too great and could lead to a wheel collapse. Lightweight wheels are designed exclusively
With the use of Lightweight wheels on tandems you lose all warranty and wheel protection rights.
Most pump heads of modern floor pumps are too big for the valve opening of the Lightweight disc wheels. We supply a suitable adapter with each new disc wheel, with the help of which the tyres can be pumped up. Should you need such an adapter, you can buy it direct from your specialist retailer or directly in our Online-Shop.
The two black stickers are intended for sealing the valve opening of your Lightweight disc wheel. You can buy or reorder these direct from your specialist retailer or directly in our Online-Shop.
In 2009 and 2010 Team Milram rode on Lightweight wheels with an appearance tailor made for them. What is often only a dream for every cyclist is reality with Lightweight! The most important optical and technical feature that makes the WeissEdition wheel so unique is the revolutionary new white Duraflon®-coating. Duraflon® gives the SpecialEdition an extremely durable, scratch-proof and smooth surface with a lovely, semi-matte look – with an added weight of only 40 grams. The WeissEdition is no longer available.
The WeissEdition wheels are approximately 40 grams heavier than their uncoated counterparts. Please note that the WeissED is no longer available
Currently the following wheels are approved by the UCI:
Yes, you can!
A great deal depends on how clean your rims and brake pads are.
Sand and dirt on the brake track area and in the brake pads have a negative influence on service life. When you brake, this film of dirt acts like sandpaper and destroys the surfaces. So be sure to clean your wheels and brake pads regularly, especially when you have been cycling in the rain.
Replace your brake pads once a year.
Check the brake track areas at regular intervals for residue from the brake pads. If there is residue from the brake pads on the rims, you will also hear a loud noise when you brake. Brake pad residue also generates increased heat build-up on the rims, which can lead to unpleasantly jerky braking.
For preference, you should clean off brake pad residue with our cleaner for brake track areas or with methylated spirits.
Also, make sure that your brake pads are adjusted correctly, in accordance with the instructions in our owner's manual.
Check the toothed lock washers of your freewheel system every 5000 km. For information on how to do this, see our technical documentation, which is enclosed with your wheels. Replace damaged components with original DT Swiss parts only.
Lubricate components exclusively with the original DT Swiss special freewheel grease, which is available from your specialist dealer or directly in our Online-Shop.
No. The bearing of the Lightweight front wheel hub can lose its ease of movement over time. In this case, send us the affected wheel. The Lightweight front wheel hub may only be serviced by us.
Furthermore, you will put your rights in respect of defects in quality and the warranty at risk by incorrectly carried out assembly and maintenance work! Get in touch with us for this! You can find all contact details here: Service
Yes!
The DT-Swiss Rotor on the Lightweight rear wheels from the 2005 model year may be changed by you. Please follow the instructions on changing the rotor in your user manual. You can also find the user manual in our Download area.
ATTENTION! Do not overestimate your technical abilities – get the assembly and maintenance work on the Lightweight rear wheel hub carried out in a DT Swiss service centre or a bicycle workshop. It is only there that correct installation is guaranteed. Furthermore, you will put your rights in respect of defects in quality and the guarantee at risk by incorrectly carried out assembly and maintenance work!
You are welcome to send your wheel for servicing or changing the rotor to our Service Department in Friedrichshafen. However, please contact us BEFORE sending it.
No!
The bearing of the Lightweight rear wheel hub can lose its ease of movement over time. In this case, send us the affected wheel. Do not overestimate your technical abilities – get the assembly and maintenance work on the Lightweight rear wheel hub carried out in a DT Swiss service centre or a bicycle workshop. It is only there that correct installation is guaranteed. Furthermore, you will put your rights in respect of defects in quality and the warranty at risk by incorrectly carried out assembly and maintenance work! You are welcome to send your wheel for servicing or changing the rotor to our Service Department in Friedrichshafen. However, please contact us BEFORE sending it.
Firstly, strong juddering when braking is very annoying and, secondly, can be dangerous as well, if your bicycle cannot be controlled properly when braking.
Please observe the following instructions:
If there is no improvement or the juddering is in a range unacceptable to you, send the wheel to our Service Department in Friedrichshafen, adhering to our repair terms and conditions. Please get in touch with us BEFORE sending in your application.
We provide statutory liability for material defects (warranty) in respect of all material and workmanship for all Lightweight products. Within this period we will replace faulty products at no cost to the user. The period of liability commences with the first purchase of the relevant Lightweight product.
In addition to this obligatory covers, we offer the following voluntary warranty and customer services:
Unfortunately, a complete break of one or more spokes is not repairable.
Individual breaks or fibre damage on the spokes are reparable, insofar as 2/3rds of the width of the spoke is not affected. In addition, it is necessary to check whether the spoke break has led to a loss of tension, which no longer permits a renewed centring of the wheel.
In respect of irreparable damage, you can claim our crash replacement, insofar as you have registered your wheel with us in due time. Should you have concluded a still valid wheel protection for your Lightweight wheel, you can avail of this. Just get in touch with us.
A complete break of the rim ring is irreparable. If the rim is only partially broken, we can repair it under certain circumstances.
In respect of irreparable damage, you can claim our crash replacement, insofar as you have registered your wheel with us in due time. Should you have concluded a still valid wheel protection for your Lightweight wheel, you can avail of this.
In most cases, eruptions because of falls and punctures on all our tubular tyre models are repairable. In every case with respect to the clincher tyre models, an assessment by our specialists will clarify whether a repair can be carried out without restricting subsequent riding safety.
An initial assessment can normally take place on the basis of photographs – please send pictures to repair(at)lightweight.info. Or send your wheel to our Service Department in Friedrichshafen, adhering to our repair terms and conditions. Please contact us BEFORE sending in the wheel.
CrashReplacement is a voluntary service from Lightweight (carbovation GmbH), which is offered for registered Lightweight products.
In respect of irreparable damage, e.g. as a result of an accident, we guarantee a reduction of 30% on the respective list price when buying a new Lightweight product as a replacement. The right of replacement must be claimed direct from Lightweight (carbovation GmbH). When this provision is exercised, the irreparable Lightweight product becomes our property and will be disposed by us in an environmentally sound manner.