MAINTAINING

MAINTAINING

To get the best out of your Van Nicholas bike, it is of course important to give it proper maintenance and a bit of love. Titanium is very strong, but in order to keep it's natural beauty and radiance, we provide you with some tips & tricks.

CLEANING

Cleaning your Van Nicholas 

 

Use warm water with a mild soap solution and a sponge without an abrasive surface, rinse with clean water, and dry with a soft towel. We discourage using a high-pressure washer for cleaning your bicycle, to keep the frame decals and components in the best condition. Be cautious around strong solvents to avoid damage to the decals; common all-purpose cleaners will not harm the decals. To restore the original luster of Titanium, apply a thin layer of WD40 or Pledge furniture oil using a soft cloth.

 

How to remove scratches from a Titanium Van Nicholas frame?

On the Van Nicholas brushed frames it will be very easy to remove or blend minor surface scratches. Best results are obtained by using 3M Scotch Brite® Type A (fine grain) pads. Cut the pad into 2" (5 cm) strips and polish the frame lightly with straight movements perpendicular to the tube. Make sure not to do this on a decal though, since you might (partly) remove it. Finally use Pledge furniture oil or WD40 to restore the Titanium’s natural radiance.

DECALS

Can I get replacement decals?

We cannot supply replacement decals due to the process involved in application. Basecoat decals are used. These are applied at the factory with a special fluid and cured in an oven.

 

How to remove decals from a Titanium Van Nicholas frame?

You can remove the decals with thinner (paint thinner). The best way is to dip a cloth with thinner and let it soak into the decal and then rub it off, you probably must repeat this a few times. Then properly degrease the frame. Afterwards brush the frame with a 3M Scotch Brite® Type A (fine grain) scourer, to get the nice, brushed finish again.

MUDGUARDS

Do you want to install mudguard on your Rowtag? Please check attached assembly instructions to mount your Rowtag mudguards.

VN_Rowtag_Mudguards_Assemblly.pdf

QUICK FIXES

I have a creaking sound near my bottom bracket on my Zephyr, Skeiron, Yukon Disc, or Rowtag, but I cannot determine its source, what could be the cause?

Loosen the thru-axle and remove the rear wheel from the bike. Disassemble the derailleur hanger and threaded thru axle nut. Thoroughly clean both parts to remove dirt and deposits. Apply lubricant to both parts. Reassemble the derailleur hanger and threaded thru axle nut. Clean the thru-axle thoroughly to remove dirt. Apply lubricant to the thru-axle. Reinstall the rear wheel on the bike. Ensure that the thru-axle is correctly tightened according to the manufacturer's specifications. Normally, the sound should now be gone!

 

Which assembly paste does Van Nicholas use?

Van Nicholas uses Interflon Paste HT1200 a high temperature assembly paste. It provides easy assembly and disassembly and prevents parts from fretting and corrosion. Suitable for threads and other connections of metal, aluminium, stainless steel, light metals and metal alloys. Highly resistant to moisture, (salt)water, acid media, high pressure, and atmospheric effects. Excellent replacement for hazardous products such as copper paste which threaten the environment and health of users and bystanders.

OTHER

How many Spacers (Stack Washers) can I use on a fork steerer?

We recommend 40mm maximum for aluminium and carbon steerer tubes. Any more than this can cause undue leverage and stress on the steerer and will invalidate fork warranty. If you are at max. stack washer height, consider flipping your stem or fitting a riser bar.

 

Can I use a titanium stem in combination with a front fork with a carbon steerer?

Please do not use a Titanium stem in combination with a carbon steerer tube. A Titanium stem requires a high torque to assemble. This can cause severe damage to the carbon steerer tube by putting too much strain on the part, causing the steerer tube collapse in on itself.

 

I bought a used Van Nicholas, does the warranty still apply?

No, Van Nicholas only provides a warranty to the first owner of the frame/bike.

Nothing looks, Rides, Lasts like a Van Nicholas