Mahle X35 Rear Wheel Removal/Installation

In this short video I demonstrate my method for removing/refitting an Ebikmotion rear wheel, together with how through axles are removed. This is demonstrated on a Ribble CGR AL e but its the same system on e bikes by brands such as Colnago, Willier, Orbea, Merida, Pinarello Cannondale, Lapierre, Bianchi and many more. This is all accompanied by a sunny ride in Lincolnshire and a very brief visit to the International Bomber Command Centre - Lincoln.
If you want to bypass all the riding nonsense, just skip to 3.30
For details about G and his challenge, you can watch the video here: • Grant's Cycling Challenge
And relevant links are here:
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Email to offer support or arrange to meet for a ride: [e-mail]
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[@keithsmith2579]

Roy, after watching your vlogs when you were riding the CGR AL-e, I decided that it was the e- bike that fitted my needs; at 13 kegs, if I run out of battery it’s easily rideable home unassisted. My first outing a few weeks back on 28 Jan, the temperature was around 3-5c we rode 27 miles and when I got back was surprised to find that the battery had only 19% power remaining. After a quick chat with a youngster at Ribble, he confirmed that the low temperature would have impacted on the battery’s capacity. In contrast, the following week I rode out and in a slightly higher temperature and with also better battery management, ok only 21 miles but more hills, got back with 87%. My apologies if I’ve put you to sleep by now, but thought as I accredit you with having convinced me to buy the bike that I’d share my experiences so far on the CGR AL-e. Onto rear wheel removal and refitting, thanks for you excellent teach in on this subject, no matter what bike I always loathe refitting the rear wheel, your video made this easier. The reason I watched your blog was that I really don’t fancy having to fix a puncture on the rear wheel so have I put slime fluid to hopefully reduce the incidence of the dreaded flat tyre, it has worked so far for over 2 years on my Specialized Roubaix, so I’m hoping for similar puncture free riding. One last comment; to do this, I had to change the inner tubes to ones that have removable valve cores which of course required removing and refitting the Schwalbe Allround tyres……what a effort they required to get back on…..my reason for sliming the tubes was that should I suffer a puncture and if it was a cold winter’s day I dreaded to think what having to do this would be like, I even resorted to using the wife’s hairdryer to warm up the tyre, I eventually got them back on but it isn’t an experience I want to repeat, especially out on a country road in the cold. Anyone else had problems refitting these tyres? Apart from that, I’m thoroughly enjoying the bike; thanks for inspiring me!

[@RideWithRoy]

Thanks for taking the time to write this, Keith. Yes, temperature does play a big part in range. I also found that it takes a few charge cycles to reach full potential, together with getting used to the bike. If I’m using low power on a ride with a few climbs I expect to average 40 miles. However, I lowered the power in the green setting, via the app, and now get about 48 miles. With regard to the tyre fitting. If you haven’t already got one, I would strongly recommend getting a Tyre Glider. Once you get the hang of it it’s a breeze on even the tightest tyres.

[@David-lp2fv]

Thanks for this Roy. In the excitement of fitting new tyres I didn’t take the care to observe the position of the lug washers when removing the rear wheel. Saved the day for me. 😀

[@RideWithRoy]

Thanks, David, always good to know it helped 👍

[@DennisBishop]

One (hopefully) helpful tip is to grasp the rear brake lever when you're snugging up the axle on the disc brake side. This ensures your rear brake rotor is centered between the brake pads and will prevent any annoying rubbing. Same goes for the front wheel.

[@andrewbaker7365]

Thanks for that one Roy, lovely countryside you have there in Lincolnshire nearly as good as Yorkshire sorry bit biased. If you remember I am the one getting back into cycling after ten years same bike as yourself at 65 its hard work but good fun

[@RideWithRoy]

Yes, I have no problem agreeing with you about Yorkshire, Andrew. I love the fact that the CGR AL e is light enough to ride unpowered. I did 68 miles last Sunday and rode 57 of those unpowered, due to riding with someone steadier and non powered. Granted it was a flat part of Lincolnshire, but does prove it’s doable if it becomes necessary. I would imagine it’s a bit lumpier in you neck of the woods. Good to hear you are still enjoying your return 👍

[@michaelleek2036]

Thanks so much for this video Roy. I have an Orbea version of your e-bike. Today I was replacing the original tyres with a 'slicker' tyre and couldn't get the front wheel off. Then I remembered your video with the removable through axle and the problem was sorted!

[@RideWithRoy]

Thanks, Michael. This alone has made it all worthwhile. I’m so glad it helped.👍

[@tonytheantony]

Excellent Roy! Wow! Fantastic view of Lincoln Catherdral, a friendly sight back in the day for 5 Group crews returning.

[@geoffreyramsden8798]

Thank you Roy, for your guidance on removing rear wheel on my Ribble emotion bike, I will have a practice as you suggested.

[@David-lp2fv]

Thanks Roy. Interested to see the sensor as I’ve had a few problems with my Cannondale ‘losing connection’. Been back to Evans twice now but have to say they have been very good. They replaced the sensor this time and I’m out for a ride today. Hopefully no more problems.

[@RideWithRoy]

I hope it all works for you David, it’s annoying when these things happen with an expensive bike. I am taking a chap on his first 50 miler, today, but just waiting for the rain to pass. I don’t mind getting caught in the rain but prefer not to start a ride in it. Have a good day and let me know if fault cured.

[@dcocks]

David does it say throttle error I get this on my Ribble same motor EBM know about this problem but it seems to be a app fault and not the motor as it makes no difference how the bike runs

[@keithhowland9333]

Thanks again Roy, I think the new video was quite an improvement, 👍 as said still awaiting my shipment and looking forward to getting on the road this summer after my hip replacement today🙄😷💉😊Take care and keep the videos coming👍

[@David-lp2fv]

@@dcocks No David. The bike flashes a purple fault light and the App gives a ‘SENSORS 4V3 ERROR’. Reference material suggests checking all connections and then replace the sensor. The first time it happened Evans stripped the bike and it just started working. But after a few rides it went again. This time, guided by the U.K. Cannondale distributor, they replaced the sensor. I’ve done 30 miles today and so far, so good.

[@RideWithRoy]

@@keithhowland9333 blimey, Keith! Hip replaced today? Let’s hope recovery and bike arrival coincide. The problem with the video was that I always upload a low quality version, for speed, to check all works on YT. This is set to private. For some reason, YT published the draft. The latest version is in 4K and takes 12 hours to develop into fully fledged 4K. I take ages over editing so want the finished version to be as clear as possible. Anyway, I wish you and your new hip well and look forward to hearing that you are out on that new bike 👍

[@rodhudd6778]

Another good one thanks Roy.

[@javierbarrientos3795]

Many thanks for all your interesting videos!

[@RideWithRoy]

And many thanks for your kind comment, Javier 😀

[@granthammond8505]

Hi Roy, To update my challenge I am now at 20% of my target for 2021 of 20,210km (you did get it right😀) (12/3/21). I noticed when you took the back wheel out you had your chain on the large chainring. If you put it on the small chainring before removing the wheel it will give more slack in the chain and makes things easier. Looking forward to riding together again soon.

[@RideWithRoy]

Well done, G, that’s a great efforts considering the weather. Although I have seen both ‘small to small’ and ‘large to small’ recommended, I use ‘large to small’ so I have a straight chain. I find this helps with wheel relocation, especially with disc brakes. Obviously, if there isn’t enough slack with that, ‘small to small’ will help.

[@notyetdeadadventures]

Great 👍 video pal thank you 🙏 🚴

[@sheseltine5586]

Looks a great place to ride!

[@RideWithRoy]

It really is. I can choose hills or flat, depending on my mood.

[@margareteleighton3611]

Very helpful, since we had to do this

[@FENCYCLIST]

Thank you for informing me about the Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, now want to include it in a Dambusters ride I want to do once Lockdown ends, from Peterborough to East Kirkby, Woodhall Spa the see the Dambusters Memorial, then RAF Scampton, and Lady Bower Reservoir, and now going to include the Bomber Command Centre on my way to Scampton.

[@RideWithRoy]

That’s going to be an epic trip, Michael. It would be worth adding the small museum at Metheringham to the route www.metheringhamairfield.co.uk/visiting.html. In my flying days I used to hangar my microlight at Metheringham. Approaching to land at dusk conjured up some strange feelings. Probably all in the mind - or were they? The ghost of a young WAAF is supposed to haunt the perry track. Leaving the field one pitch black night I avoided looking in my rear view mirror, just in case she was along for the ride 👀.

[@FENCYCLIST]

@@RideWithRoy thank you, I am very interested in the old airfields, especially if there is a nice memorial, there, last remembrance Sunday I visited 6 near me, King's Cliff where Glen Miller played his last concert, before his disappearance, Spanhoe, Deenethorpe, Grafton Underwood, Polebrook, and Glatton,

[@RideWithRoy]

@@FENCYCLIST another one worth a visit, if you haven’t been already, is RAF Tempsford. I did a lot of my training circuits there. As a SOE departure point, it played a key part in the war. The Barn is worth walking to. www.tempsfordmemorial.co.uk/history.html

[@Danrandon900]

very useful video Roy - great info should i get any riders on my rides with a puncture. Owners with SRAM rear mechs will benefit from using their cage lock to keep the chain slack during reinstall.

[@CrazyAboutCycling]

A gréât vidéo. David, what do you carry to undo the wheel?! On rides that is

[@RideWithRoy]

Just the correct size Hex key as it’s a standard through axle.

[@CrazyAboutCycling]

@@RideWithRoy what you used is quite bike… I need to find a ‘small-ish’ version to carry… Thanks 🙏🏽

[@RideWithRoy]

These are usually found in the small multi tool sets that most bike shops sell. This is all I use and it is small but works well

[@CrazyAboutCycling]

@@RideWithRoy I probably have some; as a weight weenie I have never had to carry large stuff. My tarmac needs this & my de Rosa, but much smaller sized… I was shocked at how much bigger the rear of the Orbea was…

[@RideWithRoy]

I’m surprised that a weight weenie would even consider electric 😀 With all that power you won’t notice the multi tool

[@Brookes79]

Thanks Roy, I've read it's a good idea to clean the magnets of any dust or dirt (with some isopropyl alcohol) once in a while, as some people have had sensor error messages on the app & seen the dreaded purple light flashing. Is this something you do?

[@RideWithRoy]

Thanks for the question, Leon. No, I don’t do that and don’t think it necessary. Magnetism isn’t affected by a build up of dirt or grease and I wash the bike regularly in any case. I don’t pay any special attention to the sensor and have never had it cause an error. What I have been noticing lately is that at the end of a full charge I have been greeted by the purple light of doom. I put this down to an over voltage error so just spin the motor up while pressing the iWoc and it clears.

[@Brookes79]

@@RideWithRoy funny you should say that, I had the same issue, contacted Ribble & they directed me to my LBS, who were authorised to have the Mahle update device, so I took it down & got my F/W update, not had any issues since

[@PaulGreenVlog]

Where is the track at 0:50 ? Another useful video .... The Bomber centre is on my list for summer riding.

[@RideWithRoy]

It’s near Digby, Paul. To be precise ///commit.surface.relaxed. It was a chance find as G was on his square search.

[@b.griffin317]

The hex socket (on my X35) seems to be the very unusual size of 8.5mm. When I try a 8mm Allen/hex key it fits very loosely (and makes me worried about stripping it). Do you need a special tool or will a 8mm do even if it feels loose in the socket?

[@RideWithRoy]

If you’re referring to the through axle, the 8mm hex key fits fairly snugly on mine (I’ve just checked it, and the key). That’s a part supplied by the bike manufacturer so you could either ask for a replacement (if in warranty) or buy a new through axle.

[@jimb8888]

Hi Roy, is it possible to fit a normal rear wheel (e.g. a regular spare wheel with maybe an axle adaptor/ spacer fitted ?). This would then be a good option for when going out for more flatter terrain rides where the motor is not really required. - Perhaps this could be put on another video? Thanks.

[@RideWithRoy]

Thanks for the question James. This is one you would definitely need to ask Ribble. I can tell you that the internal width is 135mm and it would require a through axle. I would imagine the tricky part would be lining up with the disc calliper. Personally, I find the bike so easy to ride without power that I wouldn’t go to the bother of this mod. There is absolutely no friction from the motor. You would save the weight of the motor, but the battery isn’t removable, so not much of a gain.