How to Set Up the Rear Wheel on a Hardtail

A hardtail frame, as opposed to a softtail frame, refers to a bicycle, usually a mountain bike, that does not have rear-end shock absorbers. To set up the rear wheel on a hardtail mountain bike, you will need to install the wheel onto the rear fork and set the chain on the rear wheel gear sprockets. This is a relatively simple and tool-free process for many mountain bikes that are equipped with a quick release, but otherwise all you need is a wrench.

Things You'll Need

  • Crescent wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn your bike upside down, allowing the bike to rest on the seat and handlebars.

    • 2

      Disable the rear brakes by lifting the brake lever on the brake shoe and unhooking the brake calipers.

    • 3

      Lift the chain and place it on the lowest gear cog of your new wheel.

    • 4

      Slide the wheel onto the rear fork of the frame. Center it with the frame before tightening the wheel onto the bike.

    • 5

      Fix the wheel onto the fork by tightening the quick release lever in a clockwise motion and folding the lever down when you have enough tension. If you do not have a quick release on your rear wheel, tighten the bolts on each side of the wheel with a crescent wrench. Reattach the brakes.