Safety Instructions and User Guide

Safety Instructions

Safety Disclaimer

The safety recommendations provided on this website are intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful guidance, these instructions should not be considered exhaustive or a substitute for professional advice, training, or judgment.

By using this information, you acknowledge and agree that Particle shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, or loss resulting from the use or misuse of the safety advice presented. Always ensure your equipment is properly maintained and consult a qualified professional mechanic if you are unsure about any aspect of bicycle safety.

Rider Safety

Cycling is an enjoyable and healthy activity, but it carries inherent risks. To stay safe on the road or trail, all riders should wear a properly fitted helmet and visible clothing, use front and rear lights in low-light conditions, and obey all traffic laws. Always perform a pre-ride safety check, including brakes, tires, and wheels, before heading out.

Remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as headphones or mobile phones, and ride defensively—assume other road users may not see you. Be extra cautious in wet or low-visibility conditions, and always signal your intentions to others.

Pre-Ride Safety Check

We recommend you do the following six safety checks before each ride.

Tire Pressure: Ensure tire pressure is at an appropriate range. Understand that tire pressure can increase and decrease based on riding conditions. Tire pressure will increase in hot weather, when riding on hot pavement, and if left in a hot car for example. Do not let your tire pressure exceed that of the recommended tire pressure labeled on the side of your tire. Understand that your optimal tire pressure is based on factors like your body weight and the width of the tire. Please ensure your tire is compatible with your rim. For compatibility, please see your wheelset’s product page.
Tire Condition: Tires get worn over time and eventually become vulnerable to flats. In addition, road debris can cause punctures, especially on worn tires. If your tire’s wear pattern or knobs are worn down, your tire is visible flattened, there are cuts, cracks or sidewall damage, or any deformities, please change your tire. Even unused tires become brittle after a while. Please do not ride tires that are more than five years old. Understand that rear tires tend to wear faster than front tires.
Brakes: Squeeze your brake levers. They should feel firm. Inspect brake pads for wear. Disc brakes should not be rubbing. If your disc brakes make abnormal noise, we recommend you visit a bike mechanic for a diagnosis. If your disc brake rotors are warped or have become worn, they should be replaced.
Wheels: Spin both wheels to ensure they spin freely without wobbling. If there significant wobble, it means your wheel is not trued properly. Move each wheel side to side to check for loose hub or axle play. If you encounter any of these issues, please visit your local bike shop or contact our customer service. Furthermore, confirm both wheels are securely attached via its quick release or thru-axle. If not, please tighten them.
Rims and Spokes: While carbon spokes and rims are durable, they can become deformed or cracked when hit. Please regularly check to see if the surface of the spokes or rim has any damage. If either has been damaged, please contact our customer service before riding.
Additional Safety Checks: Check your frame for cracks or abnormal sounds. A cracked frame will need to be replaced or repaired. Ensure the handlebar, stem, and seatpost are tight and aligned. Bounce the bike gently listening for any rattling sounds. If you encounter these issues, we recommend you consult a professional bike mechanic. Inspect your helmet for cracks, wear, or past impacts. If you discover any of these, we recommend you replace it. Furthermore, ensure the helmet is not loose. A lose helmet will not protect you during falls and impacts. Please always wear a helmet and cycling gloves.

Tire Pressure Safety Considerations

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for safe and efficient cycling. Underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, increased rolling resistance, and a higher risk of pinch flats. Overinflated tires can reduce traction, increase the risk of blowouts, and make for a harsh ride—especially on uneven or gravel surfaces.

Always refer to the recommended pressure range printed on the tire sidewall and adjust based on the type of riding, rider weight, and terrain. For example, gravel and wet conditions typically require slightly lower pressures for improved traction, while smooth road surfaces may allow for slightly higher pressures. For more information on recommended tire pressures, please read this article.

Weather and Temperature Effects

Cold Weather

Air contracts in cold temperatures, reducing tire pressure. A drop of 10°C (18°F) can lower pressure by approximately 5–7%. Always check your tire pressure before riding in colder conditions, as pressure can appear adequate indoors but drop significantly once outside.

Hot Weather & Direct Sunlight

Heat causes air to expand, potentially raising tire pressure above safe limits. This is especially critical if the bike is left in a hot car or in direct sunlight. Over-pressurized tires increase the risk of blowouts, especially with carbon rims or high-pressure road tires.

Altitude

Higher elevations have lower atmospheric pressure, which means your tires may feel more inflated. While this typically doesn't require adjustment, it's something to be aware of if you're riding in mountainous terrain.

Safe Operation of Disc Brakes

Disc brakes provide powerful and reliable stopping performance in all conditions. However, improper use can lead to loss of control or injury. Always apply both front and rear brakes simultaneously and progressively—sudden or uneven braking can cause skidding or flipping over the handlebars.

Be especially cautious when braking at high speeds, on loose or wet surfaces, or while turning. Avoid touching the disc rotors with bare hands, as they can become extremely hot during use and are sensitive to oils or contaminants, which can reduce braking performance.

If you’re unfamiliar with disc brake systems, we recommend having your bicycle checked and adjusted by a qualified mechanic and practicing controlled braking in a safe environment before riding in traffic or technical terrain.

Rider Weight Limits

To maintain rider safety and ensure optimal performance, our wheels and components have recommended rider weight limits, which you can find on their product pages. These limits help account for the structural integrity of carbon rims, spokes, and hubs, especially under high loads such as sprinting, descending, or off-road riding.

Maximum system weight includes: Rider + Bike + Gear

If you're close to or exceed these thresholds, we recommend choosing a wheelset with a higher weight limit

Avoiding harsh terrain, excessive jumping, or curb drops.

Why It Matters

Carbon fiber offers excellent stiffness and low weight, but it doesn't deform like metal under stress. Exceeding weight limits can lead to rim fatigue, spoke pull-out, or bearing overload. Following these guidelines ensures both safety and warranty coverage.

Installation Instructions

How to Install Clincher Tires

All of our road and gravel wheels are hooked, meaning you can install clincher tires. When installing clincher tires, always inspect the tire and inner tube for any damage or debris before beginning. Ensure the rim tape is properly in place to cover all spoke holes. Ensure your tire is installed in the right direction, as some are directional tires. Insert one side of the tire bead into the rim, then lightly inflate the inner tube just enough to give it shape. Insert the tube into the tire and fit the second bead, starting opposite the valve and working your way around. Be careful not to pinch the tube between the tire and the rim.

Before fully inflating, check that the tire bead is evenly seated all the way around on both sides. Inflate to the recommended pressure indicated on the tire sidewall, then inspect the tire again to ensure it’s seated correctly and there are no bulges or pinched areas.

How to Install Tubeless Tires

All of our wheelsets are “tubeless-ready.” Rim tape comes pre-installed on all of our wheelsets for your convenience. Each wheelset also comes with tubeless valves in the box.

Install the tubeless valve and tighten it securely. Mount one side of the tire, then add the appropriate amount of tubeless sealant inside the tire before fully mounting the second bead.

Use a high-volume pump or air compressor to seat the tire bead onto the rim. You should hear distinct popping sounds as the beads lock into place. Spin and shake the wheel to evenly distribute the sealant. Re-check the air pressure and adjust to your desired setting.

Always verify that the tire is holding pressure and that no sealant is leaking. If unsure, consult a professional mechanic—improper installation can result in sudden air loss while riding.

How to Install Disc Brake Rotors

Before handling rotors, make sure your hands are clean and free of oil or grease. Contaminants can reduce braking performance. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the rotor before and after installation.

If your rotors use a 6-bolt mounting system, align the rotor with the hub, then tighten the bolts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s recommended torque (usually 4–6 Nm). For centerlock rotors, slide the rotor onto the splines and tighten the lockring using the appropriate tool (typically a cassette or bottom bracket tool), again to the specified torque.

Once installed, spin the wheel and ensure the rotor is not rubbing against the brake caliper. You may need to adjust the caliper position or pad alignment. After installation, always bed-in new rotors and pads properly by performing a series of controlled stops at moderate speed to optimize braking performance.

Maintenance Instructions

Freehub, Hub & Bearing Maintenance (Star Ratchet Systems)

All of our hubs use star ratchet freehub mechanisms.

Regular maintenance of your hub system is essential for long-term performance, smooth power transfer, and rider safety—especially for high-end star ratchet hubs found on performance wheelsets.

Star Ratchet Freehub Maintenance

Star ratchet hubs are known for their durability and quick engagement, but they still require periodic maintenance:

Cleaning and Lubrication

Every 3–6 months (or sooner in wet/muddy conditions), remove the freehub body and clean the star ratchets, springs, and surrounding surfaces using a clean rag or isopropyl alcohol. Servicing our hubs is easy, as they do not require tools to remove them.

Use the Right Grease

Reapply specialized star ratchet grease (not regular bearing or freehub oil) to ensure reliable engagement without attracting excessive dirt. Avoid over-lubrication, which can delay engagement or attract grime.

Inspect for Wear

Check the ratchets for pitting, rounding, or metal fatigue. Replace worn ratchets or springs immediately to prevent slipping or power loss under load.

Hub Body & Bearings Maintenance

Sealed Bearings: Our hubs use sealed cartridge bearings, which are low-maintenance but not immune to wear. Spin the wheels by hand—roughness, play, or noise indicates it’s time to replace the bearings.