TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT TIRES CAN I USE ON MY ROUND BETTY WHEELS?
Round Betty rims will accept any tire made for wheelchair use. You can use 1-3/8" tires, 1" tires (recommend size if using solid "flat-free" tires), or even mountain bike tires (26x1.95"-559 mtn. bike tires will fit our 25" (559) wheels).
WHAT MAINTENANCE DO MY ROUND BETTY WHEELS REQUIRE?
Keep them clean. Occasionally take your wheels off the chair, remove the axle and wipe the bear Bearings, hub, and axle with a dry rag. The bearings are sealed, so you will not need to grease them. We recommend you inspect your wheels occasionally to make sure spokes are tight, the rim is not damaged and your tire pressure is adequate.
MY TIRES DON'T FIT, DO I HAVE THE WRONG SIZE?
Chances are you have the right size. Some tire brands can be difficult to install. To be sure, look at the numbers labeled on the side of the tire. For example: If you have 24" Round Betty wheels the tire should have the numbers "540" on the sidewall. 20" wheels = "451" / 22" wheels = "501" / 24" wheels = "540" / 25" wheels = "559" / 26" wheels = "590" / 700c wheels = "622"
WHY DO I KEEP POPPING TUBES?
If you are continuously popping a tube in the same wheel, you will want to check the following: 1. Protective strip inside the rim is positioned correctly and that it doesn't have any holes at a nipple or push rim mount hole location. 2. Make sure the rim is clean of any metal burs. Keep your tires inflated to the correct air pressure (psi). If you are too high or too low, this could result in puncture. We recommend 110psi for high pressure tires, and 80psi for low pressure tire.
WHAT KIND OF AIR VALVE IS THIS IN MY TIRE, AND WHY DOESN'T MY AIR PUMP WORK?
There are two types of valves. Your Round Betty wheels could have either one. 1. Schraeder (like a car tire valve) - if you have this valve, most pumps will work. 2. Presta (skinny valve with threaded valve-release) - if you have this valve, the gas station pump will not work unless you have have an adapter to accommodate either valve. It's not a bad idea to buy an adapter and just your leave it on the wheels so it's always there (most bike shops sell adapters).
WHERE CAN I BUY REPLACEMENT SPOKES?
Any wheelchair dealer or bike shop can special order spokes for you. You will need to know your wheel size , wheel type and spoke color.
HOW DO I REPLACE A SPOKE?
If you're asking this question, it is probably in your best interest to have a bicycle shop or wheelchair dealer replace the spoke. It is very important to the integrity of the wheel that spokes are installed properly. If they are not you can risk breaking more spokes, or having a wobble in the wheel.
WHEN SHOULD A SPOKE BE REPLACED?
If a spoke is broken, or damaged, replace the spoke as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the wheel.