Maintenance Suggestions: Centauri IIUpdated 20 days ago
Keeping Your Vvolt Ebike in Top Shape
Congratulations on choosing a low-maintenance Vvolt Centauri II! But remember, "low maintenance" doesn't mean "no maintenance." Bikes experience vibrations, components loosen over time, and regular care ensures smooth, hassle-free rides. Let's break down essential maintenance steps to keep your ebike in peak condition.
1. Keep It Clean
One of the simplest yet most essential maintenance tasks is cleaning your bike. Dirt, grime, and road debris can accelerate wear on key components like brake pads and belts. Rinse your bike occasionally, but always power down and remove the battery first. Focus on the drivetrain, and avoid power washing—it's unnecessary and could cause damage. A clean bike not only looks good but also performs better. Ensure you allow your ebike to dry completely before reinstalling your battery and going for a ride.
We suggest a little leftover dirt from your last ride as a badge of honor!
2. Brake Maintenance
Hydraulic disc brakes are designed to be strong, quiet, and reliable, but they require occasional attention to maintain performance.
Your Centauri II is equipped with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes with the following specifications:
- Mineral oil fluid
- ISO 6-bolt 180mm disc rotors
- Deore-style organic brake pads
Brake Pads and Rotors
If brake pads are worn below 1.5mm, replace them to maintain braking efficiency and reduce noise.
Brake rotors should be wobble-free and silent. Unusual noises (like howling or scraping) often indicate contamination—clean them with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
Handle brake components with care—oil from your fingers can cause contamination.
Park Tool has created an excellent resource for swapping your brake pads!
Brake Bleeding
Vvolt ebikes use a mineral oil-based system. Air may be trapped in the system if your brakes feel spongy despite good pad condition.
Unless you already own a Shimano bleed kit and are familiar with bleeding hydraulic disc brakes, go to a local bike shop to have this work performed.
3. Gates Carbon Drive Drivetrain
Your Gates Carbon Drive belt is durable and quiet but requires occasional care.
Your Centauri II is equipped with a Gates CDX 120t belt.
Inspect it every 2,000 miles for cracks, wear, or misalignment.
Clean with water and a soft-bristled brush—avoid harsh chemicals.
Check the belt ring and cog for excessive wear.
Proper alignment and tension prevent noise and prolong belt life.
If you hear popping or clicking, reach out to [email protected].
Refer to Gates' official maintenance guide (pg. 10).
4. Wheel Care
True wheels are critical for a smooth ride; regular checks can prevent long-term issues.
Spin your wheels occasionally to check for side-to-side (lateral) or up-down (vertical) wobbling.
A tire lever or fixed object held near the rim can help assess trueness.
Spoke tension is key—uneven tension can lead to further misalignment.
If you notice wobbling, visit a local bike shop instead of attempting adjustments without the correct tools.
5. Tire Maintenance
Your tires are your only contact with the road—monitoring their condition is crucial for safety.
Your Centauri II has CST tires, sized 27.5" x 2.4". You can buy a replacement tire here. The tubes use 48mm presta valves; you can purchase replacements online!
Check tread wear regularly—bald tires reduce grip and increase risk.
A purple/pink liner will become visible when the tire is well past worn out and is your sign to STOP riding and replace that tire!
Replace worn tires before slipping or handling issues arise.
Proper inflation improves ride comfort, efficiency, and longevity.
6. Suspension Maintenance
Your Centauri II has a unique monoshock suspension fork with 30mm travel. Four outer pins compress downwards into the fork crown bushings, while a large inner pin compresses upwards into the head tube. While there is no adjustment possible, you should inspect the 5 pins and apply a layer of grease annually.
- A small amount of fore/aft play is normal.
- A top-out or bottom-out noise on compression or rebound is normal.
- Apply grease to the pins and upper/lower sections of the fork as shown below:
Grease applied to the suspension pins
7. Safety Inspections & Bolt Checks
Routine checkups keep your ebike running smoothly and safely.
Your ebike should be primarily silent—clicking, ticking, knocking, or rattling signals the need for attention.
Schedule biannual inspections if you ride over 5,000 miles/year.
If riding fewer miles, an annual inspection is usually sufficient.
After crashes or hard impacts, get a professional safety check before riding again.
Bikes can rattle bolts! During safety inspections, putting a wrench on all your bolts is a good idea to ensure everything is nice and tight.