Shaft drive bicycles require a lower amount of maintenance than a typical chain driven bicycle. Please follow these guidelines to keep your bicycle in good condition.

Drive System
	Internal Hub
Gear Adjustment: Refer to the shaft drive schematic and parts schedule together with the Shimano Nexus service instructions SI-7S10B supplied with your bicycle. The adjustment is made with the shifter in 4th (middle) gear. Loosen and remove the two screws (parts 25 on the shaft drive schematic) that secure the plastic rear gearbox cover (part 30 on the shaft drive schematic). Remove the plastic gearbox cover by pulling it off using thumb and forefinger. Refer to service instructions leaflet SI-7S10B, section: Adjusting the cassette joint. There is a "cassette joint pulley" which the cable moves back and forth on as the gears are changed. Next to this is the "cassette joint bracket" which is stationary. Both the pulley and the bracket have red index marks, and gear adjustment is correct when the marks on the two parts align with the shifter in 4th gear. There are two sets of these red marks, one on top, the other on the bottom. This lets you see one set of marks whether the bike is right side up or upside down. Lubrication The Nexus hubs are packed with a special grease (Hub grease part no. 041 2060). The hubs are well sealed, and should only require service at very rare intervals. It is strongly recommended that the hub gear is serviced by a registered Shimano service centre or an experienced bicycle repair shop. A six-month service interval check is recommended. In order to service the hub, dismantling the unit is relatively straightforward, because of its modular construction. In summary, if everything that is screwed onto the left end of the axle is unscrewed, the whole mechanism can be pulled out of the right side as a unit. Care must be taken not to damage the threads of the hub axle when they are held in a vice. The whole operation will require Hub wrenches (part no. 230 9001:13 mm x 14 mm thin spanners) and circlip pliers (or similar). The hub must be disassembled into its major components, solvent cleaned, dried and re-greased with Nexus hub grease (Part no. 041 2060). On disassembly, care must be taken not to apply undue force as this may damage the pawls. This can be achieved by gently turning the gear units to the left and right during removal. It is essential to only use the recommended Shimano grease (Part no. 041 2060). The great majority of mechanical problems that have been encountered have been the result of "preventive maintenance" including re-lubrication with incorrect grease.
	Shaft drive unit
Refer to the shaft drive schematic and parts schedule. After the first three weeks of riding: Check the tightness of the Allen key bolts (parts 20, 21 and 22) on the shaft drive housing. After 500 kilometres (of heavy riding) and thereafter every 6 months: Apply grease through the lubrication nipple on the rear gearbox (part 7). Alternatively remove the two rear gearbox plastic cover screws and apply grease directly onto the bevel gears. Once a year: Apply grease through the lubrication nipple on the front gearbox (part 2). Alternatively remove one of the crank arms and remove left or right cover (parts 3 or 4) and apply lubrication direct to the bevel gears. Recommended grease for the shaft drive bevel gears is Castrol Moly Grease (Molybdenum Disulphide Grease) or equivalent, which can be obtained from most motorists shops. To remove the shaft drive unit: Remove the crank arm dust caps. Remove the crank arm bolts with a socket wrench. Remove the crank arms with a removing tool (available from most cycle or motorist shops). Take off the left cover (part 4). Loosen and remove the two screws (parts 25) that secure the plastic rear gearbox cover (part 30). Remove plastic gearbox cover by pulling it off using thumb and forefinger. Loosen the rear wheel axle nuts and remove back wheel. Remove the two bolts (parts 23) that secure the shaft drive to the right dropout. Remove the shaft drive unit.
	Crank & pedals
After the first three weeks of riding: Check the tightness of the crank arm bolts. You may notice some creaking in this early period when you apply extra pressure to the pedals: this is an indication that the bolts need tightening. Check the tightness of the pedals, noting that the left- hand pedal tightens anti-clockwise.
General
	Front forks
The biggest threat to a suspension fork is contamination, and the cure is regular cleaning and lubrication. Here are some generic maintenance tips to cover most suspension fork types: If you have the rubber accordion-style boots fitted, pull them up, and regularly clean and lubricate the fork legs and upper seal. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, carefully lift the main wiper up off the fork leg. Clean everything, using a Q-tip to reach those hard-to-get places. Be careful when prying the wiper as the fork lowers can be made of delicate material. Lubricate the upper seals and wipers regularly with a non-Teflon based wet lubrication. Wipe off excess so it doesn't attract dirt and escort it into the fork internals. Check the air pressure in air-sprung forks weekly. Just like your tyres, a fork will gradually lose pressure, which increases the possibility of harsh jarring on severe terrain. Make sure both legs have equal pressure. Change your fork oil yearly for routine riding, and more often if you ride in exceptionally demanding conditions, such as constantly wet or extremely dusty and dry conditions. Once your oil gets dirty, internal parts wear at an accelerated rate. And if you're looking to change your fork's behaviour, varying the oil viscosity to a lighter or heavier weight can speed up or slow down the fork action to suit particular rider needs. This is especially helpful for heavier or lighter than average riders.
	Brakes (V type)
Brake pads will wear out with normal usage and will have to be replaced. Some general maintenance comments are given below: When replacing brake pads, check the alignment of the brake pad with the rim. Stretching of the brake cable can be accommodated by turning the adjusting barrel located on the brake lever bracket. Larger adjustments can be made by loosening the anchor bolt and pulling a length of cable through it. Ensure all brake nuts and bolts are tight. If the cable tends to stick, apply one or two drops of oil where the cable enters the housing.
	Tyres
Generally, tyres will need replacing when: A bulge is noticeable Little or no tread remains Damage is apparent Riding a bicycle with under inflated tyres may cause damage to the tube, tyre and rim. Check the recommended pressure range detailed on the tyre is used. In order to remove the rear tyre for repair: (Refer to the shaft drive schematic and parts schedule). Loosen and remove the two screws (parts 25) that secure the plastic rear gearbox cover (part 30). Remove plastic gearbox cover by pulling it off using thumb and forefinger. Loosen (counter-clock-wise) rear axle nuts and remove rear wheel. For easier handling of the wheel, put into 1st gear, and disengage the gear shifter cable at the hub end from the Shimano Nexus hub. Refer to Shimano nexus service instructions SI710B, section: Disconnecting the shifting cable when removing the rear wheel from the frame. On re-attaching the rear axle, ensure that the right hand rear axle nut is hand tightened first and secured in place with the locating bracket. Pedal the bicycle to ensure smooth running. If the rear axle does not run smoothly, ensure the washers have been correctly positioned: the gap between the front face of the rear bevel gear to the inside edge of the rear gear box cover should be 17.8mm. On smooth running of the rear axle, fully tighten the right hand axle bolt, then afterwards fully tighten the left hand axle bolt.
	Moving parts
Periodically clean and lubricate the following parts: Grip shift lever. Shift control cables. Brake control cables. Front and rear brake pivotal bushing. Pedals. Front and rear shaft drive gears.

Drive System
 Internal hub
  Gear adjustment
  Lubrication
 Shaft drive unit
  After 3 weeks
  After 6 months
  After 1 year
  Unit removal
 Crank & pedals
  After 3 weeks
General
 Front forks
 V Brakes
 Tyres
  Replacing
  Removing rear
 Moving parts