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It had all started so beautifully as I worked my way up through the glowing red and gold South Tyrolean autumn forest towards the "Stoanerne Mandln". Once above the tree line, the relaxed forest path turned into a technically challenging climb, where I manoeuvred my bike over dog-high stone steps and navigated my way past metre-high boulders.
Unfortunately, it happened at a tight bend. My right foot got caught, a soft crack and the tension on my shoe was gone. Just like the dial on the Boa fastener. Velcro and adhesive tape had to save the rest of the tour.
Lifetime guarantee on defective parts
Fortunately, you don't have to discard your bike shoes with defective Boa wheels straight away, because the company from the Rocky Mountains offers replacements - free of charge, for life. Simply contact the manufacturer on the website, upload a photo of the defect and a few days later you will receive a letter in the form of a warranty kit. If a repair at home is not possible, the manufacturer states that customer service can replace any Boa system - no matter how old it is.
Different fastening systems are used in the bicycle sector. That's why it's important to get the right replacement kit for your shoe. In my case, it is an L6 fastener, which only allows adjustment in one direction. The higher quality Li2 fasteners, for example, can be fine-tuned in both directions.
>> Are you still looking for the right MTB shoes for trail adventures and enduro rides? We have tested six current models - with and without Boa fasteners - here.
These parts are included in the set
In addition to the two Boa wheels for the left and right side, the set includes two new laces and a small metal lever that can be used to remove the defective fastener and serves as a template for cutting the laces to length. The set is e.g. available here.
The repair itself is really simple and can be carried out with virtually no additional tools. All you need is a pair of pliers to shorten the laces to the right length.
The repair step by step
Caution when repairing: The Boa wheels have a defined direction of rotation. You must therefore choose the correct spare part. Red is for the right-hand side of the L6 parts, purple for the left-hand side. The Li2 wheels are black and grey on the back.
1. remove defective wheel
If the rotating wheel is still in the holder, the first step is to remove it. To do this, open the shutter by pulling the wheel upwards. You can then insert the small metal lever between the bayonet and the wheel and release the shutter from its anchoring.
2. replace cable pull
Next, you can remove the old laces and loosely thread the new laces into the shoe from below. Before doing this, you should memorise the course of the laces well; some manufacturers use a special logic for threading, which should be followed at all costs.
The laces of the boa fasteners often run through small plastic sleeves. This makes threading the new ropes much easier. In my case, Suplest opted for fabric tabs. Unfortunately, the laces always get tangled up in the material when threading. That's why I resorted to a little trick. A sturdy needle with a sufficiently large eye helps when laying the laces - it works really well.
3. shorten the laces
The new laces can now be shortened to the right length using a pair of pliers. To do this, grip both ends with your thumb and index finger and guide the laces past the bayonet on the shoe. Cut off the new laces about 10 to 12 centimetres behind the bayonet. Alternatively: You can of course also use the old laces as a measurement, then the length will be correct in any case.
Before inserting the lace into the new wheel, make sure that it is closed, i.e. pressed downwards. The small arrow on the back must be in line with the marking on the outer ring so that the lace can be inserted.
4. insert the cable into the wheel
The upper end of the lanyard is now inserted into the upper opening of the wheel and the lower end into the lower opening. Both ends should come out at the back of the wheel. The rope should never cross in front of the wheel!
5. knot the ends of the laces
The next step is to tie a simple knot - also known as a pretzel knot - in the upper lace. The knot is tightened with the eyelet in the tool. The last steps are repeated with the lower end of the lace.
Using the small scale on the tool, the ends behind the knots can be shortened to 4 to 7 millimetres. Now you can pull the laces back into the housing.
6. insert the wheel in the bayonet
The laces should now have completely disappeared into the housing. If this is the case, push the back of the wheel into the rear lug on the bayonet and press the wheel into the front of the catch. It should click into place.
Stefan Frey
Editor
