Unboxing, Initial Setup, & Cockpit Assembly

This guide walks you through the complete first setup of your Hosking Bike — from opening the box to installing your cockpit (stem, handlebars and headset) and performing final safety checks.

Tools & parts you’ll need

• Scissors or snips (for packaging)
• Allen keys (2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm)
• Seatpost (included)
• Front wheel (included)
• Internal expander plug (included)
• Top cap & bolt (included)

Unboxing & Initial Setup

1 — Inspect the box

Before opening anything, carefully check the outside of the box for dents, crushing, or tears. Photograph any visible damage for records or insurance.

2 — Remove the wheel

Inside the box, the front wheel is zip-tied to the bike. Cut the tie and remove the wheel first, placing it aside safely.

3 — Remove the bike from the box

Lift the frame out carefully, holding the main triangle — not the bars or saddle, which may not yet be secured.

4 — Remove additional parts

Take out any included parts such as the seatpost, small parts bag, thru-axle or bolts.

5 — Install the seatpost

Insert the seatpost into the seat tube so the bike can stand safely while you work. No need to torque it yet.

6 — Remove all packaging material

Carefully remove all zip ties, foam, cardboard and wrap from the frame and fork. Cut away from the paint where possible.

7 — Place the stem onto the steerer

This prepares the fork to accept the front wheel securely.

8 — Install the front wheel

Unpack the wheel, insert it into the fork dropouts and secure it with the provided thru-axle. Torque as specified for your axle type.

9 — Inspect the full bike

• Check the frame for any marks or damage.
• Ensure wheels spin freely with no rubbing.
• Look over the fork legs, stays and cockpit areas.

Assemble Your Cockpit (Stem, Expander & Top Cap)

With unboxing complete and the bike fully inspected, you're now ready to assemble the cockpit. Your spacers and headset are already installed — you’ll be fitting the stem, internal expander plug, and top cap preload.

1 — Prepare the steerer

Wipe the inside and outside of the carbon steerer to remove any shipping dust or debris.

2 — Fit the stem

Slide the stem fully onto the steerer so it seats against the spacer stack.

3 — Install the internal expander plug

Insert the expander plug into the top of the steerer. Tighten only enough for the plug to grip — this is not the final torque.

4 — Preload the headset

Install the top cap and thread in the bolt by hand. Tighten gradually until the headset play is removed while keeping the steering smooth.

Check: Hold the front brake and rock the bike. If there’s knocking, add preload. If steering feels tight or notchy, reduce preload.

5 — Align the stem and torque bolts

Stand over the wheel, align the stem, then tighten the clamp bolts evenly to the manufacturer’s specification (typically 4–6 Nm).

6 — Final checks

• Headset has no play after torquing the stem.
• Steering turns smoothly through full range.
• Front wheel is centred and spins freely.
• Re-torque bolts after the first bedding-in ride.

Troubleshooting

Headset still has play: Loosen stem bolts, increase preload slightly, then re-torque stem.

Steering feels tight: Reduce top cap preload slightly.