What is an S and S Coupling?
An S and S Coupling, also known as a Bicycle Torque Coupling or BTC, is a precision lug that is installed in a bicycle frame during manufacture in order to allow the frame to separate and pack for easy transportation. With this system, a full-sized bike will fit completely inside a single 26″ x 26″ x 10″ case that can be checked as regular airline luggage.

What are the couplings made out of?
We use stainless steel couplings.

How do the couplings come apart?
With the 6″ spanner wrench, included with your bike, the couplings can be easily screwed together or taken apart. Be sure to align the frame in a manner that allows the lug nut to turn easily by hand. Turning the nut with the wrench should only be necessary for about the last 1/4 turn when tightening, and the first 1/4 turn when loosening. Careful alignment will minimize thread wear.

How tight should the couplings be?
Tighten the nut as you can get it (but not so tight that it becomes impossible to loosen). Think of a tire lug nut as your guide. Technically, you should use at least 35 foot pounds of torque, which means at least 70 pounds force against the end of a 6″ wrench. The 35 foot pounds of torque is a minimum value and your cycle may require a higher torque value to keep the nuts tight.

Check the tightness of the couplings daily, or more often with hard use. Once you perfect the amount of torque that is required to keep your couplings tight over a long period of time, you may be tempted to check them less frequently, however, it is a good idea to take a few seconds to check them every day. As with other critical parts of a bike, such as tires, skewers, brakes, spokes, etc., checking the couplings will help ensure your safety.

What kind of maintenance is required for the couplings?
Keep the threads clean and lubricated with DuPont Teflon® Bearing Grease (DTBG). No other lubrication is approved. Apply enough grease to completely coat the threads then wipe off the excess. Re-greasing shouldn’t be necessary if the grease stays clean and the nut turns smoothly. Grit and dirt can stick to the grease on the coupling, causing damage to the threads, so keep the couplings clean especially when they are open.

How long should it take to pack a bike?
Ideally, it takes about 10-15 minutes to pack and unpack the bike.

How will the bicycle ride?
A bike with S and S Couplings is ultra-strong, yet lightweight (two couplings weight only 8 oz. total) and it feels exactly the same as a bicycle built without couplings. There is no added frame flex, and the couplings, if maintained properly, are absolutely solid.

What kind of tubing are you using?
We use Reynolds steel tubesets that are TIG welded together.

How much do your bikes weigh?
Our frames weight around 3.5 pounds. A fully-built bike (depending on build kit) will weigh about 19 lbs.

What color can I paint my bike?
Your bike can be painted almost any color. You get us a sample and we’ll try to match it.

What is the best way to reach us?
To contact us, please send an email to info -[at]- freemantransport.com.   phone: 406 578 1330