Can't fit the hex key because of hub motor

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sandro87

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Joined Oct 20, 2019

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63 Posts

Discussion starter · #1 · May 31, 2020

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Hello,
the smart people at NCM designed the bike so that the hub motor is in the way of the the inner pad adjuster of the rear caliper and you can't fit the provided classic allen key.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/12h8zy4qh7too54/IMG_20200526_191234.jpg?dl=0

So I tried to buy a new key with ball head and it "worked" with much effort and after a few tries and the bolt on the lever became stripped and now I can't turn it unless I remove the caliper completely which is useless considering pads need to be adjusted while they're mounted.
What exactly is the solution here? There are those allen keys with short heads but I'm not there they would even fit, the space is really tight! And I can't even find them here in Italy unless for €100 :eekster:
I already sent a very angry email to the support to request a promptly solution but for the time being I can't use the bike because I just replaced the pads and the brake doesn't work (scary!)

Also do you think that bolt can replaced without buying the whole piece? It's the Tektro MD-M280.

 

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wschruba

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Joined Apr 13, 2012

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4,019 Posts

#2 · May 31, 2020

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Make your own short key. Cut off half (or more) of the short end using a hacksaw or cutoff wheel. Keep water on hand to quench the key so it doesn't lose temper--hold the key near where you are cutting it, and when it gets to hot to comfortably hold, dunk it in the water.

When you are all done cutting to length, use a grinder/belt sander, or sand paper to clean the end and make it flat. If using power tools, keep quenching the key until you are done, as above.

 

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sandro87

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Discussion starter · #3 · Jun 19, 2020

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Thanks
In the end I found a kind of key that kind of fits (from bondhus) and the seller also told me to go to store to cut it and they will refund me the price.

 

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sandro87

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Discussion starter · #4 · Jul 10, 2020

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Doesn't look like they sell what I need. Is this a mere attempt to advertise?

 

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DrYeet

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Joined Jul 12, 2020

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#5 · Jul 12, 2020

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I'm guessing that I'm missing something, but can't you just take the wheel out and adjust the pads that way? It can be a little annoying, but you shouldn't have to do this very often.