How Do Bicycle Through Axlrs Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In a thru-axle system, the dropouts have closed-off circular openings, rather than an open end. That means there’s no risk of the wheel falling out as you ride.

The thru-axle passes through the dropout on one side of the wheel and screws into threads in the dropout on the other side

.

Is thru axle better than quick release?

With a thicker axle bolted directly onto the bike, strength and stability are greatly improved. The end result is a stiffer front end and the elimination of brake rub. Plus, by adding a camming mechanism (like the QR lever) you can still remove your wheel quickly.

Thru axles are safer and improve bike performance

.

How do you use a thru axle?

Are thru axles necessary?


YES. Thru axles provide a stiffer ride, which can be beneficial in both the front and rear of a bike

. In mountain bikes in particular, this allows for more torque and less flex for your whip. So, if you have a thin, 5mm rod, then you have a skewer.

Can you put a thru axle on any bike?

The QR was never originally designed or engineered to handle powerful hydraulic disc brakes or suspension systems. This means going forward,

all MTB and road bikes will come standard with thru-axles

.

Can QR hub convert to thru axle?

If it’s a front hub and your fork uses a QR,

you can buy a new thru-axle hub and an adapter that lets you use a thru-axle hub in a QR fork

. About $15 for the adapter. This will give a fractionally better bit of firmness, but primarily, if you change your fork down the road, you can get one with thru-axle.

Should you grease thru axle?

In conclusion,

it is perfectly safe and even recommended that you grease your Mountain Bike axles

. If you do decide to grease your axles, make sure you use a multi-purpose grease like the Polylube 1000 Grease from Park Tool and avoid any oil-based lubricants.

How do I convert my axle to quick-release?

Can I use quick-release to thru axle?

Converting A Quick Release Bike to Thru Axles


The best and easiest solution is to swap out your quick release fork for a thru axle fork

. In most cases, you will also need a new front hub that is compatible with thru axles. 15 mm is the most common diameter for front thru axles.

Are all through axles the same?

Why are there different sizes? As with many things in the cycling industry,

thru axles are not standardized

. Your thru axle standard will depend on your bike’s manufacturer and your bike’s intended use.

Are thru axles stiffer?

Compared with open dropouts and quick-release skewers,

thru-axles are generally stiffer

, safer and more precise. This translates to noticeably more predictable handling – even with rigid forks and hardtails – fewer accidents related to misuse, and more consistent wheel placement in the frame and fork.

What is a 12mm thru axle?

From this specification we know 142mm is the hub width (or frame spacing) and 12mm is

the diameter of the axle

. We need to specify the following items to get the proper replacement Thru Axle.

Are quick release wheels safe?

You need to understand and use your wheel quick releases properly, because

incorrect use is dangerous since they hold the wheels in place

. The most common mistake is simply turning the lever like a nut until the wheel seems tight. Used this way, the lever and wheel can loosen as you ride leading to catastrophe.

How do quick release bike wheels work?

Can you put quick release wheels on any bike?


No, not all bikes have quick-release wheels

. Some still require you to use tools to remove the wheels. In this guide, we’ll be looking at how you can tell the difference between the axles, how to convert your wheels to a quick-release set-up, and plenty of other factors. So, let’s dive right in.

Is my bike quick release or thru axle?


If you have rim brakes, you will have a quick release skewer. If you have disc brakes you will most likely have thru axle skewers

. If you have a disc brake older than 2019, you may have a quick release skewer, but disc brake road bikes made today are generally thru axle.

What is 15mm thru axle?

15mm thru axle

uses a different connection on the fork where the axle of the wheel allows a 15mm bolt to go through it

. Same concept for a 20mm thru axle. Some wheel manufacturers have adapters that allow you to use the same wheel with the different fork hub standards by swapping out the axle ends.

Can I replace QR with thru axle?


some manufacturers offer frames have removable rear dropouts that can be swapped for through-axle

, quick release other style dropouts. With some forks it is possible and cheaper (but never cheap) to replace just the lowers.

Can you convert 9mm QR to thru axle?

Registered.

You can only mount the type(size) rear axle that your frame will accept

. If it currently is fitted with a QR the frame most likely has a 10mm. vertical dropout (not 9mm.)

Can I use QR on thru axle fork?

If you’re fortunate enough to have a newer hub though, it’s simply a matter of popping off the QR end caps and installing the correct thru axle end caps for the fork you’re using.

This adapter from Problem Solvers will allow you to mount a 12mm thru axle hub in a QR fork, but not the other way around

.

What is a barrel or through axle bike?

How do I oil my bike axle?

What is axle grease made of?

Axle grease usually meant wagon axle grease. Its composition was variable but generally included

tallow and either palm oil or linseed oil

.

How do you switch from QR to thru axle?

How do you convert front wheel to quick release?

How do I convert quick release to bolt on?

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.