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Mountain Bike "QR" Style Release Systems

a Thing of the Past?

 

 

There is talk in the bicycle industry about killing off the 30+ year old QR Style release design system for mountain bikes. Is this good, is this bad? In my opinion, this would be a key advancement in axle technology and allow for a more secure and safe option on installing your wheels…but this is my opinion.

 

Typical "QR" Style System

 

The change has already begun. The days of Thru Axles are not just for freeride or downhill bikes, but they are finding there way on to XC trail bikes and even some of your cruiser models. Since fork technology has advance over the past 6 years, lighter long-travel forks have come to market promoting the use of Thru Axle designs. This increased usage has also prompted the development of a better and faster “quick release” option for Thru Axles forks.

 

What is a Thru Axle?

 

In short a Thru Axle design incorporates a solid rod or hollowed shaft that passes directly through the hub and both legs of the fork or rear frame members. It is then secured to one side of the fork leg or rear frame member (typically on the brake rotor side) by a threaded mechanical connection.

 

Typical Thru-Axle System

 

Thru Axle designs offer a stronger more secure mechanical connection that is stiffer then a standard QR style release system and safer with no worries about the skewer coming loose during your ride. An additional benefit is consistent alignment of your wheels and no need to ever wonder whether the skewer is tensioned enough. Now, Thru Axles do weight more then a QR axle however the difference in weight is minor (150 grams or less) when it comes down to aggressive trail riding and security of your wheels not falling off or becoming loose.

 

Is there an Industry Standard?

 

As of today…NO! The industry is somewhat working towards a standardized axle size(s), but both large and small component manufacturers try to maintain there market niche by having their own unique system. Also, axle length, diameter and available fork suspension for Cruisers, XC, All-Mountain, Freeride…you get the point will vary due to the application the bike is intended for.

 

There are a few standard sized axles in the market place today that suspension and hub manufacturers are maintaining. The majority of front axle sizes you will find in most bike shops are 15mm or 20mm diameter fitted for a either a 100 or 110mm wide hub. The rear hub has more variety ranging from 10 to 15mm axle diameter fitted typically for a 135mm wide hub; however axle width will vary up to 160mm.

 

Other available axles that may be considered specialty sizes for both front and or back hubs are 10mm, 19mm, 24mm and 25mm diameters; Axle width can vary depending on the manufacture and whether there serving the US, Europe and or Asia Market place.

 

What does this all mean for YOU?

 

This can become an important and costly factor whether you have one or multiple mountain bikes running either a QR Style or Through-designed axle. Searching for a new hub, wheel set or replacing a damaged axle can be difficult to wrap your head around if you’re not aware of the axle type and size you currently have installed.

 

For individuals who have multiple mountain bikes, the possibility you may be dealing with a number of different axle designs is high unless they all have QR Style Release Systems. There could be a different axle system on the same bike for either the front or back wheel; or completely different across each of the bikes you own. Either way it can cost you a fortune to maintain spare parts or make them swappable especially if you have a “special” or not so common axle design. Most riders find this problem when they damage a front wheel and attempt to take the wheel from another bike just to find out the axles does not fit.

 

Even if you only maintain one mountain bike, you are not dismissed from the above situation. You may have a bunch of spare parts and or back-up components that could limit your choice in purchasing a new hub or fork solely based upon the axle type you have. Although this matter will be much easier to handle, you may find yourself settling for a product that you really did not want.

 

Are Thru-Axles for everyone?

 

In short…no! Not all mountain bikers will need to upgrade to a Thru-Axle system unless the industry as a whole decides the QR Style Release System is obsolete; but that is not happening anytime soon.

 

Your everyday or casually rider who treks on fire roads, smooth single-track or occasionally hits some technical terrain would be satisfied with a QR release system. In fact most would not even notice the benefits of having a Thru-Axle system due to the type of riding.

 

In my opinion, mountain bikers who are aggressive trail rides and gravity junkies should consider opting for Thru-Axle frames and components if they have not already done so. The benefits of a Thru-Axle far exceed that of a QR Style Release and this will translate into a better ride experience.

 

Thru-Axle System Incorporating "QR" Style Release Option

 

Available options!

 

With the increasing use of Thru-Axles for a wide range of mountain bikes, you may find yourself in a pickle when it comes down to upgrading your older bike. There are very few reliably options out there to make the jump from QR to Thru-Axles without breaking the bank and purchasing a new bike.

 

On option is using convertible hubs or wheel sets that permit you to change the end caps allowing the use of a QR skew or Thru-Axle. However you will still need to make sure your bike frame and or fork will accept the larger axle before you decide to purchase a convertible hub or wheel-set.

 

A secondary option to use in conjunction with convertible hubs is a bolt on axle. Bolt on axles will typically fit within the drop-outs on your frame/fork and allow you to bolt into a solid axle. However many older QR drop-outs were not design to handle the increase stress that will occur when you crank down that bolt to tighten the axle. This may damage your drop-out making the fork or frame junk.

 

If you’re in the market for a new mountain bike and your trail riding is moving towards or already is aggressive, you should consider opting for a bike with Thru-Axles both front and back. You will definitely notice the benefits and performance out of the box and have much more confidence when hitting a technical section.

 

Posted By: Diesel

Date: 09/30/2009

 

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