Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Hi guys I need some help understanding through Axel's please.

 

So I would like to upgrade my fork to a fox talas 32 120 mm travel or something similar but am very confused, all the forks I have ever had have been "normal" skewer quick release types.

My problem is that I see so many different diameter through Axel's from 9 to 15 to 20mm.

Please can someone explain why? I mean is it not just easier to have a standard? Also if I change the fork I know I am going to have to change the hub on my front wheel so as to accommodate the through axel but which diameter would be best for the AM type riding I am doing?

 

Like say I am just rather confused as to what the different diameter's are for.

Thanks.

Posted (edited)

QR = quick release. clamps the fork against the axle much the same way your hands squeeze against the sides of a medicine ball to keep it up.

thru axle: thicker than a QR skewer, range of 15 - 20mm generally. The fork clamps the thru axle much the same way your hands hold the handlebars of your bike. Heavier than QR, but super stiff.

 

Maxle from SRAM is a hybrid of the two: combines the stiffness of a thru axle with the quick release behaviour of a traditional QR skewer.

 

the various diameters are purely a trade off between weight and stiffness.

 

as for your dilemma, quite a few hubs have adapters to allow changing from QR to thru-axles. If you going to be doing AM, I'd say go with at least 15mm or larger thru axle.

Edited by Capricorn

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout