Thru axle versus QR

[LOOK695]

I have read that a thru axle helps the front end of a MTB to be stiffer in comparison to a normal QR. I have not ridden MTB yet, but need to buy a shock and want to know how much of a difference it makes in real world riding. If you have ridden both, please share your findings. Thanks

[rouxtjie]

Its defnitely "stiffer" than normal 9mm QR, you will feel this more on a 29er if you go that route. If you buying a new shock get it, but remember there is probably some conversion pending on your front hub as well.

[Johan Bornman]

Through-axle on the front wheel is one of the best moves the industry has made in a long time.

 

The QR on a suspension fork is stupid in that fitting and removing the wheel is anything but quick or convenient. It required a lot of fiddling. Now with TA, it is flip, spin, boom finished. Further, there is no danger of botching the fitment and riding with a loose wheel. The system that Fox uses whereby your can dial-in the position you want your lever to point to, is also nice.

 

If you're buying a new fork, consider TA but remember, there are front wheel implications as well as implications for bike racks that clamped the fork dropouts, if you had such a device.

[LOOK695]

Through-axle on the front wheel is one of the best moves the industry has made in a long time.

 

The QR on a suspension fork is stupid in that fitting and removing the wheel is anything but quick or convenient. It required a lot of fiddling. Now with TA, it is flip, spin, boom finished. Further, there is no danger of botching the fitment and riding with a loose wheel. The system that Fox uses whereby your can dial-in the position you want your lever to point to, is also nice.

 

If you're buying a new fork, consider TA but remember, there are front wheel implications as well as implications for bike racks that clamped the fork dropouts, if you had such a device.

Thanks for info and advice. I was considering getting a TA shock, but it seems that there is no stock of the Reba RLT I was looking to buy, hence the reason for my question. As for my bike rack, I am using a platform carrier where the bikes stand on their wheels. Edited October 19, 2012 by LOOK695

[splat]

Get a thru axle fork, if you can. Its not the 'be all and end all', but I think its a good idea for us bigger chaps.

Don't forget that your frame has a tapered head tube

And if you getting Hope hubs, get the adaptor or get the QR15 version when you order.

[Shebeen]

Its defnitely "stiffer" than normal 9mm QR, you will feel this more on a 29er if you go that route. If you buying a new shock get it, but remember there is probably some conversion pending on your front hub as well.

surely this has been measured? makes sense to me, but would like to see some numbers.

[koukie]

Johan I noticed you said nothing about stiffnes, do you think that a thru axle is actualy so much stiffer that you will notice the difference. I mean I swear people think the a quick release is the axle of the wheel which it is not, and by thinking that they say yes its stiffer. How do you notice the stiffnes on a wheel with a shock. By saying its stiifer they must suggest that a quickrelease hub actually have flex on it, so much that you will notice it.

 

Everything you said about the through axle I 100% agree with and that would be the reason I would buy a through axle not because of "stiffness"

Edited October 19, 2012 by koukie

[LOOK695]

Get a thru axle fork, if you can. Its not the 'be all and end all', but I think its a good idea for us bigger chaps.

Don't forget that your frame has a tapered head tube

And if you getting Hope hubs, get the adaptor or get the QR15 version when you order.

Thanks. I am aware that the frame is tapered and have got my Hope hubs with adaptors . Just looking for some white ZTR Arch rims, but none available from importers until mid to end November

[rouxtjie]

surely this has been measured? makes sense to me, but would like to see some numbers.

Dunno, all I know is it felt more surefooted....if that makes sense

[patches]

surely this has been measured? makes sense to me, but would like to see some numbers.

 

54

[patches]

I run through axle (20mm) on all my bikes.

 

2 of them (Marzo DJ and Fox Talas 36) have a tool-less "QR" type through axle, and the other (RS Boxxer) has a Maxle DH. Either way, getting my wheel on and off is just as easy as a regular 9mm QR. Plus there isn't the risk of getting it wrong and losing your front wheel.

 

Through Axle for the win!

[SwissVan]

Have ridden both (front wheel QR15 old style QR) and honestly I dont feel a difference in stiffness. Logic says the TA will be stiffer but it would be interesting to see if an independant body has done some comparitive stiffness test's and documented how much difference there is.

 

Prefer the TA for ease of use..

[RockCoach]

 

 

54

 

Serious? I got 58.6

 

 

I find a major difference in stiffness between my bike with a 9mm quick release verses the ones with a 20mm thru axle. But it is a difference you mainly notice when:

riding near the limit

riding technical stuff

braking hard

[rouxtjie]

Serious? I got 58.6

 

 

I find a major difference in stiffness between my bike with a 9mm quick release verses the ones with a 20mm thru axle. But it is a difference you mainly notice when:

riding near the limit

riding technical stuff

braking hard

I found the biggest difference in fast sweeping corners....same wheels(hope + crest), same fork(fox f29 I think)

[RockCoach]

 

I found the biggest difference in fast sweeping corners....same wheels(hope + crest), same fork(fox f29 I think)

 

Yeah absolutely. Fast sweeping corners will be classed under "riding near the limit".

Edited October 19, 2012 by slick

[scotty]

I have both QR and thru axle and cannot feel any noticeable difference. Removing and fitting wheel on thru axle is better and marginally quicker but then i only do that when servicing or cleaning my bike so speed does not really count. IMO thru axle could also be trickier as more chance of losing or damaging the rubber washer thingies.