QR on Specialized Epic

[mataz]

This may have been discussed before but I am interested to know why Specialized have continued to use a QR on the front fork of the Epic, as opposed to the 15mm thru axle used by most of the other manufacturers on their 29ers.

 

They use a thru axle on the back so why not stiffen up the front end with one too?

 

Specialized are obviously considered a "market leader" as it were so they must have a reason but if anyone knows what it is I would appreciate if you could share.

[ichops]

Me too !!

[koukie]

You can use the same axle in the front as on the back, you just need to convert the hubs. Obviously just a shorter one.

Edited August 26, 2013 by koukie

[NotSoBigBen]

You can use the same axle in the front as on the back, you just need to convert the hubs. Obviously just a shorter one.

 

if you have the right fork?

[koukie]

if you have the right fork?

Well its the "QR" fork that come with the frameset (sworks). I think Sauser did the epic with such a fork and Kulhavy had a thru-axle fork. But what i'm saying is that although its a QR fork you can still use that same thick (dont know the mm's) axle as the back for the front.

Edited August 26, 2013 by koukie

[mataz]

Yes, the QR fork is supplied with all bikes in the range. You could change the hub on the wheels but that would mean getting a new fork too, which is a bit of a hassle.

 

I am just interested to find out why Specialized didn't choose to fit a 15mm thru axle fork in the first place.

[koukie]

Yes, the QR fork is supplied with all bikes in the range. You could change the hub on the wheels but that would mean getting a new fork too, which is a bit of a hassle.

 

I am just interested to find out why Specialized didn't choose to fit a 15mm thru axle fork in the first place.

What mm is the back axle of the epic sworks? You can use that axle on the front QR fork if you get the adapters for the hubs.

[mr HED]

QR is quicker to remove/reinstall wheel during a race, it weighs less, with a good wheel and QR there should be no noticeable movement unless you are hitting serious DH or bombing down at Grand Raid. personally for epic i rode with 1 15mm thru axl, sani 2 c did happily on my QR.

[mr HED]

personally i would not bother spending the money on a new fork/wheel combo unless you ride DH or a lot of free ride. would be interesting to get stats on how many guys rode masters champs with QRs and how many had failure. Santa Cruz moved to 142mm in rear due to pressure than any other need, if you read their posts they dont feel that there is a marked benefit.

[droo]

If you want QR15, you can swap out the lowers on your forks. Spez use Rockshox forks, so a new set of lowers will probably set you back about R2k all in. Then it's just converting your wheels.

 

Edit: Forget to add that you'll have to do it through Spez if you want to keep your warranty...

Edited August 26, 2013 by droo

[stringbean]

• 15mm thru will be standard for specialized for 2014
  

[Wyatt Earp]

• 15mm thru will be standard for specialized for 2014
  

Interesting that these trends change year in and year out, but yes even on the Epic they are employing a QR.

Edited August 26, 2013 by Wyatt Earp