Alexei Volkov
Through axles are a type of axle that passes through the dropout on one side of a bike wheel and screws into a threaded insert on the other side. They are typically used on mountain bikes and bikes with disc brakes, and are considered safer and more secure than quick-release axles. While through axles are usually made of aluminium, some bikes may have plastic decorative nut covers, especially on through-hole, bolted axles. These plastic covers are more commonly seen on low-end or older bikes.
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What You'll Learn
- Quick-release axles were the norm for road bikes for almost a century
- Through-axles are hollow and usually made of aluminium
- They are stronger and stiffer than quick-release skewers
- They are safer and improve steering, handling and braking
- Black plastic disks on axle nuts are packing covers, often found on low-end bikes
Quick-release axles were the norm for road bikes for almost a century
Quick-release axles were the standard for road bikes for almost a century after their invention by Tullio Campagnolo. A quick-release wheel has a hollow axle, with a skewer that passes through it. The front axle is 9mm in diameter, and the rear is 10mm, with a 5mm-diameter skewer. The skewer has a threaded adjusting nut on one end and a head with a lever that operates a cam on the other. Quick-release axles are still found on cheaper bikes, and they are also used on more expensive rim brake bikes.
Quick-release skewers may have plastic parts in the mechanism, which are more compressible than metal and reduce clamping force. They tend to be heavier and are often made of cheaper steel, making them more prone to rust. However, there are also high-quality quick-release skewers made of titanium, which are designed to be lightweight.
The introduction of disc brakes on road bikes led to changes in axle width. The rear axle width increased to 135mm to accommodate the disc brake rotor, while the front axle remained at 100mm. This change brought about the need for a more secure axle system, as the increased braking force of disc brakes could cause the wheel to come out of the dropouts.
Thru-axle systems, already popular on mountain bikes, began to be adopted as a solution to this issue. In a thru-axle system, the dropouts are closed, eliminating the risk of the wheel falling out during rides. Thru-axles provide a more secure and rigid connection between the wheel and the frame, allowing for lighter frame construction. They also offer more precise wheel alignment and faster wheel replacement, depending on the thread pitch.
While some riders prefer thru-axles for their added security and ease of use, others argue that quick-release axles are "safe enough". Quick-release hubs are stiff and less prone to issues with disc brakes. Ultimately, the choice between quick-release and thru-axle systems depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the rider and their bike.
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Through-axles are hollow and usually made of aluminium
Through-axles are also more secure than traditional quick-release axles, which can be difficult to position accurately in the dropouts. This is especially important for disc brakes, where the rotor needs to be centred precisely within the brake caliper to ensure even wear and prevent rubbing. With a through-axle, there is no risk of the wheel falling out as you ride, and you can exert more clamping force for a more rigid interface between the wheel and the frame.
The increased rigidity of through-axles has allowed bike makers to build lighter frames, helping to bring the weight of disc brake bikes down to a level comparable with rim brake bikes. Through-axles also offer a more precise alignment of the axle in the frame. The main downside of through-axles is that there are compatibility issues due to different thread pitches used by different brands.
While through-axles are typically made of aluminium, some sources mention that the inner races of the hub bearings may run directly on the through-axle, in which case there could be problems with steel bearing races running on an aluminium axle. However, it is unclear how common this setup is, and it may be that a spacer is required to prevent binding in this case.
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They are stronger and stiffer than quick-release skewers
Through axles are thicker and stronger than quick-release skewers. They are threaded directly into the frame, creating a much more secure connection. Quick-release skewers, on the other hand, simply clamp the wheel into place.
Through axles are also stiffer than quick-release skewers, which can be beneficial for both the front and rear of a bike. This stiffness translates into better handling, especially at high speeds or when riding on challenging terrain. The additional stiffness is advantageous for mountain bikers tackling rough trails and for road cyclists sprinting or descending at high speeds.
The stiffness of through axles also reduces brake rub compared to quick-release disc brake bikes. The stiffer front end results in limited fork fatigue.
Through axles were introduced to address the issues of quick-release skewers, which were prone to bending, breaking, and ejecting from the fork when used with disc brakes. Quick-release skewers were the standard for attaching wheels to bikes for around 75 years after their invention in 1927. However, with the advent of disc brakes and suspension in mountain bikes, the need for a stiffer and stronger axle system arose, leading to the adoption of through axles.
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They are safer and improve steering, handling and braking
Through axles are safer and improve steering, handling, and braking. They are a more robust and secure type of bike axle commonly used in modern mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and higher-end road bikes. Unlike quick-release axles, through axles are solid or hollow shafts that thread directly into the bike frame or fork, passing through the hub to provide a more rigid connection. This design minimizes flex, improves wheel alignment, and increases overall bike stiffness, resulting in better performance, especially in rough or technical terrain.
The increased security and stiffness of through axles make them ideal for bikes with disc brakes, where precise wheel alignment is crucial for proper braking performance. Through axles are also over triple the diameter of quick-release skewers, making them nearly impossible to malfunction and detach while riding. This enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by wheel detachment.
Through axles provide greater stiffness and stability, ensuring precise handling and better control over rough terrain. The increased stiffness allows for better tracking through corners, and the more rigid connection between the wheel and frame enables bike makers to build lighter frames. This reduces the weight of disc brake bikes, making them comparable to rim brake bikes in weight.
Through axles also improve braking performance, including steering while braking. The combination of decreased sway and correct rotor alignment enhances braking effectiveness. Additionally, through axles minimize suspension fork leg movement, reducing mechanical issues such as broken axles, dislodged wheels, and rotor misalignment.
While through axles offer significant advantages, there are also some compatibility issues and inconveniences. The various thread pitches used by different brands can make it challenging to find the right axle for your bike. However, the benefits of through axles, including improved safety, steering, handling, and braking, make them a worthwhile upgrade for many cyclists.
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Black plastic disks on axle nuts are packing covers, often found on low-end bikes
The black plastic disks on axle nuts are packing covers, often found on low-end bikes. They are usually flat and made of plastic, and are used to cover the exposed bolt, giving the bike a more finished look and feel. These covers also serve a practical purpose, as they reduce the likelihood of the rider scraping their leg against the exposed threads. This type of cover is commonly found on "mom bikes" in Japan, where quick-release mechanisms are less common.
While quick-release axles were the norm for almost a century after their invention, thru-axle systems have emerged as a safer and more secure alternative. Thru-axles are especially common on mountain bikes, where the risk of a wheel coming off is higher and can have more dangerous consequences. In a thru-axle system, the dropouts are closed, preventing the wheel from falling out during a ride.
Quick-release mechanisms are still prevalent on cheaper bikes, and they often feature plastic parts in the mechanism. These plastic parts are more compressible than metal, reducing the clamping force and making them more prone to contamination and rust. Quick-release skewers are also heavier, which can be a disadvantage for riders seeking lightweight bikes.
However, some riders prefer quick-release mechanisms for their convenience in patching punctures. Additionally, thru-axles come in various sizes and proprietary axles, making it challenging to understand sizing and find compatible replacements.
In conclusion, the black plastic disks on axle nuts, commonly found on low-end or boxed bikes, serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. While thru-axles offer improved safety and performance, quick-release mechanisms are still preferred by some riders for their convenience and ease of maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
Through axles are not made of plastic. They are hollow and made of aluminum.
If you see a black plastic part on the nuts of the wheels, these are packing covers, which are flattened plastic disks. They are usually seen on low-end bikes that come flat-packed in a box.
Through axles are an alternative to quick-release skewers, which were prone to breaking, especially on downhill and freeride mountain bikes. Through axles are stronger and stiffer, and they provide more precise wheel placement and alignment. They are also safer, as they are screwed into place, making them nearly impossible to malfunction and detach while riding.
