Quick Release vs Thru Axel: What’s the Difference?
For many years, connecting a wheel to your bike was an easy process that used quick-release skewers. Nowadays, there are many options for attaching a wheel to your bike.
In particular, the quick-release skewer and the thru-axle are the two most common axle systems for mountain bikes. An axle is a component of the wheel that attaches to the bike’s frame.
The primary difference between the quick-release skewer and the thru axel system is that the quick-release lets you remove a wheel without tools, while the thru-axle requires tools for removal.
In this post, we’ll cover more in-depth how these two axel systems differ so that you can decide which is the better option to choose.
What is a Quick Release Axle?
Quick release, sometimes referred to as QR axle, is an axle system designed to allow users to remove the wheel without any tools easily. There’s a lever on one end of the axle. When this lever is moved, it automatically releases the wheel off of the frame.
Quick-release skewers allow cyclists to remove and replace wheels during a ride quickly. They are made up of a threaded rod that goes through the lever, hub, two cone-shaped springs, and a nut. This mechanism makes the process of changing a wheel efficient and speedy while ensuring the wheel is secure.
Quick Release Pros
- Easy to install since the fork features a U-notch
- Lighter than thru-axles
- More compatible with trainers
- More affordable
- No tools needed to install or remove a wheel
Quick Release Cons
- Can generate fork fatigue from heavy braking
- Safety concerns when under heavy brake loads
- Difficult to align rotors and eliminate brake rub
What is a Thru Axle?
Thru axles are wheel attachment systems designed to hold the hubs between the dropouts and the frame. It features a thick, solid pick that has one threaded end and dropouts with holds instead of slots. Using it requires you to thread it through one dropout and hub and screw the axle into the other dropout. As a result, you’re bolting the wheel to the frame and fork of the bike.
The thru-axle was made in response to some of the flaws that the quick-release mechanism had. For downhillers and off-roaders, quick-release bike mechanisms can cause issues such as skewers snapping in and wheels popping out, especially in rough riding conditions. Thus, bike manufacturers introduced circular dropout holes that added more security.
A thru-axle is a beefer and threads directly through the wheel hub and the fork holes, making it next to impossible for the wheel to detach. These features allow the thru-axle system to become incredibly popular. With the thicker axle bolted onto the bike, many cyclists deem this mechanism to be more secure and safer.
Mechanically, the thru axel threads through the bike wheel hub into various closed, circular dropout holes. With the bolts, it eliminates slippage since the axle is directly screwed into the frame.
Thru Axle Pros
- Safer than quick-release skewers
- Stiffer front end offering better stability and handling
- Less likely to break under heavy braking or rough conditions
- Less fork fatigue
- Reduction of brake rub compared to quick-release skewers
Thru Axle Cons
- More expensive
- Heavier
- Potential compatibility issues with bike racks and trainers
How to Identify a Thru Axle vs Quick Release Axle
If you’re new to mountain bike or road biking, you may be confused as to whether your bike is using a thru-axle or a quick-release system. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to spot the difference.
Quick-release skewers will always have a lever. Thru-axle systems don’t include an inbuilt level and require a tool to unscrew the wheel. Another way to identify your axle system is by looking at the thickness. Thru axles are considerably thicker, with a diameter of 10 mm or more, while quick-release skewers are between 4 to 5 mm.
Quick-release skewer often conceals their threading within a cap nut. However, thru axles have exposed threading on one side. This allows the axle to screw directly onto the bike frame.
Main Differences Between Thru Axle vs Quick Release
While the bike-riding community has gravitated towards thru-axle as the go-to wheel attachment system, it’s important to know the differences. Both mechanisms serve different purposes, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses lets you choose the best system for your needs.
Performance
There are many differences between these two axle types when it comes to performance. Quick-release axles provide better performance when it comes to installation. It’s much easier to install since it doesn’t require tools. However, they do have a shorter lifespan.
Conversely, the thru-axle is lighter, stronger, and offers better handling capabilities. They also have a longer lifespan but do require additional effort when it comes to installation.
Another aspect of performance is the axle’s ability to handle tough conditions without issues. The axle should continue to do its job and stay put to keep you safe regardless of the type of terrain.
The slim design of quick-release skewers is less capable of handling tough trails since they could bend or break when put under a great deal of stress. This causes the wheel to potentially get caught in the fork or even completely come off your bike. Of course, thru-axles don’t bend or break and stay put regardless of the terrain or stress put on your bike.
Brake Action
Another consideration when choosing between quick-release versus thru-axles is their brake action. Thru axles excel with brake action since they reduce the fork flex, preventing the disc brake pads from rubbing onto the roto when standing on the pedals to ride harder and faster.
When there’s brake rub, it creates drag, which slows you down. Thru axel systems have a more sturdy connection between the hubs and the fork legs, providing strength to the bike’s front ask. Thus, this boosts performance by ensuring the brake rotor is where it’s supposed to be.
When standing to pedal, you’ll often rock your bike from side to side. This places a lot of pressure on the fork and can flex on most bikes. The flexing movement causes the disc rotor or rim to rub on the brake pads. While you may not think it’s a big deal, it’s important to eliminate potential drag. When you’re on long rides, you don’t want anything holding you back.
The thinner design of the quick-release axles makes them more susceptible to flexing, causing the disc brake pads to rub on the rotors potentially. This only decreases your speed while also causing an unpleasant rubbing sound when riding fast.
Bike Handling and Control
A bike’s control and handling are highly important since they let you make sharp turns while maintaining your stability while riding over all sorts of terrain. Thru axles are the best choice for handling and control since it’s designed to secure the fork arms together. Consequently, this prevents flexing and increases the strength of the bike’s front end. The stiffer front end also enhances the precision of your steer while absorbing more shock due to its even compression.
Quick-release axles don’t prevent the fork arms from flexing, thus having the opposite effect on handling. Since the form arks aren’t firmly connected, they don’t always move together, which means it’s lacking structural support from the axles. This only reduces the tracking and handling capabilities.
Fork Failure and Fatigue
The easier removal of quick-release systems can be a drawback since it can cause fork fatigue and failure. Quick-release axles are most commonly used on bikes with suspension forks since they are less likely to cause fatigue and failure.
Thru axles bolt the fork together, ensuring even distribution of torsion forces. The more rigid and stable front end boosts torsion resistance, which reduces flex and fatigue. Having a more rigid structure can be beneficial since replacing forks on a bike can be expensive.
Brake Alignment and Consistent Wheel
Quick-release axles have a single pivot point located at the bottom bracket. Conversely, the thru-axle system has two pivot points at the dropouts and the bottom bracket. As a result, thru-axles offer better alignment for front and rear brakes. With the thru-axle, the consistent rigid structure of its design ensures accurate removal and replacement of the axle each time.
However, the quick-release axle needed refitting every time it was taken off. It’s important to ensure it’s properly aligned since even the slightest misalignment on re-insertion can cause the cassette to sit crooked. Thus, adding a wheel onto this misalignment can lead to poor drive train movement. Also, the rim and brake rotors can be offset, directly causing the brakes to rub onto the disc.
Fork Protection
Thru axles are made to secure the fork legs tiger to prevent twisting and flexing when applying the front disc brake. This limits the amount of fork fatigue and failure since it can resist torsion forces. On the other hand, quick-release axles don’t provide the same type of security due to the lack of structural support for their fork legs.
Vulnerability to Theft
Unfortunately, bike theft has been quite common in many countries. Bikes are expensive, and thieves know that they can make a fortune off painting and reselling your bike.
Quick-release bike wheels are more susceptible to theft since the wheels can be detached without using any tools. However, it’s possible to safeguard against this ACusing security skewers and other anti-theft devices. But, thru axel wheel mechanisms attach to multiple components and need tools for removal. As a result, the chances of bike wheel theft are drastically reduced.
Safety
Thru axles are the better option when it comes to safety. That’s because it’s nearly impossible for the bike’s dropouts to lift off the axles since it utilizes holes rather than u-shaped slots. This enables the thru-axle to be screwed firmly into the dropouts so that there isn’t any chance of the front wheel popping out when riding. Also, this design prevents the axle from being ejected during hard braking.
On the contrary, quick-release axles have a different design. If the axle system isn’t tightened properly, it can get knocked loose or loosen over time, causing the dropout to lift off. As a result, the wheel can come off, which is highly dangerous when riding, especially if you’re going fast.
Durability
Thru axles are considerably more durable than quick-release systems since they are about three to four times thicker. This provides a much higher tensile strength ensuring these pieces don’t break or bend even under put under extreme stress. Since they’re much stronger, they’re also safer since they have less likelihood of breaking.
Quick-release axles are noticeably thinner, meaning they might not last when traveling over rough terrain or performing tricks that involve drops or jumps.
Weight
Quick-release shafts typically have a smaller diameter than thru-axle systems, meaning they’re lighter. They weigh between 40 to 50 grams, while thru-axles weigh between 60 to 80 grams. Additionally, they require less maintenance since they don’t need any lubrication or grease to ensure they keep moving like thru-axle shafts.
Maintenance
Quick-release axles don’t have any bearing surface, meaning they won’t be exposed to debris or dirt. Thus, they won’t need to be cleaned or lubricated often like thru-axles since they do have bearing surfaces. Thru axles need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly to prevent dirt and debris from the road surfaces.
Compatibility
Unfortunately, one of the major problems with thru-axles is car bike racks. If you own a rack that clamps onto u-shaped dropouts, you will experience problems with the closed circular thru-axle dropouts. Fortunately, there are thru-axle adaptors that have been developed that can work as a solution.
When it comes to bike repair stands, they’re made to work with most axle systems. However, you can find it challenging to work with the thru-axle on some bike repair stands.
Overall, quick-release systems are compatible with all types of bike carriers and racks, while thru-axles only work with certain types of bike carriers and racks.
Parts and Availability
Another drawback of the thru-axle system is that they might not always be available everywhere. For example, if you’re in a developing country and need to replace your thru-axle or need a new hub, many small bike shops might not have them available. In this case, you’d have to travel to a bigger city where they have it shipped in.
Many bike tourists tend to stick with quick-release axles since they are easy to find and more widespread. However, some bike manufacturers of touring bikes are beginning to produce axles since this is least likely to break on a tour ride.
Cost
Costs of quick release are generally cheaper than thru axels. A single thru-axel can cost between $30 and $60, while a pair of quick-release axles cost between $10 and $20 a set.
The higher cost is a result of the complexity and manufacturing involved in making a thru-axle frame. Thru-axle frames and forks require more precision and leave no room for error.
Should You Choose a Thru Axle or Quick Release?
There isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to picking between these two bike setups. It’ll largely depend on the type of bike you have, your needs, and your preferences.
Quick-release axles are best for track or road bikes, allowing for quick installation and wheel removal. Without any tools required to install it, you can easily transport your bike and store it in small spaces.
Thru-axles are found on off-road bikes, mountain bikes, and BMX bikes. They’re much strongest since they use three times as much metal in their constructions. Also, they’re thicker and have a larger diameter, allowing for more strength when supporting the load of the rider.
In short, bikes that travel on off-road terrain need thru-axle systems. The additional durability and safety make sense and prevent dangerous situations from happening. Not to mention, the decrease in drag will allow you to speed through these terrains.
There are some real benefits to choosing thru-axles, and these advantages are the reasons why thru-axles are gaining popularity among cyclists. First off, they’re more secure since they don’t loosen, bend or break under duress, making them more secure when riding bumpy off-road courses or going downhill.
Secondly, they offer a significant performance enhancement by adding extra rigidity to your fork. This solidity offers better handling and decreases the risk of bending the rotor or damaging an axle.
However, these reasons don’t necessarily mean thru-axles are better. Quick-release bike wheels are still secure and safe when used correctly. The efficiency of the installation, especially when the replacement of a wheel, is convenient and makes it still a viable option.
Wrapping It Up
The evolution of thru-axle systems has drastically improved safety and reduced injury risks, especially when hard braking or riding in rough conditions. Ultimately your choice for picking between quick-release vs thru axle systems depends on the type of bike you have and the braking system being used.
Now that you know all about these wheel attachments, you’re ready to select the best wheel attachment to keep you safe on your rides.
We hope you’ve found our guide insightful and has helped you identify the differences.
