What the title says. Currently got a commuter style bicycle with “quick release” axles. Can I switch to Thruaxle style somehow? Seems like you can use nicer bearings and stuff with those. And I really would like even better “roll” when commuting

Read something about the frame needing to be different for thruaxle, but I’m getting conflicting information from the internet and friends that ride racer bicycles😃

Edit: I’ve got hydraulic disc brakes if that matters

  • kersploosh@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    5·
    23 days ago

    Short answer: no.

    Frames and forks are built to fit specific axle types and hub widths. You generally cannot mix and match standards. Some frames have adapters or replacement dropouts available to fit different axle types (see Surly Monkey Nuts for example), but they won’t work with every frame.

    If you just want a smoother/faster ride, then you can get really nice hubs regardless of the axle type Heck, even lower-end hubs can feel great with fresh grease and a proper adjustment.

  • theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    3·
    23 days ago

    I have seen some guides around like this one and some videos about it on YouTube so it is definitely possible, would it be worth it though? I’m not sure.

    I feel like it would be less hassle to just get a frameset that supports them as standard.

    Bearings are a pretty common part that can be bought in various qualities across all sizes, I dont feel like you are going to be getting a significantly smoother ride just from upgrading to through axles, it is more about the stiffness and alignment that is gives the wheel. If you wanted just a smoother ride, like another commenter said, I feel like you’d get more bang for your buck from properly servicing and upgrading the bearings you have or buying a better quality wheelset.

  • tyrant@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    23 days ago

    In my humble experience the through axels have larger diameter hole in the dropouts. Also, through axels are just a hole where quick release is usually a slot. There might be some adapter out there but it seems like it would be a lot of work to get the two systems to meet up. People have used quick release system for many many years. I’m sure if you’re looking for a better roll there are easier options than this one. Maybe just swap the bearings or get nicer wheels?

  • pc486@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    2·
    23 days ago

    Adapters do exist that convert through-axle hubs to quick release. They will work if there’s a particular wheelset you’re looking at or, as I used them in my case, have a strange franken wheel project.

    That said, it’s generally not worth the squeeze. There are a great many wheels and hubs in different spacing, spoke count, colors, brake types, etc that are designed for quick release. Trying to adapt one not designed for your frame should be reserved for unusual circumstances. Consider these adapters only if you’re ready to build a wheel from the ground up (a hub, a box of spokes, and a rim).

    Also, don’t fret too much about hub bearings. Cup and cone bearings are very efficient and are easily serviced. Case in point, Shimano didn’t produce cartridge bearing hubs until 2023.

  • dunz@feddit.nuOPEnglish
    1·
    22 days ago

    Thanks for all the answers! I’ll stick with qr for now it seems. Might build a custom bike some day though, will totally use Thruaxle then