Front Quick Release Skewers

[wibbly]

OK, forgive me I'm a total noob to cycling so I'm really full of stupid questions.

I've got me and the Wife a couple of bikes, albeit cheapies just to get us going, but need a way to remove the front wheels to store them easily. I've looked at quick release front skewers but am unsure how I fit them to my existing wheels.

I take it they're universal in fitment, so will fit any bike. I'm just not sure what they will replace on my current front wheel and how to fit them.

Anybody out there willing to explain in single syllabubs

 

[jazzkat]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+use+a+qr+skewer

 

[Ticktockmy]

You have not said what type of fittings you have on the Bike, I assume you have axles that use nuts. With some hubs you can change the axles with nuts to axles with Skewers. but as you said you have cheapy bikes I think you will not be able to change the axles, without rebuilding the wheels with Skewer Hubs. The only other solution is to buy a new wheel.

 

[wibbly]

You have not said what type of fittings you have on the Bike, I assume you have axles that use nuts. With some hubs you can change the axles with nuts to axles with Skewers. but as you said you have cheapy bikes I think you will not be able to change the axles, without rebuilding the wheels with Skewer Hubs. The only other solution is to buy a new wheel.

Thanks, I'm not really sure what sort of wheels they are to be honest. They attach to the forks with nuts. Maybe I'll take a photo tomorrow and post and see if anyone can advise further.

 

[HovR]

but as you said you have cheapy bikes I think you will not be able to change the axles, without rebuilding the wheels with Skewer Hubs. The only other solution is to buy a new wheel.

Assuming the bikes currently use nutted axles, I'd suggest the opposite. Cheaper bikes tend to use loose ball bearing style hubs (as opposed to sealed units) which are nice and easy (with a bit of mechanical know-how) to change to a hollow axle that will accept a quick release (QR) skewer.

Assuming the front wheels currently use 14mm nuts, then the "Front Hollow - 9x108mm" axle on this listing should be a more or less direct replacement. You would also need a front quick release skewer.

• To fit, remove the front wheel and unscrew the locknut and cone on one side. At this point bearings will probably fall out, so try to catch them. It's good to have some 3/16th bearings and grease on hand as replacements. You can now take the old axle out and put it to one side.
• Take the cone and locknut off one side of the new (hollow) axle, and ensure the other cone and locknut are tightened against eachother.
• Insert the new hollow axle in to the hub, ensuring all ball bearings are fitted.
• Put the cone back on, followed by the locknut. Tighten against eachother so there is no play in the axle, but also so the axle doesn't bind when you try to spin it. This video should explain this step in more detail.
• Put in your front QR skewer, and there you have it.

Alternatively, if you don't think you're up for dismantling the hubs, take it to your LBS.

Edit: This diagram may be useful. It's technically a rear axle, however fronts are almost exactly the same apart from they're a bit shorter and likely won't have any (or as many) spacers.

When assembled inside a hub, the ball bearings will run against the cones and the bearing surface inside the hub, and be protected from the elements by the dust covers.

 

[simon.r]

This will do the job I think.

Edit - or a new wheel would be quicker and easier, but cost about £30 +

 

[wibbly]

Thanks guys. Much food for thought, it's great to see my first mod is a PITA

 

[HovR]

it's great to see my first mod is a PITA

Yeah, slightly jumping in at the deep end going straight to hub servicing, but it's a valuable skill worth learning. Might as well do it now rather than learning on expensive wheels down the line!

I didn't mention in my earlier post, but you'll need a set of cone spanners in order to work on the hub, as the spanner flats on the cone & locknut are too thin for conventional spanners.

 

[wibbly]

Thanks. Maybe for the time being I'll just take the front wheel on and off for the time being!

It's really more for storage than anything else! I was hoping it was going to be a simple fix :/

 

[Gravity Aided]

Try this, perhaps http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_539414_-1___202459
In the U. States, but a good outfit, I deal with them alot, but I'm in the States too. Shipping shouldn't be extraordinary, and a British supplier may well have them.

 

[Rob3rt]

Just carry a stubby spanner for on the road puncture fixes and at home/for fitting into your car, just use a normal spanner and keep it in your car/wherever is convenient.

Don't over tighten with a normal spanner then expect to be able to undo it with a stubby though!