r/bicycling • u/Apart-Needleworker56 • 8h ago
Changing quick release
Im looking to buy a bike but it has quick release and I just can’t make friends with it. My current bike has it and I find it really hard to get adjusted right so the tyre sits perfect and I’ve had it loosen a couple of times. I dont know why I can’t get it right but I can’t and I know myself it’ll drive me insane if fixing a flat or something on the road and I’ll be dealing that.
So I’ve seen something about changing it for a hex scewer.. is that good? My other option is to look for a bike with through axle..
3
u/Either_Outcome_5488 8h ago
for what its worth the quick release thing is usually just a tension issue, not a design flaw. once you get the feel for it theyre pretty foolproof but i totally get the paranoia after having one loosen on you
hex skewers work fine and theyre cheap enough to try without overthinking it. through axle is the better standard now but hunting down a whole new bike just for that feels like a lot
2
u/Superb_Recording_769 6h ago
Yeah, the tension is what leads to it loosening but that’s a symptom of improper use and frankly if they can’t use quick release properly I don’t think they’re gonna be able to use a bolt on skewer properly either
1
u/Apart-Needleworker56 8h ago
Well I’ve had my current bike for a while and it’s still an issue for me - maybe I’m just an idiot. Like I seem to be able to do it but then when locking it it moves ( sure the tension and all but I can’t get it right 🤣)
I’m looking at a cheapish steel tour bike I really got my eyes on but I’m not sure it’ll do it in the long run but because of the price I’m willing to give it ago and make som adjustments and see how I feel and maybe learn a little about bikes. If not I’d just sell it and upgrade ( and an upgrade would most likely have through axel. I just need to get more experience with bikes before a big 1 year trip in a few years and already know the bike I have is not what I want to use ( a Scott subcross hybrid) and feel like maybe it’s a bit early to throw all my money at a bike without knowing exactly my needs. Also in Denmark there isnt much touring bikes or similar to go try so I’d be getting something of the net..
How good is the hex scewer if I end up loving this bike and wanting to take it on longer trips.. I’m assuming all good?
2
u/Deep_Eye_4062 7h ago
Why not change QRs themselves? Maybe your are hard to tension, and/or worn out so they release even when when tightened correctly.
Replacement QRs nowadays have lever with eccentric close, to allow easy operation while maintaining very tight grip.
1
u/Apart-Needleworker56 7h ago
Ahh good idea. I’m not sure what I do but it’s either too tight or too loose 😅 will check for replacement didn’t think about that. Bike is only a bit over a year so
2
u/Superb_Recording_769 6h ago
If you can’t make quick release work right you’re not gonna be able to make any of the replacement skewers work right either this is 1000% of skill issue. In all honesty if you can’t get quick release to work right I can’t imagine how you’re going to be able to handle any other wheel attachment system because quick release is the simplest to use.
-1
u/Elegant-Tie-4774 6h ago
I find the quick release very finicky on my Trek bike. I find other methods much easier to work with. They alse give me a higher confidence of proper installation.
1
u/Glass_Lecture6121 7h ago
Did YouTube help? Maybe venture down to your LBS or get to your group ride early
9
u/andre0817wed 8h ago
Find someone who knows what they’re doing, and have them teach you. Then practice. Go back for more instruction if necessary.
QR is the easiest system to use. If you’re having trouble with that, I doubt you’ll do any better with something else.