Originally Posted by 0x4C
Anyone know specifically why a quick-release axle can't be used with this hub? Or more generally, is there a rule of thumb that determines QR/bolt-on axle interchangeability?
Generally if the hub uses cartridge bearings it needs a specific axle.
The axle needs a smooth surface of the correct diameter for the cartridge bearing to sit on. Many also have a step to prevent the bearing from being pushed too far onto the axle.
Since different hubs use different size bearings and position them differently in the hub shell axles are not interchangeable between different hubs.
There is nothing stopping the manufacturer or a third party from producing a qr axle for a particular hub but I expect this doesn't happen because demand for qr fixed hubs is very low. Looks like phil may be the only fixed hubs where this is an option.