Dirtgrinder
07-12-02, 11:38 PM
Does anybody know if skewers fatigue? It would seem that the constant stressing and unstressing of the metal would eventually fatigue the metal. Ever read anything about it?
Bicycle Mechanics - skewers
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sscyco
07-13-02, 10:10 AM
I've broke and bent a few over the years. One broke at the lever (Specialized, over stressed the aluminum) and the other's nut just came apart. I have a set of Kore skewers on my MTB and the front one is mysteriously bent - not quite sure how it happened - I'll probably replace it soon, I don't want that going out on me.
Joe
Joe
AndrewP
07-13-02, 09:20 PM
I dont think they would fail through fatigue for two reasons:
They dont have very many repeated loading and unloading - only once per wheel removal. A bike frame will get a load reversal every time it goes over a bump. Spokes will get load reversals every turn of the wheel.
Skewers are usually made from steel or titanium which are not susceptible to metal fatigue. Aluminum is susceptible to metal fatigue.
They dont have very many repeated loading and unloading - only once per wheel removal. A bike frame will get a load reversal every time it goes over a bump. Spokes will get load reversals every turn of the wheel.
Skewers are usually made from steel or titanium which are not susceptible to metal fatigue. Aluminum is susceptible to metal fatigue.
Precision Pedal
07-13-02, 09:51 PM
Steel and Ti skewer's are subject to fatigue. Although alu. is much shorter in it's life span, all metals are subject to fatigue under usage.
Dirtgrinder
07-13-02, 10:16 PM
Originally posted by AndrewP
They dont have very many repeated loading and unloading - only once per wheel removal
That's true, but the skewer is under constant tension the whole time your riding. Plus taking a constant jarring while under tension.
While when some components fail it might be an inconvenience, if a skewer failed it could be catastrophic.
Thanks for the replies.
Does anyone change their skewers periodically? Is there a life-span to skewers or a recommended time period to change them?
I'm not paranoid, (yet), ;) but it's not a great expense considering the importance.
They dont have very many repeated loading and unloading - only once per wheel removal
That's true, but the skewer is under constant tension the whole time your riding. Plus taking a constant jarring while under tension.
While when some components fail it might be an inconvenience, if a skewer failed it could be catastrophic.
Thanks for the replies.
Does anyone change their skewers periodically? Is there a life-span to skewers or a recommended time period to change them?
I'm not paranoid, (yet), ;) but it's not a great expense considering the importance.
Hunter
07-14-02, 09:07 AM
Yeah Dirtgrinder I change mine when they start to bend. They are a inexpensive part, and once they bend there is no telling what else may happen.