Bicycle Mechanics - How much tension on the quick release?

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georgiaboy
08-07-05, 07:10 PM
When I install my wheels using the quick release the tension is snug but night overly tight. Meaning that the lever locks over firm but I am careful not make it too hard a fasten.

This has worked well for me I have never had a problem.

Just looking for comments concerning how tight the quick release should be applied.

desmobob
08-07-05, 07:53 PM
When I install my wheels using the quick release the tension is snug but night overly tight. Meaning that the lever locks over firm but I am careful not make it too hard a fasten.

This has worked well for me I have never had a problem.

Just looking for comments concerning how tight the quick release should be applied.

Don't really know how you'd accurately guage how tight it is....

I did find that over-tightening the skewer on my Tiagra rear hub results in a clanking noise on each pedal stroke that sounds and feels like a bottom bracket noise, so I'm careful not to over-do it.

Good riding,
desmobob
phantomcow2
08-07-05, 07:58 PM
I started a thread about this a while back asking hte same question. I got some good replies, try a search.
I think its either Barnetts or Park tools that says it should be tight enough that tension starts when the lever is at 180 degrees

F1_Fan
08-07-05, 08:09 PM
When you're done 10,000's of em like me then you just "get a feel" :D

Rules of thumb:
- tension starts roughly when the lever sticks straight out from the axle
- after you push the lever through the final 90° or so you should see an imprint of the lever on your palm
- after tightening the lever should never be hard to open (it should be firm but not difficult).
teamo xtremo
08-07-05, 08:59 PM
Awesome. This thread made me want to contribute what little I know and join this forum--hey dudes.

About your quick release, what I've heard (and do myself) is to press it closed with the palm of your hand with enough force so that it leaves a mark for a few seconds. But I guess that in itself is debatable...since you could have giant callouses or really sensitive palms or whatnot and be off by a bit. I don't think it's an exact science.
Peek the Geek
08-08-05, 11:38 AM
I also subscribed to the "palm imprint" guideline until I got the "feel" for it.