Bicycle Mechanics - Quick-release wheels affecting the accuracy of my gearing?

Let me begin by saying that I'll never feel the need for quick release wheels ever again, and as soon as I get find skewers that will fit my bike, I plan on "upgrading".

Even in instances where a quick release wheel should be a help instead of a hindrance, it seems to creat more work. I removed my wheels yesterday in order to fit some fenders and a rack to my bike. Upon reinstalling and engaging the quick release, it seems that my gearing is much less smooth and precise than it was. When switching gears, the chain seems to make a harsh biting noise compared to the simple 'click' it used to make when shifting. Also, Some gears seem to stutter a bit before shifting.

I'm wondering if it's because the fine tuning for my shifters are slightly off because of removing installing the wheels. Is this a common problem?

This shouldn't be a problem if you have vertical dropouts. If you have horizontal dropouts you may not have put the wheel back into the exact same position as when you took it out. It may be enough to mess up the indexed shifting.

At any rate, no it should not be a common problem. Quick release wheels are great on geared bikes because it eliminates the need to carry a tool to get the wheels off (wrench).

I have vertical dropouts on my bike. If nothing else, I'll recheck to make sure the wheel is mounted firmly.

It should be noted that upshifting is rough, while downshifting is almost spot-on.

It sounds to me like the wheel didn't go back in perfectly and its out of place. Bolt on wheels aren't any better and they make it even harder to get the wheel perfectly in place because the rotational force from bolting on the wheel moves the wheel out of place.

Regards, Anthony

I'm wondering if it's because the fine tuning for my shifters are slightly off because of removing installing the wheels. Is this a common problem?

As long as your wheel was seated firmly in your vertical dropout, removing and replacing the wheel shouldn't affect your indexing. The Axle locknut, from which the index spacing is based, will always rest firmly against your bike's dropout.

A bent axel will cause the problems your describing. Remove the wheel and rotate the axel. If either end moves up and down even the slightest it's bent and will need to be replaced.

sounds like the the housing at the rear derailleur was kinked or disturbed in some manner during wheel removal/installation. the problem you're describing has nothing to do with the type of axle.

Sounds to me as if you re-mounted the wheel with the bicycle upside down, you need to have the full weight of the bike on the wheels when you tighten the QR.

Al

Recenter the wheel.