Durability and usefulness of quick release
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Durability and usefulness of quick release
I am looking at new bikes, and one I really like has quick release front and rear wheels as well as seatpost. I love the idea, but I was wondering if there was a major downside, durability wise, or even functionally.
I'm looking at Hybrids and Comfort bikes, It is amazing how nice the bikes around $500 are.
Many come with seatpost suspension too , how well does that work long term?
I do have a bike repair kit, and I promise to learn to use it for simple adjustments and roadside repairs.
I'm looking at Hybrids and Comfort bikes, It is amazing how nice the bikes around $500 are.
Many come with seatpost suspension too , how well does that work long term?
I do have a bike repair kit, and I promise to learn to use it for simple adjustments and roadside repairs.
#2
52-week commuter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,929
Bikes: Redline Conquest, Cannonday, Specialized, RANS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The biggest downside is you have to secure those things when you park the bike. I've had skewers stolen, which is really a drag (especially since I rode off without noticing and crashed shortly thereafter when I tried to jump a curb).
I just bought a set of skewers and seatpost clamp that fasten with an allen bolt. I figure if I'm carrying a pump, tube and tire irons I can carry an allen wrench, and if I'm not it doesn't matter if I can get the wheel off without tools.
Some riders adjust their seat height frequently, but I don't.
I just bought a set of skewers and seatpost clamp that fasten with an allen bolt. I figure if I'm carrying a pump, tube and tire irons I can carry an allen wrench, and if I'm not it doesn't matter if I can get the wheel off without tools.
Some riders adjust their seat height frequently, but I don't.
#3
cab horn
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 28,353
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 26 Times
in
19 Posts
Suspension seatposts are a waste of yar monay. If you're going to be using said bike for commuting and locking the bike outside for periods of time, forget quick release wheels.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for the input. I suspected they might be a bit less useful than it looked at first glance, though I see people take their front wheel with them sometimes, if they are locking their bike up for a while.
#5
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,359
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6218 Post(s)
Liked 4,214 Times
in
2,362 Posts
Originally Posted by lin
Thanks for the input. I suspected they might be a bit less useful than it looked at first glance, though I see people take their front wheel with them sometimes, if they are locking their bike up for a while.
Quick release wheels have been around for ages, they are convenient and make changing flats and fixing wheels much easier than the alternative. Just learn how to use them. Ask the shop where you buy the bike how to use them properly.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 1,511
Bikes: Surly Pacer/Cutter/Viking
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think Quick Release are both safer and more convenient. You don't have to worry about tightening up your bolts and when you are out you don't have to worry about removing the bolts to fix a flat.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Interesting article on QR skewers by Bike Guru Sheldon Brown. Super reliable and useful for your wheels, but why in the world would you need one for your seatpost?
Are there cyclists who're yanking their saddles up and down for every ride? This one has baffled me for a while.
Are there cyclists who're yanking their saddles up and down for every ride? This one has baffled me for a while.
#8
52-week commuter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,929
Bikes: Redline Conquest, Cannonday, Specialized, RANS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by cyccommute
On the other hand, when you get a flat - and you will- try getting the wheel off You will have to carry a wrench big enough to both loosen and tighten the wheel nuts which means at least a 6 in. Cresent wrench. That's a lot of weight to be lugging around all the time.
I use these skewers (https://www.nashbar.com/profile_morei...ku=8197&brand=) which use a 5mm allen key to loosen. If you're carrying a pump, tube, and tire irons, an allen key is pretty nominal. It's also useful on a lot of bolts on a typical bike.
One other consideration is that it's almost impossible nowadays to get quality wheels that don't use skewers.
#9
You need a new bike
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,433
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I'm using 26 year old quick releases on my commuter. Reliability is not an issue.
Solid axles are little deterrent to theft. All it takes is a simple wrench to remove a solid axle wheel. If you want to keep your wheels, you should lock your wheels.
Solid axles are little deterrent to theft. All it takes is a simple wrench to remove a solid axle wheel. If you want to keep your wheels, you should lock your wheels.
#10
la vache fantôme
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: NH
Posts: 6,266
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
i love having QR. ITs so very easy to take out wheels to change tires or adjust seat height. Unless for a beater, i would not have anything else
__________________
C://dos
C://dos.run
run.dos.run
C://dos
C://dos.run
run.dos.run
#11
MADE IN TAIWAN
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SF
Posts: 2,438
Bikes: Tarmac, Humble, Makino, Schwinn
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by caloso
Interesting article on QR skewers by Bike Guru Sheldon Brown. Super reliable and useful for your wheels, but why in the world would you need one for your seatpost?
Are there cyclists who're yanking their saddles up and down for every ride? This one has baffled me for a while.
Are there cyclists who're yanking their saddles up and down for every ride? This one has baffled me for a while.
#12
DEADBEEF
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Posts: 12,234
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Originally Posted by caloso
Are there cyclists who're yanking their saddles up and down for every ride? This one has baffled me for a while.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
#13
Deported by koffee
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 1,187
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by DCCommuter
I use these skewers (https://www.nashbar.com/profile_morei...ku=8197&brand=) which use a 5mm allen key to loosen. If you're carrying a pump, tube, and tire irons, an allen key is pretty nominal. It's also useful on a lot of bolts on a typical bike.
One other consideration is that it's almost impossible nowadays to get quality wheels that don't use skewers.
One other consideration is that it's almost impossible nowadays to get quality wheels that don't use skewers.
I would use quick release skewers if I'm in a race and the spare wheels are waiting on the roof top of a van behind me. For every day use, it makes no sense.
#14
Alien lifeform
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 263
Bikes: 2002 Specialized Expedition Elite, 2005 Jamis Aurora
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by lin
I am looking at new bikes, and one I really like has quick release front and rear wheels as well as seatpost. I love the idea, but I was wondering if there was a major downside, durability wise, or even functionally.
I'm looking at Hybrids and Comfort bikes, It is amazing how nice the bikes around $500 are.
Many come with seatpost suspension too , how well does that work long term?
I do have a bike repair kit, and I promise to learn to use it for simple adjustments and roadside repairs.
I'm looking at Hybrids and Comfort bikes, It is amazing how nice the bikes around $500 are.
Many come with seatpost suspension too , how well does that work long term?
I do have a bike repair kit, and I promise to learn to use it for simple adjustments and roadside repairs.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Posts: 8,521
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
QRs are reliable and very useful. Keeps you from having to carry a 15mm wrench with you. (Aviod cresent wrenches whenever possible) Theft is an issue, and those newer Allen head QRs are a good option.
#16
la vache fantôme
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: NH
Posts: 6,266
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
the real solution is, if your going to a place where theft is possible, use a beater. The only reason i bring my bike to school now is because I have worked things out with a teacher
__________________
C://dos
C://dos.run
run.dos.run
C://dos
C://dos.run
run.dos.run
#17
Tom (ex)Builder
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Manassas, VA
Posts: 2,814
Bikes: Specialized Allez
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by samundsen
Quick release is fine, I have no problems with those. However, I have a seatpost suspension on my commuter, and I really dislike it. I bounce way too much, and it's difficult to set the saddle to the correct height (as soon as some weight is placed on the saddle, the suspension give in). I'm planning on replacing it at some point.
__________________
Tom
"It hurts so good..."
Tom
"It hurts so good..."
#18
Deported by koffee
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 1,187
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by DieselDan
QRs are reliable and very useful. Keeps you from having to carry a 15mm wrench with you. (Aviod cresent wrenches whenever possible) Theft is an issue, and those newer Allen head QRs are a good option.
#19
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,359
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6218 Post(s)
Liked 4,214 Times
in
2,362 Posts
Originally Posted by allgoo19
I have similar skewers made by ControlTech(Only titanium parts I have and nobody sees them). It gives me minimal feel of security, otherwise I won't leave my bike out of my sight for more than 2 seconds. It takes no more time to remove wheel than with quick release, other than time to take the allen wrench out of the seat bag.
I would use quick release skewers if I'm in a race and the spare wheels are waiting on the roof top of a van behind me. For every day use, it makes no sense.
I would use quick release skewers if I'm in a race and the spare wheels are waiting on the roof top of a van behind me. For every day use, it makes no sense.
Honestly, I've been riding bikes for nearly 30 years and never found anyone messing with the quick release. Not even a seat quick release.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#20
Alien lifeform
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 263
Bikes: 2002 Specialized Expedition Elite, 2005 Jamis Aurora
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by twahl
Does your seatpost have an adjustable preload? I had one on a Specialized Expedition, and it had an allen head adjuster that you could get to from the bottm to make it more solid.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
It depends if the bike is for work or leisure.
If you leave your bike unattended all day in a high-risk area, sooner or later someone will mess with your QRs or even remove them. I have used solid axles with a big track nut for security, but a secure locking (not just allen key) QR is better.
carrying the wrench is a nuisance but I carry a pump and repair kit the whole time anyway. I prefer a ring to a cresent wrench; you can apply some foot force to the nut.
Seatpost QR?? waste of space. Use a cheap post/saddle with a nut and no-one will steal it.
Sus post: too much stuff. They weigh more and wear out after heavy use.
I see people locking their fancy bikes up, removing the front wheel to lock to the rear, then removing all the lights/computer etc, then the seatpost and saddle. How far can you ride the time it takes to lock/unlock the bike? I'm sure the overall journey would be faster with a low-tech beater bike where you can safely leave all the bits on the bike.
If you leave your bike unattended all day in a high-risk area, sooner or later someone will mess with your QRs or even remove them. I have used solid axles with a big track nut for security, but a secure locking (not just allen key) QR is better.
carrying the wrench is a nuisance but I carry a pump and repair kit the whole time anyway. I prefer a ring to a cresent wrench; you can apply some foot force to the nut.
Seatpost QR?? waste of space. Use a cheap post/saddle with a nut and no-one will steal it.
Sus post: too much stuff. They weigh more and wear out after heavy use.
I see people locking their fancy bikes up, removing the front wheel to lock to the rear, then removing all the lights/computer etc, then the seatpost and saddle. How far can you ride the time it takes to lock/unlock the bike? I'm sure the overall journey would be faster with a low-tech beater bike where you can safely leave all the bits on the bike.
Last edited by MichaelW; 04-19-05 at 03:39 AM.
#22
Zippy Engineer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: IN
Posts: 1,801
Bikes: Bianchi 928, Bianchi Pista Concept 2004, Surly Steamroller, 1998 Schwinn Factory Team Homegrown, 1999 Schwinn Homegrown Factory, 2000 Schwinn Panther, Niner EMD9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by samundsen
It's adjustable, but as far as I know, not with an allen head, it's just a plastic adjuster that surrounds the seatpost. I have tightened it as far as it can go. My bike is a Specialized Expedition Elite 2002.
#23
cab horn
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 28,353
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 26 Times
in
19 Posts
Even if you lock both QR wheels with you, the skeweres are liable to be stolen. No one is going to steal nuts.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Thanks for the replies, wangster and khuon. I've always wondered, especially since I've spent so much time getting my seat position dialed in.
#25
One Tough Cookie.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: West Hartford, CT
Posts: 265
Bikes: Too many and not ENOUGH!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've not had any problems with bike theft (knock on wood!).
However, there is the occasional...jerk...who will play with the shifters...or loosen a QR...or let air out of the tires (Presta valves are an advantage here--few people know how to use them! But Schraders....well...!).
Even...especially when..the bike is parked at work. Indoors!!
I think I know who the culprit..or culprits, are though!
But, I never catch the ...(censored!), and cannot PROVE it! If I ever do catch the idiots, though....! POW!!!
However, there is the occasional...jerk...who will play with the shifters...or loosen a QR...or let air out of the tires (Presta valves are an advantage here--few people know how to use them! But Schraders....well...!).
Even...especially when..the bike is parked at work. Indoors!!
I think I know who the culprit..or culprits, are though!
But, I never catch the ...(censored!), and cannot PROVE it! If I ever do catch the idiots, though....! POW!!!
__________________
A bad day on the bike is better than a good day at work!!
My discussion board, another resource for the "utility" and commuter cyclist: "Two Wheeled Commuter: The Everyday Cyclist"
A bad day on the bike is better than a good day at work!!
My discussion board, another resource for the "utility" and commuter cyclist: "Two Wheeled Commuter: The Everyday Cyclist"