nathant53

I just bought a new quick release for my front wheel because my old one nut is stripped.

So anyways, I put it on and it rides fine.

Then I decided to bar spin/etc ( I fail doing so and slammed my front wheel kinda hard on the ground) . Then I notice that my wheel was hitting the fork.

Is it because I didn't tighten good enough? ( how tight should it be? )

brad3104

Idk but why quick release? I never understood quick release anything. Just makes it easier for someone to snatch it. It takes 20 seconds to take out the tool and take off a wheel.

hairnet

um... how does that protect your wheel in any way over a quick release?

is the wheel rubbing the side of the fork?

blickblocks

The quick release ought to be tight enough that it takes some effort to clamp it down. Not too much effort, but enough that you need to get a good grip on the stem.

Squirrelli

WRONG.
People with a bolt on front wheel don't usually lock their front wheel, anyone with a wrench can pop the wheel off in...5 seconds.

nathant53

Um..Okay I'll give that a try. But Im afriad since thats how I broke a quick release before. I forced it too much and heard a snap...then it was over. =[

..The reason I have a quick release is because my wheel is laced to a QR hub. I would prefer nuts and bolts, but I don't have the time and money to re-lace it. And I triple lock my bike so its a no problem. ( 2 ulocks 1 cable =] )

Squirrelli

It's cheap to swap out the hollow quick release axle to a solid axle that will accept a set of nuts.

hairnet

I read somewhere on Sheldon Brown about getting the lever open parallel to the axel, get the nut on the other side finger tight, then close the lever. It gets that tight with effort but without the too much effort feel. Better than trial and error every time the wheel is removed.

AEO

I never understood bolt on wheels.
bingo. I carry a 6in adjustable wrench in my repair kit, which can play a lot of havoc for people who think their wheels are secure because they're bolted on. Not that I would steal bikes or parts, that's just bad karma and I would be pissed if someone did that to my bikes.

If you have bolt on wheels and don't have a wrench when you flat... that's luggage on wheels.


As to the original question: You should start to feel resistance when the lever is half closed and it should leave an imprint on your palm when you have fully closed it.

nathant53

When I feel resistance around half way, I feel like if I keep going it might snap. =S... I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

@Vixtor, you said I could easily swap out a QR axle for a regular nuts and bolts one? HOW?

hairnet

quit your worrying

you can treat it like any hub overhaul, but a new axel goes in as well. https://bicycletutor.com/overhaul-wheel-bearings/

AaronH

If you've got a standard QR hub consider a DT Swiss RWS Ratcheting Wheel Skewer. You can get better clamping force and it's easier to use than a standard QR, and usually lighter as well

AEO

you must have an open cam.
open cams take a lot of force to close and open, but don't offer the same kind of clamping force as some basic shimano or campy skewers give.

If you use a shimano or campy skewer, they'll hold a fixed gear rear wheel no problem.
even if your dropout is chromed.

nathant53

I do have a shimano, it came as a set with the hub. The nut is stripped so I bought a completely new QR. And I only use a QR for the front.

I think I got it right, I'll take it for a spin and see how it goes.

brad3104

Ummm I lock my front wheel, my back wheel, my seat post, and my frame. Not all bike thieves carry all kinds of tools with them. Why would i want to make it any easier for someone by using quick release anything to steal something. Also things like quick release seat posts suck ass. My friends have some on their hybrids and the things slip like crazy. Ive seen several people over the years walking a bike home because someone snatched their front quick release wheel, but whatever feels good to u i guess.

Also I would never ride without the proper tools to fix a flat....I thought that would be a given. I dont own a car...so i kinda need my bike to get places.

Squirrelli

They only need a bottle jack or an angle grinder if they want to steal something from you. Bottom line is, if they want something from you(your bike), they will do it any way possible.

brad3104

Do u really not understand the difference between a spur of the moment bike thief and a real bike thief? Obviously if a real bike thief wants something they are going to get it with some time and the tools. There are plenty of thieves walking around who would only steal something if it was super easy though. There is a difference between these 2......

Squirrelli

If a "spur of the moment" bike thief sees that the bike is all chained up and locked up, he/she would just stay away from it. People who have quick release wheels would generally lock them up as well. If quick release parts are not locked, then it is just the user's fault for giving them for free to thieves.

My point is, people usually would lock up their quick release wheels, whereas people with bolt on wheels might not, making them vulnerable to any kinds of thief.

hairnet

just walk around the nearest college campus. Fixie kids with track wheel sets usually just lock their frame or rear wheel while people with geared bikes might lock the frame with the wheels.