Hi all,

I am currently converting a Merida mountain bike into a commuter. I've recently replaced the original wheel skewers for 'anti-theft, not-so-quick-release' units. Within a few days of riding, the front wheel came loose, just wiggily loose and not falling out loose. I retighten it and didn't give it another thought until the following week, where I found both the front and rear wheels being loose. The original quick releases never gave me any problems of this manner and I've been using them for over 3000 km.

I did notice the orignal skewers were made from forged steel with rolled/forged threads and oxide finishing. Unlike the anti-theft ones, or any skewer I've seen before, including the ones that came with Deore hubs. Those had cut threads and crome finishing.

This is the first bike I have with disc brakes (mechanical). I have read that disc put greater stresses on quick release units than rim brakes. How far is this ture I'm not really sure but I never had any problems with the original skewers.

So my question is this, do disc braked wheels require a different type of skewer ? Or is it possible the skewer that came with my anti-theft unit may be of questionable quality ? They look identical to Shimano's skewer but definately different from the ones that came on my bike.

Ideas?

Thank you.