Originally Posted by
JJBlanche
About a month ago, I picked up a KHS Urban-X, which is an ideal bike for my commute. It uses quick-release skewers for the wheels. I was perusing the manual, and noticed a section about the skewers, mentioning it was really easy to over or under tighten them. It recommended taking the bike to a shop every time the skewers are removed, to ensure they're properly refitted.
To me, this seems to defeat the purpose of quick-release wheels. I'm wondering if skewers really are that sensitive/difficult to reinstall properly. My basic point is that, in the event of a flat, I'll have to remove and reinstall them, and want to know what I'm getting into.
What's highlighted in bold is complete nonsense. Go to a local co-op and learn how to remove/reinstall a wheel. There're several little things one needs to know. How to release/retighten the brakes, re-centering the wheel, etc. Depending on the type of calipers you may need to carry needle-nosed pliers in your tookit. This was my approach years ago when I first started cycle-commuting.
Btw,one little tip. Make sure the skewer handle is parallel to the fork in the front and the same w/t chainstay in the rear. That way one can use all four fingers on the inside of the fork/frame and the palm of the hand on the lever. But, make sure you leave enough space between the lever and the outside of the fork/frame to get your fingers in to be able to loosen the skewer if/when the wheel needs to be removed.