I have to ask what it is about a QR that defies common sense? I've used them for years, no one ever showed me how, and they seemed as straightforward as can be from day one. What am I missing???

Fixing a flat tire is something that every cyclist needs to learn to do. The only way to avoid it is to always ride with someone who knows how. Take that class on tire changing for newbies at the LBS or bicycle club and once you take the class you will cease to be a newbie and join the ranks of the exalted sages. Now, you probably want to take the class at another LBS because the "cutie" will be more impressed by someone who already knows how to fix a flat and you can always find some accessory to look at to justify a visit to her.

Actually inner tube patching is a pretty boring process these days. When I was a kid automobile tires had tubes too and if you wanted your bicycle tube patched you took it to the local gas station and paid the mechanic to patch it for you. He would go through this amazing process involving water tanks, wire brushes on a bench grinder, and a big clamp that held the patch against the tube in a metal frame. The last step was to light a pyrotechnic layer on the back of the patch to "vulcanize" it to the tube. Well worth the price of admission and if your friend had a flat you would be sure to tag along to watch for free!

Oh, and many internally geared, non-department store, rear hubs will be held on with nuts, not a quick release.

Ken