Originally Posted by
DubT
Are you having a problem with your current wheel,axle Q/R setup? Why are you so excited about this feature. As I remember you are a light team and you have a very light stoker.
Reasons for interest in this are all posted above and links provided.
To summarize,
- Thru axle is a far superior hub/frame interface for heavy duty applications... which IMO would include virtually all tandems regardless of team weight. Superior being defined as stiffer, stronger and safer. Frankly, after doing some research on lightweight options I am surprised we never hear failure reports of long "tandem length" skewers (especially Ti)... I prefer not to be the first in that line.
- Availability of high quality, heavy duty thru axle disc ready hubs is widespread.
- Weight of said hubs is typically considerably less than equivalent "tandem" Q-release hubs. This is especially true if going to a CenterLock rotor mount (with or without a ISO 6-bolt adaptor). Currently there are no "tandem" specific and/or "rated" hubs offering a CenterLock option.
Note, thru axle is not limited to 142mm (effectively a modified 135mm hub), so there are wider options available too. Depends on your need for Q-factor, chainline, disc rotor size, etc.
I see it as a move forward in current standards, much like the awakening of preference for wider rims vs skinny.