Originally Posted by
pdlamb
I'd think a through axle would affect the ride about as much as the color of the paint.
...and yet so many framebuilders and manufacturers have suggested that it "stiffens up the front end" or something to that effect, which, if you think about it, seems plausible. Doesn't mean it's true, just that it makes sense
in theory: A thicker, stiffer axle that is solidly threaded into the dropouts
ought to resist independent movement of the left & right fork blades more than a conventional QR lever. :shrugs:
Whether there is tangible benefit -- or discernible difference -- from a "stiff front end" becomes the next question.