Originally Posted by
noglider
I never had difficulty operating QR skewers but a lot of people do. I'm sure many of us have seen people who screw the skewer tight without flipping the lever. I taught a class for adults and was very explicit: "Test to see if it's adjusted right by flipping. It should be hard but possible to close. When you have it adjusted right, do not screw it tight; flip it closed." I showed it very clearly. And half my students screwed it tight anyway. Oy vey. And I suppose this is a reason thru-axles come on new bikes.
Given that we can't change human nature, I'll concede that the change is a good one. I don't wish a falling-off front wheel on anyone.
I've seen people treat QR skewers like wingnuts too, and was a bit amazed. Perhaps I over-estimate the mechanical aptitude of the average person?
The through-axle does seem like a solution that satisfies people's urge to screw things together, but I've wondered if bikes with rim brakes wouldn't be better off with wingnuts? ... at least for those folks who are challenged by QR's? My first 10 speed was equipped with them, and for a Montgomery Ward bike, they were a bit exotic!! There's a bit of a compromise in the wingnuts, though. The wings weren't long enough, on average, to get much torque. OTOH, I still use a Hi-E hub with its little half-wingnut method of attachment. The wing is only a bit under 1" long, and it is adequate to hold the front wheel on.
Steve in frigid Peoria