Quick Release Tires
#2
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: clipped in
Bikes: Pacific hardtail (frame only right now); Weyless SP (frame/fork right now); Jamis Dakar XLT 1.0 custom build-up (fully functional)
I'm assuming (DUH!) that you're not only a newbie HERE, but with bikes themelves. So I'll go easy.
There's no such thing as "quick release tires". Tires are the rubber hoops that go on your WHEELS and get filled with air. You want quick-release-equipped wheels.
So you have what's called a "nutted axle" -- takes a wrench to loosen it up. Depending on the quality of the wheel (nutted usually comes on cheaper bikes), axles can be swapped out as long as the hollow axles come with their own cones. Cones are the 'inner nut' things that the bearings roll against. If the bearings in your wheel's hub are 'caged', which means they are pretty much out in the open when you take the axle out, and held in place with a spidery metal piece (the 'cage'), then you're good for the new axle. I've done this several times for my daughter's bikes. Anyone who knows how to repack wheel bearings can do this.
There's no such thing as "quick release tires". Tires are the rubber hoops that go on your WHEELS and get filled with air. You want quick-release-equipped wheels.
So you have what's called a "nutted axle" -- takes a wrench to loosen it up. Depending on the quality of the wheel (nutted usually comes on cheaper bikes), axles can be swapped out as long as the hollow axles come with their own cones. Cones are the 'inner nut' things that the bearings roll against. If the bearings in your wheel's hub are 'caged', which means they are pretty much out in the open when you take the axle out, and held in place with a spidery metal piece (the 'cage'), then you're good for the new axle. I've done this several times for my daughter's bikes. Anyone who knows how to repack wheel bearings can do this.
#4
Don't worry about it bhill, the tires actually don't get filled with air either, the tubes do. The tires are filled with air filled tubes. :-)
Chances are that it won't be worth the trouble to add quick release axles to what you have. To be honest if they don't have quick release axles already, the quality probably doesn't warrant the expense unless there is some special circumstance that indicates that you need them.
Chances are that it won't be worth the trouble to add quick release axles to what you have. To be honest if they don't have quick release axles already, the quality probably doesn't warrant the expense unless there is some special circumstance that indicates that you need them.
__________________
Tom
"It hurts so good..."
Tom
"It hurts so good..."
#5
Tell a thousand lies...
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: In Philly for the time being
Bikes: Cheap-o MTB, 1980 Fuji Gran Tourer SE
Hehe, this reminds me of the time someone said to me that her wheels were flat after not riding for the entire winter. I still haven't let her forget that one.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 2
For the most part, bolt-on wheels are on very inexpensive bikes, and have solid axles. Upgrading to quick-release would likely require a new wheel-set. Can be done, but few of these bikes are worth the upgrade.
Might be better to save your pennies for a nicer bike.
Might be better to save your pennies for a nicer bike.




, thanks again


