I thought we would start a new series utilizing the bike genius that is PsiMet. I'll go first.

The axel on my HED disk seams awfully short. It barely catches the rear dropouts. It's the same on the other side. I'm not happy with it. What to do?

Looks fine to me. You have a little less than 1/2 engagement.

If it's really bothering you there is always the possibility of measureing the axle and buying a new one that is slightly longer. You should be able to order one through most good shops. You could also send a message to Hed and ask for their take and if they have solutions.

In general though, if it were me, I would most likely just ride it, but hard to say for sure without holding it in my hand and feeling how the wheel engages the dropouts.

Dude, Guru was in Gang Starr, not on bikeforums.

Once the QR is tightened, the length of the axle is not important (as long as the QR does not touch the ends of the axle). It is the friction generated by the QR that holds the wheel in place, not the axle. The axle ends help align the wheel.

Psi and I discussed that but weren't positive under strong load what was likely to happen. I'm still not sure but understand your point.

I don't own any carbon frames/forks ... what are the dropouts made of?

They're aluminum.

Okay. I was just wondering if the asymmetry of the forces would damage the dropout. I bet you could fix it easily by grinding down those spacers. Hard to say without seeing it in person.

Oh man. That does not look good to me.

We don't want you hurting yourself again, now do we?

That looks like it was tailored for a 140 lb alien to ride. I'll gladly take it off you hands I'll PM my address, you can drop it off anytime.

Talked to HED. He said probably OK but he's sending a longer axle.