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what’s that thing on my rear axle?

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what’s that thing on my rear axle?

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Old 02-27-22, 01:19 PM
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what’s that thing on my rear axle?

so i just got a new road bike after 30 years, and the rear axle has a plastic lever looking thingee on the brake side that, if it was on an old bike, I’d say was a quick release lever… does anyone know what it is or what it’s for?
thanks for any info!
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Old 02-27-22, 01:26 PM
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Probably the lever to unscrew the thru axle.
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Old 02-27-22, 01:36 PM
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so that you can take the wheel off with only one hex key? but not on the front wheel which still requires two… hmmm…
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Old 02-27-22, 02:09 PM
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Is that your bike?

I think I'll have to ask for a NDS (non-Drive-Side) photo

It appears as if you have thru axles both front and year. I'd anticipate you can get both the wheels off without tools, unless some kind of security skewer was installed.
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Old 02-27-22, 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
[MENTION=550802]...I think I'll have to ask for a NDS (non-Drive-Side) photo...

Oh NO! A Non Drive Side Photo!!!

...Ha
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Old 02-27-22, 02:26 PM
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yes that IS my bike! and now that i’m allowed to post photos, here’s the thingee… and either side of the front axle… cant see that coming off without tools!


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Old 02-27-22, 02:28 PM
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On my DT Swiss thru axles, the “lever” pops off so that you can use it with either wheel.
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Old 02-27-22, 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by zandoval

Oh NO! A Non Drive Side Photo!!!

...Ha
in smally-big with the cranks and valves misaligned? I’ll get on that right away
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Old 02-27-22, 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by sarhog
On my DT Swiss thru axles, the “lever” pops off so that you can use it with either wheel.
oooOOOooo... this makes some sense. level’s home base on the rear because less aero impact…. i’ll go try pulling it off and see… hopefully i don’t ruin my new bike!
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Old 02-27-22, 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Overdraft
so that you can take the wheel off with only one hex key? but not on the front wheel which still requires two… hmmm…
I would be surprised if you needed two hex keys - I've never seen a TA that didn't screw in to captive threads, whether directly bonded in to the frame/fork or a hanger of some sort that was screwed in to the frame/fork.
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Old 02-27-22, 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by zandoval

Oh NO! A Non Drive Side Photo!!!

...Ha
NDS pics are the naughty side, & it should be pixelated!
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Old 02-27-22, 03:40 PM
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The dumb ass Trek dealer didn't show you how that works when you bought the bike? The lever is removeable and used for either wheel. Or a 6mm hex key.
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Old 02-27-22, 03:43 PM
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It’s a wrench to tighten/loosen the thru axles. It fits into the non-drive side, both front and back. You can store it by pressing it into the axle on the NDS in either wheel, and it will stay in place due to the friction fit.

It’s not essential to have it on the bike if you carry an appropriate multi-tool.


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Old 02-27-22, 03:48 PM
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I have nothing to add, except that I like your bike.
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Old 02-27-22, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Overdraft
oooOOOooo... this makes some sense. level’s home base on the rear because less aero impact…. i’ll go try pulling it off and see… hopefully i don’t ruin my new bike!
Careful, it might assplode!
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Old 02-27-22, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by cxwrench
The dumb ass Trek dealer didn't show you how that works when you bought the bike? The lever is removeable and used for either wheel. Or a 6mm hex key.
ya, they were super busy and i was an out of town customer that they were never getting any more business from so probably not surpising…
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Old 02-27-22, 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Trsnrtr
I have nothing to add, except that I like your bike.
Thanks! pretty happy looking at it! of course it’s been freezing rain ever since i picked it up… had it for a week and still haven’t ridden it!
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Old 02-27-22, 05:34 PM
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thanks for the pic Mojo31 now I know what I’m trying to get out
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Old 02-27-22, 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Overdraft
ya, they were super busy and i was an out of town customer that they were never getting any more business from so probably not surpising…
Nice Madone. I have a Domane. Yes you get one key for both axles. Dab a little grease on it. It can be a little hard to pull out. Also when threading back don’t force it or you’ll ****er the threads on the axle. Ask me how I know. But I now have a key on both axles. I find it easier to remove and install the rear wheel with the bike upside down.

Oh did they give you the brake calliper spacers? They come in handy if transporting with a wheel off.
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Old 02-27-22, 07:47 PM
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I carry the multi-tool in the storage compartment, and leave the little tool at home.
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Old 02-27-22, 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by biker128pedal
Nice Madone. I have a Domane. Yes you get one key for both axles. Dab a little grease on it. It can be a little hard to pull out. Also when threading back don’t force it or you’ll ****er the threads on the axle. Ask me how I know. But I now have a key on both axles. I find it easier to remove and install the rear wheel with the bike upside down.

Oh did they give you the brake calliper spacers? They come in handy if transporting with a wheel off.
No spacers. *sigh*
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Old 02-27-22, 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by sarhog
On my DT Swiss thru axles, the “lever” pops off so that you can use it with either wheel.
On mine, the lever seems to be an integral part of the thru axle, though you can pull it out a little bit and rotate it to get a better angle for leverage. Once tightened, you can pull the lever out again and rotate it for aesthetic/aero optimization.

I think I prefer that, because if I had only one, I can guarantee I'd lose it. Or leave it at home.
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Old 02-27-22, 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Overdraft
No spacers. *sigh*
Fold a business card in half. Does the same thing.
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Old 02-27-22, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by biker128pedal
Nice Madone. I have a Domane. Yes you get one key for both axles. Dab a little grease on it. It can be a little hard to pull out. Also when threading back don’t force it or you’ll ****er the threads on the axle. Ask me how I know. But I now have a key on both axles. I find it easier to remove and install the rear wheel with the bike upside down.

Oh did they give you the brake calliper spacers? They come in handy if transporting with a wheel off.
If this is the case you're doing it wrong.
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Old 02-28-22, 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by cxwrench
The dumb ass Trek dealer didn't show you how that works when you bought the bike? The lever is removeable and used for either wheel. Or a 6mm hex key.
Since I bought a 7000$ bike at a nearby LBS that hadn't been torqued properly by a so-called head mechanic (cassette, handlebars, stem & seat post), nothing surprises me anymore.

I am just wondering why the OP didn't try to play with it before starting this thread... Mine is magnetized and it pulls off pretty easily. #AEROGAINZ
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