Anyone here actually run quick release axles on track ends?
#2
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From: GA
Yep on my mtb. It doesn't slip but I have surly tugnut on it so Its not that suprising
I know people who use one with dremeled out vertical dropouts ala sheldon brown without any problem. Really the differnce in force the qr has to withstand between mostly horizontal droupouts and trackends is pretty minimal.
If it did slip on a brakeless fixie though it would probably do so while you where skidding so you may not want to mess around with it. chain tensioners are relatively cheap and are nice for adjusting tension too.
Incidentally tracknuts are used on the track mainly because qr could be dangerous if it hooked in someones spokes and you don't need to do quick tire/wheel changes anyway.
I know people who use one with dremeled out vertical dropouts ala sheldon brown without any problem. Really the differnce in force the qr has to withstand between mostly horizontal droupouts and trackends is pretty minimal.
If it did slip on a brakeless fixie though it would probably do so while you where skidding so you may not want to mess around with it. chain tensioners are relatively cheap and are nice for adjusting tension too.
Incidentally tracknuts are used on the track mainly because qr could be dangerous if it hooked in someones spokes and you don't need to do quick tire/wheel changes anyway.
#4
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I ride a qr rear on a couple of ss mtb conversions, one with horizontal drops, one with vertical ones. No problems.
Sheldon says no problem at https://sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html
"Rear Wheel Installation
When your install the rear wheel, there are basically three things you need to adjust simultaneously:
* The wheel needs to be straight.
This basically means that the tire needs to be centered between the frame's chainstays. If you get it centered between the chainstays, it is properly aligned.
* The chain tension needs to be correct. (See previous section )
* The axle nuts or quick release skewer need to be tight."
Sheldon says no problem at https://sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html
"Rear Wheel Installation
When your install the rear wheel, there are basically three things you need to adjust simultaneously:
* The wheel needs to be straight.
This basically means that the tire needs to be centered between the frame's chainstays. If you get it centered between the chainstays, it is properly aligned.
* The chain tension needs to be correct. (See previous section )
* The axle nuts or quick release skewer need to be tight."
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Davis CA
Bikes: Surly Cross-Check, '85 Giant road bike (unrecogizable fixed-gear conversion
Originally Posted by dutret
If it did slip on a brakeless fixie though it would probably do so while you where skidding so you may not want to mess around with it. chain tensioners are relatively cheap and are nice for adjusting tension too.
Geared bikes used to come with horizontal dropouts. The Bianchi Volpe and the Castro Valley both still do. And they have quick releases.
So what is the issue? Obviously the quick release is strong enough to have withstanded the stresses placed on it by a road bike. Why not a fixed gear? As long as I pay attention to whether my chain is flapping in the breeze or not, and as long as my chainline is nice and straight I don't think I have much to worry about with a quick release.
If I have brakes, that is.
#7
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Given the fact that there is more force applied to the quick release on a geared bike with horizontal dropouts, no it won't be a problem. I'm guessing that the forces applied on a track bike are only a fraction of the ones which are applied on a geared bike. Make sure the quick realase is tight, and it is good and steel.
#8
asleep at the wheel
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Chicago
Bikes: Custom Richie Ditta Track Bike, Eddie Merckx Corsa, Marioni Custom Pista, Dolan Cyclocross
IMHO you're always better off converting a quick release rear to a solid axle, because:
I've ridden a QR rear on a track for training. The QR would slip and require readjustment every now and then. This is without any real abuse and I'd seriously doubt you could skip and skid on one with much confidence. This could have been just a worn out/cheap QR or paint issue but it really was no fun.
I've also broken 'cheapo' qr axles on a singlespeed before. Solid axles are just a little beefier.
Its much easier to service a non-qr wheel as you don't need to allow for axle flex (this a pretty pathetic excuse though).
But I think the perception that it could slip, would probably play tricks with your mind, thus ruining your ride as you'll just keep checking your chain tension
I've ridden a QR rear on a track for training. The QR would slip and require readjustment every now and then. This is without any real abuse and I'd seriously doubt you could skip and skid on one with much confidence. This could have been just a worn out/cheap QR or paint issue but it really was no fun.
I've also broken 'cheapo' qr axles on a singlespeed before. Solid axles are just a little beefier.
Its much easier to service a non-qr wheel as you don't need to allow for axle flex (this a pretty pathetic excuse though).
But I think the perception that it could slip, would probably play tricks with your mind, thus ruining your ride as you'll just keep checking your chain tension
Last edited by fixedpip; 06-28-06 at 09:50 AM.
#9
The only thing I would add is that to use a good QR like a shimano or equivilent. The good steel ones tend not to slip.
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I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
#10
i am sure that i hate you
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: 703
Bikes: 'Cha-ruzu Fosuta Orusan Kein' Fuji Track (2005), Schwinn Tank MTB (?), Fuji Royale (1979)
whats the advantage of running a QR on a fixed gear?
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#13
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From: Rural Eastern Ontario
Bikes: Various by application
Originally Posted by BostonFixed
What are the disadvantages?
Can be kicked open, caught on yer shants (joke)
Relies on a multi faceted mechanical device where only threads are needed.
Isn't really faster is it>? Not for wheel adjustment & tensioning, not for me anyway, the wrench is a better handle.
Not track legal
Personally, lower profile components suit my aesthetic needs & wants better, bolts look keener for me. I use allen keys on geared bikes, that or lockable skewers, not just the work bike either. To me a road bike looks much better with allen key skewers than QR
edit- I do like the wingnut style QR from back before I was born, but only if the rest of the ride were tricked out with similar antique components
#14
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From: GA
It's definitely faster for me with the correct dropouts: pull to release, push to tighten again compared to loosen two bolts... tignten two bolts How is tensioning any slower with a qr? you put the wheel in place and clamp it shut as compared to putting the wheel in place and holding it there until you get the drive side bolt tightened.
Either way its not really a big difference outside of race situations. I really just did it because my wrench kept falling out of my bag and this way I can just leave the wrench at home.
Either way its not really a big difference outside of race situations. I really just did it because my wrench kept falling out of my bag and this way I can just leave the wrench at home.
#15
i am sure that i hate you
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From: 703
Bikes: 'Cha-ruzu Fosuta Orusan Kein' Fuji Track (2005), Schwinn Tank MTB (?), Fuji Royale (1979)
SH sums up my thoughts
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putting the pi back in pirate!
putting the pi back in pirate!
It’s an upstanding member of the solar system
Apply the laws of earth and make it a victim
Of Proposition 187
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#16
jack of one or two trades
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From: Suburbia, CT
Bikes: Old-ass gearie hardtail MTB, fix-converted Centurion LeMans commuter, SS hardtail monster MTB
I ran a QR for a while, and I think as long as it's steel and an internal cam type, it should be fine. I did break a crappy AL external cam one, and that was a long walk home.
#17
crotchety young dude
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From: SF, CA
Bikes: IRO Angus; Casati Gold Line; Redline 925; '72 Schwinn Olympic Paramount
My friend has an old Bridgestone RB-1 (I think) that some one welded track ends on for a fixed gear trainer. It has a Surly flip-flop with a QR. Not a bad idea for that situation (training), but for shreding around on the streets, I give it a big "ehh."







