baksh

Is it a bad idea to use a quick release skewer on the back wheel of a fixed gear bike?

ostro

yes

TLN

yes. I just finished building my fixie and had a bit of a chain length problem. I was doing a couple of slow rides and did a bunnyhop which in turn popped the chain off which in turn ended up locking up that back wheel. Luckily I wasnt going fast and didnt case any damage except a few scratches on the chainstay....if I would have had quick release I probably would have done more damage and if I were going faster probably would have F-ed up the whole situation bike and all.

Cynikal 

Actually it depends on the quick release, the dropout material, and the gear ratio. A good QR (like shimano) with a soft dropout and a high gearing you could be fine. But for good measure I would go with a nut. It is the strongest solution to the issue. A 15mm wrench will be your new best friend.

baksh

yeah i'm gonna go with the nut. first i have to get this damn freewheel off. i got the right tool, but i don't have a vice......i think it's impossible.

12XU

Not to mention a quick release is like a golden beacon to wheel theives.

nylund154

So I take it there is someone else who also carried a 15mm wrench with them everywhere they go.

TLN

Do you guys actually carry around a wrench? Ever try a 15mm socket with a foldable socket wrench? Almost lighter, definitely more compact.

Jim Bonnet

get a wrench you need to be able to torque down the nuts. I dont think a folding gizmo would work.. course I was wrong once this year...

bostontrevor

I always carry the 15mm wrench. I mean, it's not a huge weight penalty when I'm already carrying the patch kit, pump, pressure gauge, multitool, pocket knife, headlight, vinyl tape, maps, spare links, and blowtorch. Wait, scratch that. No blowtorch.

TLN

I guess that is true. For the other poster....I do get plenty of torque with it....its not small by any means.....just shorter than an average wrench. But now thinking of another scenario....what if the folding part breaks.....then I would be hip deep in it...I think I better use a wrench now.....

dolface

peanut butter wrench is the way to go. you can use it to make a sandwich too.

freddiesan

I just got my first fixie done and have bought a 15mm wrench to keep with me at all time. But don't you actually need two 15mm wrenches? I mean isn't it easier to get balanced tension with a wrench on each nut when you tighten them?

TLN

Not if you got track nuts. For me, I just pull the wheel back as needed and line it up by hand. Tighten both nuts finger tight. Tighten the drive side with the wrench and then the non drive side. The wheel always lines up.

Cynikal 

I just tighten the drive side first and then the non-drive side but to each thier own.

freddiesan

Thanks for the quick answer! This is a good forum!

Poguemahone

I've set up fixies using QRs before, and you really need to tighten them down, much more so than on a roadie. I've found older Simplex skewers to be best; the gripping area is serrated and grabs hard; once I've set 'em up, they don't slip.

I carry a doggie bone wrench; partly for my track nuts (14mm on the front, 15 on the back) partly because I ride a several older bikes that are pre-allen nut on bikes... this is my carry along tool kit:

icithecat

Do you have a socket set and a cheater bar?
With enough leverage applied to the tool, stand the wheel upright, right foot pressing down on the rim. The rim is now pressing against your left shin. Your left hand holds the top of the rim and your right hand pulls towards you on the bar.