In 8 years with rear quick release pointing forward (not straight forward, but aligned with seat tube), I don't think it's ever caused a problem. Hard to snag the rear since your feet or other bike parts are going to hit it first. (I have gotten sticks stuck in various places, clipped handlebars, pedals, etc.) And if the rear skewer gets loose the wheel isn't going to fall off; it's got to make about eight more revolutions before it comes out. Loose may slightly affect handling. But most owners are going to notice that the lever is in wrong position or feel the performance difference. All that said, I see no reason for the rear quick release for me. I only remove rear for servicing and if I get a flat (haven't with tubeless in last then years), I'm going to have tools if I have a spare. I do remove front to put in car though.
The handle on the rear 12” axle is removable and in the front. I need the axle to be quick release because I have a roof rack on my car and I need to remove front wheel every time I transport my bike. But it looks nice without quick release handles.
I've gone the other way. I actually have allen key thru axles on my new 27.5" bike. I've got an older 26" bike with quick release. I was used to quick release. Since I've got my new bike recently, I don't like taking the front wheel with a 6mm allen key. I'm scared I may strip the 6mm hole if I slip on the Allen key. I usually put my bike inside my car. Without taking the front wheel off, it's difficult to fit the bike in my car. Sometimes, it is dark when I finish riding. A black 6mm Allen key can be dropped on the floor and difficult to spot in the dark. Socket tools are even worse to find the Allen bits. A quick release thru axle is more convenient. And there aren't many bike thieves around where I live. I've probably given you more than 5 reasons to use a quick release/not to use a "slow release" axle! In my case. Horses for courses as they say.
Luckily there are plenty of options to suit different riders needs! I get why people like a quick release, and that’s why most bikes come with them. But I honestly would not have changed my rear axle if It wasn’t noticeably annoying (hitting my shins when loading my bike on my rack, getting branches stuck in it, and even my dogs leash getting caught on it) and I don’t take my wheels off other than for maintenance. I still have my fox fork quick release because it’s it doesn’t affect my day to day enough to spend money replacing it.
The DT Swiss is not actually a quick release thru axle, it's just a thru axle with an integrated handle. Quick release thru axles are something else entirely. My Trek Roscoe came with a removable handle that fits securely enough in the rear axle to leave it attached while I ride, and it has never been a problem. I've snagged debris on my rear derailleur, but never on the axle handle.
You've shaved off 20g on the handle, but now you need to carry a tool, which I rarely do, and have never needed. Think I might get one of these axles anyway.
The hex key maybe weighs the same as the handle you lost, but you only need one of them, and it's useful for other things, like the pedals, and it's not hanging off your axles. And you don't always need to bring it.
need some form of quicker release to remove tire to repair a flat tire. unless you have the correct wrench with correct length to generate enough torque.
Thru axles typically only need around 10Nm of torque, which you can easily generate by hand even with a small lever. It's also not a part that will strip easily if you over torque it, although you don't want to go "Hulk smash!" on it, either. Basically, you turn the handle until it stops easily turning, and it should be good enough to at least finish your ride. You can always check it for proper torque with a torque wrench when you get back home.
I personally hate the quick release on either front or rear wheels. Only advantage is when I transport my mtb in my car. But no reason I can carry a wrench to remove my front wheel for car transport.
I have the same bike as you do. I might take up your suggestion. A very minor thing here, but the one thing that I do not like about my bike is that Fox 34 front forks and the Fox suspension system have blue caps and levers and I actually would like to change those to either black or a dark gray, but they do not make them in those colors. Any ideas? Thanks!!
I know exactly what you mean. It definitely feels like it throws off the ascetic a bit but many don’t change it because a good visual cue: blue is compression, red is rebound. The air valve cap has no purpose being blue in my opinion but I feel like fox did this just to look symmetrical. I’ve see some aftermarket replacements in a few other colors and you could always paint/powder coat/re-anodize them yourself but I don’t have experience with any of that. I suggest adding more of your favorite accent colors elsewhere on the bike, some colored fox fork decals, and those little things will become less noticeable.
@@unfocusedoutdoors Thanks for the response. I even wrote to Santa Cruz and Fox to no avail about how it makes no sense to have those in blue, especially when those colors throw of the "look" of the bike. I am trying to have a friend order me the cover and levers and have found a shop that might be able to powder coat them. Just wish that Santa Cruz and Fox especially would offer these in a more "neutral" type color versus the blue, especially when blue doesn't nearly match up so well with most bike colors. Anyway, thanks again!! I look forward to your shows, even more so when I realized that we sort of went through the same thing to get the same bike make.
@@hollakeef I ended up spray painting them with a primer and then metallic gray and that did the trick. As to knowing whether I am increasing or reducing the shock, I just tell by pushing down on the fork - simple and the bike looks much better. Does anyone know what size Thru Axle for a Santa Cruz Tallboy XL?
Sorry we need to clear some things up: - Weight is negligible especially since now you will need to take an Allen key in the event of a flat. Are you going to also take a torque wrench since that is the right way to tighten these? Now you are carrying far more weight. - Safety? As long as you keep your quick release lever in the proper direction it is extremely unlikely it will be knocked loose. In 20 years of mountain biking I have never had an issue. - Looks? Maybe it's a little cleaner looking. - Efficient? Not if you get a flat while riding. SUMMARY: More weight if you carry the recommended tools. Fixing a flat will take longer. Additional money spent on something that really doesn't fix a problem.
I think an allen wrench weighs about the same as the handle, plus you only need one, it's useful for other things (like your pedals), and you don't always need to carry it with you, sticking out the ends of your axles. I haven't noticed a time difference either way you take off your wheel. With tubeless needing to take off the wheel to repair a flat is an extreme rarity, anyways.
I did 12Nm because that’s what it said on the burgtec axle, I didn’t realize it also said 12 on the flip chip but makes sense they are the same if burgtec made this axle for Santa Cruz bikes.
What santa cruz do you have? I ordered the same size and does not fit my santa cruz 5010. I tried to do it myself and noticed it was short, so i brought it to mechanics and they said the same thing.
Hello please help my thru axle loose cannot open with allen key factory did not put grease on it. Very tight when I rotated counterclockwise it wont open because of that
What brand of axle? Do you think it’s seized or just super tight? If your axle has an Allen key on both sides, make sure your turning it the correct direction for the side of the bolt you are on. Also if you have a bike shop close by, my shop will always help out with small issues like that free of charge.
You should always carry a multi tool with you out on the trail for quick adjustments and repairs. I guarantee you will eventually regret it if you don't.
My dt swiss large handle is removable... No need to buy one without..because all dt swiss handles are removable....even the china fake dt swiss come off...
You can give me the DT Swiss thru axles. I'd rather have quick release than using Allen key.
In 8 years with rear quick release pointing forward (not straight forward, but aligned with seat tube), I don't think it's ever caused a problem. Hard to snag the rear since your feet or other bike parts are going to hit it first. (I have gotten sticks stuck in various places, clipped handlebars, pedals, etc.) And if the rear skewer gets loose the wheel isn't going to fall off; it's got to make about eight more revolutions before it comes out. Loose may slightly affect handling. But most owners are going to notice that the lever is in wrong position or feel the performance difference. All that said, I see no reason for the rear quick release for me. I only remove rear for servicing and if I get a flat (haven't with tubeless in last then years), I'm going to have tools if I have a spare. I do remove front to put in car though.
The handle on the rear 12” axle is removable and in the front. I need the axle to be quick release because I have a roof rack on my car and I need to remove front wheel every time I transport my bike. But it looks nice without quick release handles.
I've gone the other way. I actually have allen key thru axles on my new 27.5" bike. I've got an older 26" bike with quick release. I was used to quick release. Since I've got my new bike recently, I don't like taking the front wheel with a 6mm allen key. I'm scared I may strip the 6mm hole if I slip on the Allen key. I usually put my bike inside my car. Without taking the front wheel off, it's difficult to fit the bike in my car. Sometimes, it is dark when I finish riding. A black 6mm Allen key can be dropped on the floor and difficult to spot in the dark. Socket tools are even worse to find the Allen bits.
A quick release thru axle is more convenient. And there aren't many bike thieves around where I live.
I've probably given you more than 5 reasons to use a quick release/not to use a "slow release" axle! In my case.
Horses for courses as they say.
Luckily there are plenty of options to suit different riders needs! I get why people like a quick release, and that’s why most bikes come with them. But I honestly would not have changed my rear axle if It wasn’t noticeably annoying (hitting my shins when loading my bike on my rack, getting branches stuck in it, and even my dogs leash getting caught on it) and I don’t take my wheels off other than for maintenance. I still have my fox fork quick release because it’s it doesn’t affect my day to day enough to spend money replacing it.
The DT Swiss is not actually a quick release thru axle, it's just a thru axle with an integrated handle. Quick release thru axles are something else entirely. My Trek Roscoe came with a removable handle that fits securely enough in the rear axle to leave it attached while I ride, and it has never been a problem. I've snagged debris on my rear derailleur, but never on the axle handle.
You've shaved off 20g on the handle, but now you need to carry a tool, which I rarely do, and have never needed. Think I might get one of these axles anyway.
The hex key maybe weighs the same as the handle you lost, but you only need one of them, and it's useful for other things, like the pedals, and it's not hanging off your axles. And you don't always need to bring it.
need some form of quicker release to remove tire to repair a flat tire. unless you have the correct wrench with correct length to generate enough torque.
The time it takes to remove the tire doesn't really seem any different between QR axles, or thru axles, with or without built-in handle.
Thru axles typically only need around 10Nm of torque, which you can easily generate by hand even with a small lever. It's also not a part that will strip easily if you over torque it, although you don't want to go "Hulk smash!" on it, either. Basically, you turn the handle until it stops easily turning, and it should be good enough to at least finish your ride. You can always check it for proper torque with a torque wrench when you get back home.
Very good i was also wondering what that other cap was for and i was also wondering about axle size ,you've sorted me out .cheers buddy.
Glad to hear my video was a helpful source of information!
I personally hate the quick release on either front or rear wheels. Only advantage is when I transport my mtb in my car. But no reason I can carry a wrench to remove my front wheel for car transport.
Thanks mate very helpful video
Hi, could you please share the link where you bought it? I have a Santa Cruz Tallboy 2021
I have the same bike as you do. I might take up your suggestion. A very minor thing here, but the one thing that I do not like about my bike is that Fox 34 front forks and the Fox suspension system have blue caps and levers and I actually would like to change those to either black or a dark gray, but they do not make them in those colors. Any ideas? Thanks!!
I know exactly what you mean. It definitely feels like it throws off the ascetic a bit but many don’t change it because a good visual cue: blue is compression, red is rebound. The air valve cap has no purpose being blue in my opinion but I feel like fox did this just to look symmetrical. I’ve see some aftermarket replacements in a few other colors and you could always paint/powder coat/re-anodize them yourself but I don’t have experience with any of that. I suggest adding more of your favorite accent colors elsewhere on the bike, some colored fox fork decals, and those little things will become less noticeable.
@@unfocusedoutdoors Thanks for the response. I even wrote to Santa Cruz and Fox to no avail about how it makes no sense to have those in blue, especially when those colors throw of the "look" of the bike. I am trying to have a friend order me the cover and levers and have found a shop that might be able to powder coat them. Just wish that Santa Cruz and Fox especially would offer these in a more "neutral" type color versus the blue, especially when blue doesn't nearly match up so well with most bike colors. Anyway, thanks again!! I look forward to your shows, even more so when I realized that we sort of went through the same thing to get the same bike make.
@@em1355 colour them black using a sharpie, works a treat.
@@hollakeef I ended up spray painting them with a primer and then metallic gray and that did the trick. As to knowing whether I am increasing or reducing the shock, I just tell by pushing down on the fork - simple and the bike looks much better.
Does anyone know what size Thru Axle for a Santa Cruz Tallboy XL?
Sorry we need to clear some things up:
- Weight is negligible especially since now you will need to take an Allen key in the event of a flat.
Are you going to also take a torque wrench since that is the right way to tighten these? Now you are carrying far more weight.
- Safety? As long as you keep your quick release lever in the proper direction it is extremely unlikely it will be knocked loose. In 20 years of mountain biking I have never had an issue.
- Looks? Maybe it's a little cleaner looking.
- Efficient? Not if you get a flat while riding.
SUMMARY: More weight if you carry the recommended tools. Fixing a flat will take longer. Additional money spent on something that really doesn't fix a problem.
I think an allen wrench weighs about the same as the handle, plus you only need one, it's useful for other things (like your pedals), and you don't always need to carry it with you, sticking out the ends of your axles. I haven't noticed a time difference either way you take off your wheel. With tubeless needing to take off the wheel to repair a flat is an extreme rarity, anyways.
What NM did you set yours at for the replacement axle. The flip chip side says 12nm but santa cruz diagram doesn't say on the dt Swiss side
I did 12Nm because that’s what it said on the burgtec axle, I didn’t realize it also said 12 on the flip chip but makes sense they are the same if burgtec made this axle for Santa Cruz bikes.
What santa cruz do you have? I ordered the same size and does not fit my santa cruz 5010. I tried to do it myself and noticed it was short, so i brought it to mechanics and they said the same thing.
Hello please help my thru axle loose cannot open with allen key factory did not put grease on it. Very tight when I rotated counterclockwise it wont open because of that
What brand of axle? Do you think it’s seized or just super tight? If your axle has an Allen key on both sides, make sure your turning it the correct direction for the side of the bolt you are on. Also if you have a bike shop close by, my shop will always help out with small issues like that free of charge.
Does these go for other bikes also or just santa cruz
What did you torque it to? I have the same bike as you show on the clip. Thanks!!
it says on the axle, this one says 12nm
I bought strictly for purple anodized
i miss 20mm standard
Three words. Robert Axle Project
Thanks!
weight? so now you need to carry a multitool with you out on the trail?!!
Or just a single allen key.
You should always carry a multi tool with you out on the trail for quick adjustments and repairs. I guarantee you will eventually regret it if you don't.
My dt swiss large handle is removable...
No need to buy one without..because all dt swiss handles are removable....even the china fake dt swiss come off...
My rear boost axle wouldn’t……… release… 100 dollars an hour …. But great get it off thanks
Nice bluey
They are great trail dogs!
Those are soft and strip out not a good idea.
reduce weight and increase it by carrying additional tools in your bag😅