1

Got a new-ish (used, but barely) Cube Nuroad 2020 recently. It has 12x142 mm thru axle (a one that you're supposed to screw in rather than tighten with a QR lever). But it lacks a lever with which it can be unscrewed. It only has a wrench adapter. So I can still take off the wheel but I need to have a wrench which is not optimal for when you get a flat.

I tried finding a lever but couldn't. Now I want to buy a new axle (which will have the lever). Is there anything I need to know to not make a mistake and for example avoid buying something incompatible?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

Unfortunately, thru axles are not as standardized as quick release skewers. So there are a number of basic measurements that vary by bike. Drawing from the Robert Axle Project, they are

  1. Axle diameter and hub length. For drop bar bikes, this is usually 12mm diameter x100mm width in front and 12mm diameter x 142mm width in the rear, but exceptions exist.
  2. The actual length of the axle shaft. Confusingly, this does vary from bike to bike, even though most drop bar bikes conform to the nominal dimensions above and most current MTBs are on Boost spacing!
  3. Thread pitch, or distance between the threads on the threaded section. They can be 1.0, 1.5, or 1.75 pitch.
  4. Length of the threaded section.
  5. Shape of the axle washer on the non-threaded side - I think they're usually flat, but conical ones exist.

And now, the problem: you also specified that you want a thru axle with a lever. These are more rare. I know that DT Swiss is one company that makes thru axles with levers, but they only have some specific dimensions. They may not fit your bike. You could check the dimensions of your axle, or you could call Cube or a local dealer if there are any in your area.

The objection to needing to carry an Allen key with you does not seem well-founded. It's usually recommended to have a mini-tool plus tire levers. Saddle bags are designed to fit a tube, a mini-tool, and tire levers; smaller saddle bags might require a small mini-tool, but carrying a mini-tool won't preclude you from having a pair of tire levers. Thus, I don't understand the objection that you need to have a wrench, but that this is not optimal when you get a flat.

Improve this answer
3
  • Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Unfortunately, it doesn't want an allen key. It wants a regular wrench key (17mm I think). I think I might end up just getting a very short and light maybe that will fit into my saddle bag. I (almost) always take my standard repair kit and I agree that this is a good idea (except for when you are trying for a PR or just feeling like you want to be every bit as fast as you can :) ).
    – Ivan
    Mar 20, 2021 at 19:14
  • Wow, that would be annoying. FWIW, there are special through-axle hex keys with a handle that looks a lot like a quick-release lever. You can leave it in the wheel. There's also a through axle with a handle that tucks inside the axle.
    – Adam Rice
    Mar 20, 2021 at 20:41
  • @Zloj then do consider that the Robert Axle Project will sell you replacement skewers for any bike that will take hex keys.
    – Weiwen Ng
    Mar 20, 2021 at 21:40

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.