Extralite Aliens 4 skewers too long, should I cut them?

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pdlpsher1
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Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2012 6:09 pm
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by pdlpsher1

Got my Aliens 4 Ti skewers today from Fairwheelbikes. Love them. The only problem is that they are designed to be universal type and on my road bike they are too long. The front one sticks out by 2mm and the rear one by 6mm. I could use a dremel cut-off saw to trim the excess. Does anyone have any tips to create a clean cut? I imagine the threads will be messed up and they will require some clean up. It's too bad I have to perform surgery on these brand new beauties. I want the axle to be flush with the nut for aesthetics and aerodynamic benefits. Thank you.

by Weenie


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nickf
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Joined: Sat Mar 06, 2010 10:34 pm

by nickf

I had to trim my Paul skewers recently. Can't even tell. I went to the hardware store and got a nut that would thread on to the skewer. Mark the skewer, thread on the nut to that mark, cut with dremel, check to make sure it's a clean end, if not touch it up with the dremel, back nut off and it will straighten/clean that last bit of thread.

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wheelsONfire
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by wheelsONfire

Cut them, it's as easy as it gets!
Bikes:

Ax Lightness Vial EVO Race (2019.01.03)
Open *UP* (2016.04.14)
Paduano Racing Fidia (kind of shelved)


Ex bike; Vial EVO D, Vial EVO Ultra, Scott Foil, Paduano ti bike.

1415chris
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Location: Surrey UK

by 1415chris

I would not leave the rod sticking out, can be dangerous.
I was always cutting off the spindle excess, including Aliens and every time I was regretting not having a dremel :)
With the dremel the cut should be clean enough to not to worry about the threads, you can always use disc to smooth the edges.

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pdlpsher1
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Location: CO

by pdlpsher1

Thanks for the replies. The Aliens thread is a very fine thread. I'll have to go and see if I can find a compatible nut. I plan to cut it a bit shorter (1mm) for additional weight savings and perfect aesthetics.

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nickf
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Joined: Sat Mar 06, 2010 10:34 pm

by nickf

I think I got the nut from ace hardware. Decent selection.

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pdlpsher1
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Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2012 6:09 pm
Location: CO

by pdlpsher1

nickf wrote:I think I got the nut from ace hardware. Decent selection.


Yes, Ace is where I go for hard-to-find small parts. Thanks!

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wheelsONfire
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Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 8:15 am
Location: NorthEU

by wheelsONfire

Cut the rods 1mm shorter?
For weight saving?
Seriously, cut them flush and not shorter. Cut lesser than needed if you are nervous you cut to much.
You can fine tune it bit by bit.
That weight saving you talk of, it's only in your head!
You know ww:ism is kind of a mental disorder, don't you :shock: :wink: ?
Bikes:

Ax Lightness Vial EVO Race (2019.01.03)
Open *UP* (2016.04.14)
Paduano Racing Fidia (kind of shelved)


Ex bike; Vial EVO D, Vial EVO Ultra, Scott Foil, Paduano ti bike.

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pdlpsher1
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Location: CO

by pdlpsher1

I got the job done today. I went to Ace and got a M5 fine-thread nut per the suggestion of nickf. All went fine. The front was a bit short (1mm) and the rear is just a bit too long still (0.5mm). It's barely noticeable. The main reason for trimming the rod is for aerodynamics and aesthetics. I ride the Fuji Transonic. A rod that sticks out just ruins the whole aero package, LOL. Thanks for all the responses. I love the Aliens.

Svetty
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Location: Yorkshire - God's Own Country

by Svetty

pdlpsher1 wrote:...... the rear is just a bit too long still (0.5mm).


Ever heard of something called a file? :lol:

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
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