Rear QR Skewer?

[justaute]

Have a few QR (10x135mm) related questions. As someone who weighs around 200lbs, a few grams don't bother me -- nonetheless, as I am on WW, any reasonable/practical weight-shaving is a good thing.

- Has anyone, especially you "heavier" WW (+82kg/180lbs), had issues with light-weight rear QR skewer? For reference, I'm thinking of KCNC, Mt Zoom, etc.

- Based on what I've read, internal-cam QR is better than external-cam QR when it comes to clamping power and ease of use. Anybody besides Shimano currently makes external-cam QR (at a decent weight)? I know Tune used to.

- Any thoughts on moving from rear QR to thru-bolt QR like the DT Swiss RWS? Weight penalty?

[DanW]

Don't know if I am a "heavier WW" but at just over 80kg I have been using the KCNC Ti skewers for 2 years in all weathers and on all terrain without any issues. I can't vouch for other light skewers but the KCNC enjoy a good, robust reputation and I would have to add to those positive experiences of others. Fairwheel bikes did a good QR comparison which may be worth a read (I can't find the link quickly). Here are some updated thoughts from the same guys http://fairwheelbikes.com/c/forums/topic/12-high-end-skewers-reviewed/

I would expect 50% of the WW's replies to this thread to be to recommend the KCNC (maybe some of these to recommend Mt Zoom too) based on experience and the other 50% to recommend Shimano XTR based on a distrust of any skewer which is lighter than Shimano

[justaute]

Thanks for the input, DanW. I'll have one of each coming (Mt Zoom & XTR). Perhaps, I'll use the Mt Zoom for the CX wheel and XTR for my mountail/trail wheel.

btw...enjoyed reading your 18.5kg project.

[Varaxis]

[justaute]

Isn't the Syntace X-12 for 142mm wide? Mine is 135mm.

[DanW]

Completely different dropout/ QR standard!

My German isn't great but it suggests the Tune QR tested has the best stiffness to weight ratio and the absolute stiffness is not much less than XTR/ 10mm thru bolt (for the various QR options for a standard hub/ dropout). I would expect the KCNC to be a little bit stiffer than the Tune for a pretty similar weight, although that is just speculation What "stiffness" refers to here in this test I am not sure though. It doesn't seem like there is much to choose from stiffness-wise for the various QR options for a standard hub/ dropout. Choose on weight, bling and reliability of the closure in that case

[raganwald]

My understanding is that stiffness is almost irrelevant in a QR skewer. The dropouts are held against the hub by the QR being tightened to the point of stretching the metal, so it acts like a spoke. It's contribution to the stiffness of the rear end is negligible compared to the stiffness of the rear triangle and of the hub itself.

If I am correct, the reason steel skewers are more reliable than titanium is that steel has better elasticity. But all that being said, I used Ti skewers in the 80s, 90s, and now. I just check the tension every few rides, something I'd do with steel any ways.

[justaute]

Thanks for chiming in -- good stuff.

My understanding is that stiffness is almost irrelevant in a QR skewer. The dropouts are held against the hub by the QR being tightened to the point of stretching the metal, so it acts like a spoke. It's contribution to the stiffness of the rear end is negligible compared to the stiffness of the rear triangle and of the hub itself.

If I am correct, the reason steel skewers are more reliable than titanium is that steel has better elasticity. But all that being said, I used Ti skewers in the 80s, 90s, and now. I just check the tension every few rides, something I'd do with steel any ways.

[TheRookie]

TI is more elastic than steel (more deformation for the same load), so getting a good tension is 'harder' to judge as you need ;ess freeplay to start, as you don't exceed the elastic limit, once done up it shouldn't change.

[andrewh8877]

I've got one pair of Tune ones and five pairs of Mt Zoom ones. I prefer the Mt Zoom ones, they are much easier to use, for example a larger handle makes them easier to open and close and they hav a definate 'close point' you can push the Tune levers too far.
On the 'pick it and feel it' weight test the Mt Zooms feel (just!) ahead.