change from bolt to QR wheels?

Hi all,

I'm new to the forums, relatively new to cycle commuting, and having a horrendous time changing my first tube!

I've managed to patch a tube before without taking the wheel off, which worked out just fine, but now I need to replace one, and cannot get the wheel off - the bolts are so tight (I'm pretty strong too!).

My question is, when I finally get this wheel off and the new tube in, is it possible to gave QR wheels fitted? Seems like life would be a lot easier. I don't have any issues with security, as my office has a secure lock-up for our bikes, and the only other place I lock it is at home.

Apologies if a similar query has been posted before, I searched, but couldn't find anything (prob. with bad search terms).

Welcome to TE! :D

As far as I know, all you have to do is switch the bolt skewer for a QR skewer.

You keep the same wheels, it's only the "axle"/bolt/skewer that you replace.

(I have no idea how much they cost or which ones are best, but I'm sure someone here on TE does!)

Good luck getting the wheel off! Do you have a good local bike shop who can help you if you need it and help you choose a quick release skewer?

You'll have to check this to be sure, but I know that on bikes from the 70s, a bolt-on axle was a smaller diameter than a QR axle. Therefore switching to QR if the bike originally came with bolt-ons only worked if you spread the dropouts a bit. If you can find a set of QR wheels to try, see if they fit inside the dropouts/fork tips easily. If not, then you should consult a bike shop to see if the frame can be modified to fit.

If you're having trouble loosening the bolts to get your wheel off for a tire change, look for a longer wrench.

Good answer, Deb. This was one of those questions where there we a lot of things to be mentioned and you covered the bases. It's not necessarily an easy fix. I wonder if even current model, ahem, department store bikes have a difference diameter axle.

catspyjamas, welcome and introduce yourself over in the "getting to know you thread." I like your name.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by catspyjamas

Hi all,

.... Seems like life would be a lot easier. I don't have any issues with security, as my office has a secure lock-up for our bikes, and the only other place I lock it is at home.

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Hi Cats PJ's and welcome to TE.

I have a 1970's-early 80's 'ish freewheel mixte with bolts on both wheels.

The wheels are now 700 cc Salsa Delgado Cross with a Surly hub in the middle.

My shop showed me I should carry this, a Jethro Tool (no, not the aging rock star ;) ) and it doubles as a beer opener. How cool is that?

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Originally Posted by catspyjamas

Apologies if a similar query has been posted before, I searched, but couldn't find anything (prob. with bad search terms).

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Thanks for asking, good question. No, I don't think anyone's asked this before.

Now someone will tell me "search option is your friend" and post the link to the 1996 thread.

Then we'll talk about beer and what bottle holders would work for it, and if you can legally carry beer on a bike at all. Then the safety issue of whether one should carry or drink beer will be discussed (my vote is no. the Jethro is for after and responsibly event then) then someone will bring chocolate.

And with that, welcome to TE. :D

But coffee is of course OK.

This is a good question and actually something I have wondered about.

Now that we've covered somewhere, how to carry a cup of coffee on a bike. Sorry for the thread hijack, now, PJ's, what kind of wheels do you have? Let's see if they could be QR compatible.

Also congrats, you were able to patch a tube while it's on the wheel :eek: you da' woman! :D :)

My hat's off to you. :)

I actually meant the QR Q, not the coffee.

To me that would be the major drawback in a vintage bike, no quick release when you need to change a flat.

My mixte also lacks a QR on the seatpost. This is a challenge when it's Knotts "guest bike" also when DoWheels visits next month. I just dropped it off at the LBS to add one. Even the "ears" at the seatpost are not standard. But I still love the bike. :cool:

Thanks for correcting my ignorance, DebW! I knew someone on here would be a fountain of information.

(all I know is what I play with on my bikes... so that means I *need* a 1970's mixte, riiiight? ;) )

Luv that Jethro Tool, especially as Trek's mixte's front wheel likes to spontaneously loosen itself!

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

(all I know is what I play with on my bikes... so that means I *need* a 1970's mixte, riiiight? ;) )

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Everyone neeeeeeds a mixte ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Luv that Jethro Tool, especially as Trek's mixte's front wheel likes to spontaneously loosen itself!

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Ooops, I rode the mixte today and forgot to check that :eek: Obviously the wheel did not fall off. But now it's at the LBS. I'll ask Chris to check that. Also looking into a slightly longer seatpost for next time you and or DoWheels is here.

Hi,

Depending on the age of your bike, you may need to change the spread of the fork. The size of the wheel: is it 26", 27" or 700C? The old hub would have to be replaces as the bolt is solid and not hollow like the QR hubs.

If you could tell me the age of your bike and make, I should be able to give you good recommendation. DebW also has wealth of information.

For bolts/nuts too tight/frozen, use a cheater bar (a long pipe) and manly gorilla (I usually ask 6' tall bruiser kind of guy, my neighbor. They are so much stronger). Also apply some special penetrating oil to release the frozen nuts and let it soak for about a day or two.

smilingcat