question about quick release?

[momof4greatkids]

Is it OK to use the quick release on the front wheel frequently? I sometimes prefer to transport my bike in the backseat of my car, since the rack I have only works on the mini-van. In order to fit it in, I have to remove the front tire using the quick release. Is there any contraindication to using the quick release routinely? Being a newbie, I want to make sure I'm not employing a potentially unsafe practice.

Thank you in advance!

Colleen

[SouthernBelle]

That's what it's for. Lots of us transport the same way.

[KnottedYet]

Yup. Use it all you want.

Are you using the front brake quick release, too? Don't worry about damaging that, either.

If you have trouble with either quick release, take your bike to the LBS and ask them to show you how to adjust things. When my bike got new brake cables the brake QR was tough for a week or so until the cable stretched a bit, now it's easy.

I take my front wheel on and off several times a week.

[Jo-n-NY]

Hi all....maybe someone here can shead some light on my problem with the quick release, keeping in mind my dh has should me many times already, but I have come to the conclusion that I must be spastic in this area.

I never take my front wheel off for the reason, I cannot seem to align it correctly. For instance last Sunday we needed to take the front wheels off and while my husband was not around I thought I would put mine back on. I thought I had it right so I had him check it. He noticed that the tire was rubbing on the brake. That is my problem. He had to make a minor adjustment with a little screwdriver on the brake shoes. I could not for the life of me see it rubbing. So I said to him, "you see, that is why I can never take off my front wheel to put it into the car....I cannot get it back on the correct way again no matter how hard I try".

Does anyone else have this difficulty. I feel it is something so simple that I just cannot not grasp.

Thanks
~ JoAnn

[KnottedYet]

When you loosen the QR, hold the nut still and only turn the lever side. (and count how many whole turns you do) If you turn the nut, too, it changes where the wheel sits when you put the wheel back on.

If it looks wonky when you get the QR tightened, loosen it again and adjust the side that is off (nut or lever)

If it looks like the brakes go wonky (not the wheel) squeeze the brakes a couple times or play with the arms (depending on your brake) to recenter the pads.

[li10up]

Seems to me your dh shouldn't have needed to adjust the brake pads if all you did was take your wheel off and then put it back on. As KnottedYet said you can center the wheel by loosening/tightening the nut/lever as needed to get the wheel centered.

[momof4greatkids]

Yup. Use it all you want.

Are you using the front brake quick release, too? Don't worry about damaging that, either.

If you have trouble with either quick release, take your bike to the LBS and ask them to show you how to adjust things. When my bike got new brake cables the brake QR was tough for a week or so until the cable stretched a bit, now it's easy.

I take my front wheel on and off several times a week.

Thanks for mentioning the brake release. I've shredded the little plastic sleeve, just a little, taking it on and off. That worried me but there is definitely no damage to the brake cable underneath. Perhaps it will get easier after it gets stretched a little more?

My next challenge is getting the right saddle!

Colleen

[DebW]

When you put the wheel back, make sure it's centered between the fork blades, not the brakes. Then squeeze the brakes a couple times and see if they center. Brakes can get off center, and how you recenter them depends on the brake. Some have a centering screw. Some you loosen the brake bolt and need a flat wrench to hold the front lug as you righten it back down.

[Jo-n-NY]

Thanks everyone for your responses. DebW, I think that is what my husband needed to do. Centering it within the fork seems easier to eye for alignment. I think this little take calls for some practice on my part. I will add it to my "to do list" for this evening.

Again....thank you
~ JoAnn