Just HOW tight on the front tire?

[Veronica]

You want it to be tight enough that it requires some effort to lock and unlock the quick release. You don't want it so tight you pop a vein, but you don't want it to be easy either.

V.

[DebW]

As a mechanic I was taught to put them on VERY tight - you don't want a customer coming back claiming that their wheel fell off. So expect mechanics to be that way. They are covering their own butt, and it's overkill. Follow V's advise and you'll be fine. If you close the QR lever so it's parallel and somewhat offset from the fork blade or dropout, you can squeeze against that and tighten easier.

[makbike]

I was taught that it was tight enough when the lever leaves an imprint on your hand.

[RoadRaven]

Just concurring with Veronica and Deb...

[gringa loca]

Thanks guys, I'll work on it!

[Trekhawk]

I was taught that it was tight enough when the lever leaves an imprint on your hand.

I have read makbike's info in a few books and assumed that was the way to go.

I guess the thing to remember is that you need to be able to get the wheel off yourself in case you are stuck out in the sticks on your own with a flat.
If superman did the wheel up this might cause delays and Im guessing (at least for me) a few choice words to escape as well.

[Kitsune06]

I 2nd Makbike