Thru axles are essential for modern road bikes, delivering improved stiffness, alignment, and braking performance. This guide highlights five compatible thru axle options designed for road bikes and performance setups. Each product expands your bike’s axle options, whether you’re upgrading a vintage frame or equipping a new build. The selections range in thread pitch and length to fit a variety of hubs, frames, and fork configurations. Use this overview to compare compatibility, weight, and construction quality before purchasing.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature | Length Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5mm Thread Pitch Front/Rear | GRQUSTO Store | Freely Rotating Handle | 120mm, 123mm, 165mm, 171mm, 175mm |
| Bike Axle Skewers (Front/Rear) | CYSKY Store | Hollow Shaft with Front/Rear Levers | Front 10.8 cm; Rear 16 cm |
| Rear Thru Axle | — | Aluminum Alloy, 32g | L162mm/142mm |
| Road/MTB Quick Release Clips | DEER U Store | Durable Alloy, Wide Color Finish | 145 mm (front), 180 mm (rear) |
| 1.0mm Thread Pitch Front/Rear | GRQUSTO Store | Includes Cone Washer | 120mm, 124mm, 138mm, 160mm, 168mm, 174mm, 180mm, 185mm |
Overview of the selected products helps you decide based on thread pitch, length, and compatibility. Each item comes with a different approach to ease of installation and frame compatibility, from rotating handles to standard quick-release designs. The common goal is to improve alignment, stiffness, and overall ride feel for road and performance bikes.
1.5mm Thru Axles With Rotating Handle (12mm x 123mm to 175mm)
This GRQUSTO Store offering provides a set of thru axles with a freely rotating handle and multiple length options: 120mm, 123mm, 165mm, 171mm, and 175mm. The product uses a 1.5mm thread pitch and a 12mm axle diameter, designed for compatibility across suspension forks, rigid forks, and rear frames. The range of lengths helps match various frames and hubs, ensuring proper alignment and stability during high-speed cycling and sprinting. The included sizes cover common road and mountain configurations, enabling quick swaps without tools in many cases.
Front/Rear Skewer Set for Road and MTB (Pair)
The CYSKY quick-release skewers offer a practical, durable option for most bicycles, including road, mountain, and MTB frames. The set includes hollow-shaft skewers with shorter front and longer rear levers, accommodating various hub geometries. Built from iron, these skewers emphasize reliability for riders who prefer a simple, tool-free wheel removal process. Compatibility extends to standard road rims and MTB wheels, making them a versatile upgrade for mixed-terrain riders.
Rear Thru Axle (L162mm/142mm) for Road Wheels
This rear thru axle is crafted from high-quality aluminum alloy, delivering high hardness and durability with a lightweight profile of about 32 grams. The axle is available in L162mm or 142mm variants with a 12mm diameter and 1.5mm thread pitch. It is designed to improve stiffness and responsiveness of rear wheels, contributing to more predictable handling and faster power transfer in sprint efforts and climbing sections. Suitable for several brands and models depending on your bike’s specific rear hub standard.
QR Clip Bolt Lever Axle Set (145/180 mm)
The DEER U front and rear skewers pair provides a quick-release experience with a smooth cam action lever and a durable multi-tone finish. Axle diameters and lengths are aligned with common road and mountain bike configurations, including 145 mm front and 180 mm rear skewers. The set uses a combination of steel and aluminum alloy to balance strength and weight, offering robust performance for mixed riding styles and frequent wheel changes. It is compatible with many road, MTB, and BMX hubs that use QR systems.
1.0mm Thread Pitch Thru Axles (8 Lengths)
This GRQUSTO Store option features a finer 1.0mm thread pitch with an expansive length range: 120mm, 124mm, 138mm, 160mm, 168mm, 174mm, 180mm, and 185mm. The axles use a 12mm diameter with a length spectrum designed to fit a variety of suspension forks and rigid frames, along with rear frames. Includes a cone washer for snug, precise mounting and improved alignment. This set is suitable for users who need precise thread pitch options to match non-standard frames or hubs.
Buying Guide
- Frame and fork compatibility: Check your bike’s axle diameter (commonly 12mm) and the required thread pitch (1.0mm, 1.5mm, etc.). Measure rear and front spacing (e.g., 142/162mm, 120/125mm). Ensure the selected axle length matches your specific frame and hub.
- Weight vs. stiffness: Heavier iron skewers offer durability; lightweight aluminum thru axles boost stiffness but may be less forgiving on rough trails. For road bikes, stiffness directly affects rim alignment and torque transfer.
- Installation ease: Freely rotating handles and tool-free quick-release levers simplify wheel changes. Consider whether you prefer dedicated thru-axles or QR-style skewers depending on maintenance and usage patterns.
- Durability and finish: Anodized or coated finishes resist corrosion. For cross-compatibility across multiple bike types, favor axles with robust end caps and precise threading to reduce stripping risk.
- Length selection strategy: Longer axles improve frame compatibility but can affect weight. Use manufacturer charts or measure existing axles on your bike to select the correct length from the available options.
- Maintenance: Periodically check thread pitch engagement and cleanliness of the threads. A light application of grease can help prevent galling and ease future removal.
- Use case perspective: For weekend riders, QR skewers may suffice, but racers and riders with high braking loads benefit from thru-axle systems for consistent wheel alignment under hard braking.
- Component synergy: Ensure that the selected thru axles work with your hubs, frames, and brakes. Some older frames may require adapters or different end caps to achieve proper fitment.