Wheel Skewer Alignment
Today’s top tip - Wheel Skewer Alignment
As tempting as it is to line up your skewer quick release levers with the forks or chain stay on your bike - BEWARE! There are hidden dangers and pitfalls to this little thought of practise.
How many of you have attempted to undo a quick release lever with cold fingers that is flush against the fork or seat stay? I guessed not! It’s a nightmare if the lever is ‘overtight’ and the amount of chipped and scratched paintwork I’ve seen caused by desperate cyclists resorting to levering them open with their multi-tools is testament to this action!
Always position your levers with a view to easy access and opening in case of punctures! (Please don’t bore each other with aero drivel or accident safety - it’s irrelevant tbh)
There are exceptions obviously; bolt through axles, positionable skewers and odd shopped dropouts etc - the message is the same however, always consider how you will remove them safely with tired, cold, wet fingers!
99% of bikes - keep both skewers on the left side of bike and remember to occasionally remove and lightly grease the spindle to prevent rusting!
Do not overtighten traditional rim brake skewers and for disc brakes always follow recommended torque settings to avoid disc brake rub!
The incorrect way to lock off quick release levers
The safe way to lock off quick release levers (if you want to safely release them again with cold fingers!)
Safely stowed rear quick release lever
Safely stowed rear quick release lever