Why Thru-Axles Took Over and Quick Release Got Left Behind

Once upon a time, quick release was the cool kid at the bike rack. It was slick, it was fast, it was the lightweight champion.

Then, like all fleeting trends, it got bumped out of the spotlight by something newer, stiffer, and less prone to doing embarrassing things at the wrong moment.

Enter the thru-axle, the grown-up version of the wheel attachment.

It looks serious. It means business. It doesn’t ask permission to be better.

Quick release, on the other hand, got stuck holding the bag—suddenly out of place in a world that started caring about stiffness, safety, and efficiency.

It didn’t happen overnight. Quick release was once the go-to option. It made sense. It was convenient, light, and, hell, it worked.

But you know what they say: “good enough” eventually gives way to better.

The thru-axle took one look at its predecessor, cracked its knuckles, and said, “Hold my beer.”

We’ll dissect why thru-axles have become the king of the mountain, leaving quick releases in the dust.

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1. The Stiffness Factor: Thru-Axles Don’t Bend Over Backwards

Thru-axles don’t flex. They’re tough as nails and provide a much more rigid connection between the frame and wheel.

More rigidity means better power transfer. You pedal harder, you go faster, you don’t feel like a noodle.

Quick releases, on the other hand, are known to flex under load—ever notice that wobbly feeling on tight corners? Yeah, that’s your QR working against you.

2. Safety First: A Loose QR is a Disaster Waiting to Happen

Ever heard of a front wheel flying off mid-ride?

It’s a horror story that happens more often than you’d think, especially with quick releases.

When your quick release isn’t tightened properly, there’s a real chance the wheel will just give up the ghost.

Thru-axles are locked in tight, ensuring a much safer connection.

3. No More Disc Brake Drama

Disc brakes. We love them, we hate them, but one thing’s for sure: they’re picky.

They require a precise fit. Quick releases just weren’t cutting it with disc brakes.

They couldn’t guarantee that the wheel would go back on exactly the same spot each time, which meant rubbing and misalignment.

Thru-axles fix that. They’re precise, dependable, and they don’t give a damn about your lack of patience.

4. Quick Releases Were Designed for Speed—But Not in the Right Way

Sure, quick releases were a great idea for racers in the early days. Change a wheel fast in a race? Sure.

But when was the last time you raced for your life?

Now, the everyday cyclist has better things to do than fiddle around with a finicky lever.

Thru-axles are just as quick to remove and install as a QR when you know what you’re doing.

Plus, no more worrying about the wheel being crooked or rubbing on your brakes.

5. More Than Just a Fad: Thru-Axles Are About Performance

What it all boils down to is performance. Thru-axles are stiffer, safer, and more reliable.

That’s why they’ve become the preferred option in mountain biking and gravel racing, where every watt counts and every corner matters.

Sure, quick releases may be lighter, but they can’t compete with the performance advantage that a thru-axle brings to the table.

7. The Downside? Not Much—But It’s a Minor One

Nothing’s perfect, right? The only real downside to thru-axles is their hassle when you’re on the side of the road and need to clean the axle before putting it back in.

But honestly, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and performance gain you get. Just bring a rag.

8. The Fading Appeal of Quick Release

Let’s face it—quick release was never perfect. It’s an outdated system that worked when it was all we had.

But it didn’t evolve with the times. Thru-axles took over not just because of marketing hype or fashion, but because they addressed real-world issues that quick release simply couldn’t solve.

In a world of disc brakes, stiffer frames, and increasingly powerful riders, the thru-axle is simply the right tool for the job.

Thru-Axles vs Quick Release: The Showdown

Here’s a quick breakdown of how these two stack up:

Feature	Thru-Axle	Quick Release
Stiffness	Superior, minimal flex	Can flex under heavy load
Safety	Secure, no risk of wheel slipping	Risk of failure if not tightened correctly
Disc Brake Compatibility	Perfect alignment, no rubbing	Can cause misalignment/rubbing
Ease of Use	Quick when you know what you’re doing	Fast, but can be finicky
Puncture Repair	No longer an issue with tubeless tires	Slightly faster, but not a game changer
Weight	Slightly heavier	Lighter
Performance	Improves cornering, handling, and power transfer	Less precise in performance
Modern Relevance	Standard in modern bikes	Becoming obsolete

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Conclusion: A Kick in the Teeth for Quick Release

So here we are. Thru-axles have taken over the throne, and quick releases are relegated to the shadows of cycling history.

Thru-axles are tougher, more precise, and they just flat-out work better in today’s world of disc brakes and high-performance riding.

Quick releases had their moment—they were the cool kids in class—but like all fads, they’ve been pushed aside for something smarter.

Something better. And while quick release hangs around, clinging to a romanticized past, the thru-axle just keeps rolling forward, leaving it behind.

That said.

As always

The most important thing is to just ride. I have a road bike with a quick-release from the 70s and love it + ride it almost daily.

🙂