Small components with a big impact: high-quality quick release skewers and bike axles keep your wheels firmly in place when braking hard, riding rough trails, or sprinting all-out. The traditional quick release skewer has delivered reliable performance on rim brake bikes for over 100 years. On modern disc brake bikes with larger wheels, a thru axle adds the stiffness you need while still allowing fast wheel changes. In our online shop, you’ll find bike skewers and thru axles from DT Swiss, Carbon-Ti, SRAM, Burgtec, Mavic, and other top brands for every setup and axle standard.
When you’re dealing with a flat on the trail or changing wheels before a race, a reliable bike axle makes all the difference.
Two systems define wheel retention on modern bikes: the classic quick release skewer and the thru axle. They differ in design, stiffness, and what they're used for. A quick release skewer opens tool-free with a lever and clamps into an open dropout. A thru axle slides through a closed dropout and threads into place, creating a stiffer, more torsion-resistant connection. That added stiffness is essential on disc brake bikes, where braking forces transfer directly into the fork and rear triangle. Because road bikes and MTBs use different axle standards, you’ll find separate categories for MTB quick release skewers and thru axles as well as road bike quick release skewers and thru axles.
If your bike runs rim brakes, it probably uses a quick release skewer. Slide the skewer through the hub, close the bike wheel quick release lever, and your quick release bike wheel is secured in seconds without tools. Quick release skewers come individually or as front and rear sets, in a range of finishes and colors.
If you ride a modern disc brake bike, a thru axle is the standard. It slides through a closed dropout and threads into place, either with an Allen key or tool-free using a lever. The threaded interface creates a stiff, torsion-resistant connection that handles high braking forces and the leverage of large 29-inch wheels, yet can still be removed in seconds. Your frame and fork determine the correct dimensions. Common standards include 12x100 mm front and 12x142 mm rear on road bikes, as well as 15x100 mm and 12x148 mm Boost on MTBs.
If you commute daily or park your bike in public, a bike axle with theft protection adds extra security. These models can only be opened with a dedicated key. If you ride with a child trailer or use a rack system, you’ll also find axles with integrated adapters from Ortlieb, The Robert Axle Project, and Thule. Anodized finishes let you add subtle custom accents to your setup.
When choosing a thru axle or upgrading your quick release skewer, correct sizing matters most. Whether you’re replacing a worn part that needs an exact fit or selecting a lightweight upgrade, the right dimensions are key.
The criteria below will help you choose the right option.
The type of axle mainly depends on your brake system. If your bike uses rim brakes, it will have a quick release skewer. Modern disc brake bikes use a thru axle. Front and rear installation widths differ for both systems. Quick release skewers use different widths front and rear, and the same applies to thru axles. Read the frequently asked questions below for more details.
For quick release skewers, the standards are straightforward: 100 mm front, 130 mm rear on road bikes, and 135 mm rear on MTBs and trekking bikes. With a thru axle, several dimensions matter: installation width, overall length, diameter, thread type, and thread pitch. All are defined by your frame and fork. In most cases, these specifications are printed directly on the axle, for example 15x100 mm (diameter x installation width), 158 mm (length), and M15x1.5 (thread type and pitch). You’ll also find them in your bike, frame, or fork specifications.
Quick release skewers are typically made from steel, while most thru axles use aluminum. Both materials are proven for demanding riding conditions.
If weight savings are a priority, quick release skewers with titanium shafts are a classic upgrade for rim brake setups. For thru axles, precisely machined versions made from high-quality aluminum alloys help reduce weight.
That depends on how and where you ride. On road bikes, XC MTBs, and many trail bikes, both quick release skewers and some thru axles can be operated with a lever for tool-free removal.
Thru axles with an Allen key interface require a tool but provide a very secure connection and are less likely to loosen unintentionally on rough terrain.
Whether you need a thru axle in the correct standard or a quick release skewer to match your setup, you’ll find a wide selection from DT Swiss, Carbon-Ti, SRAM, Burgtec, Mavic, and other leading brands. Many thru axles come in a range of anodized finishes, and quick release skewers come as front and rear sets. We ship fast, so a small replacement part doesn’t keep you off the bike.
Not sure which size you need? Our customer service team rides trail and road alike and is here to help you find the right fit.
