thru-ax-ul
Noun
A type of wheel axle with a larger diameter shaft and threaded end caps.
Example usage: My mountain bike is equipped with a 12mm thru-axle.
Most used in: Mountain biking and cyclocross racing.
Most used by: Mountain bikers and cyclocross racers.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 1/10
Also see: QR, TA, Thru-Axle, 12mm/15mm/20mm/25mm/30mm,
What is a Thru-Axle?
A thru-axle is a type of axle that fits into the frame of a bicycle wheel. It is typically used in mountain and road bikes, and is designed to provide a more secure connection between the frame and wheel. The axle is inserted through the frame's hub, and then secured with a threaded nut. This type of axle is becoming increasingly popular, and is now used on many different types of bicycles.
The main advantage of a thru-axle is that it provides a more rigid connection between the frame and wheel, which helps with power transfer and improves overall bike performance. This leads to increased handling and stability on the trails or roads. It also helps to reduce the amount of flex between the wheel and frame, which can lead to less fatigue and better control.
Thru-axles are becoming increasingly popular, with a reported 68% of mountain bikes now using the technology. The trend is also increasing in the road bike market, with an estimated 30% of road bikes now utilising thru-axles for improved performance.
Overall, thru-axles provide a more secure connection between the frame and wheel, which can lead to improved handling and performance on the trails or roads. It has become increasingly popular among mountain and road cyclists, and is now used on many different types of bicycles.
.The History of the Thru-Axle
The term 'Thru-Axle' has become a common fixture in the cycling world, but where did it originate?
The concept of the thru-axle was first developed in the late 90s by mountain bike companies in California. The idea was to replace the quick-release axle with a stronger, more secure axle that could be threaded into the fork. This new axle design provided a more secure connection between the wheel and the frame, and was soon adopted by many brands.
By the early 2000s, thru-axles were becoming increasingly popular amongst mountain bikers. The thru-axle design spread to other cycling disciplines, such as road and cyclocross, and by the mid-2000s, it had become a standard feature on most modern bikes.
Today, the thru-axle is a staple of the cycling world. It has become the go-to axle design for many riders due to its superior strength and reliability. With the growing popularity of disc brakes, thru-axles are now the preferred choice for many cyclists.