trek ex8 skewer

matt748

Sorry if this seems a really daft question, but could someone explain why my Trek ex8 (09) has an extra long steel quick release skewer at the back? Is it something to do with the ABP system? What actual purpose do these skewers serve (as oppose to a qr system without)?
I only ask because I'm thinking of upgrading the wheels, and the Hope skewer won't fit.

Thanks in advance.

Matt

MountainMonster

Normally rear skewers are longer because they have to accomadate the casette as well. There are front and rear size skewers.

Mark_K

Your right they are extra long because of the ABP they need to be longer to go through the extra width on the rear pivot point (non ABP is a normal slotted drop out ) and as such the hope skewers wont fit the back however that doesn't mean you cant change the wheels as they are the standard 135mm hub spacing ! Given the choice of ABP or bling rear skewers id gladly take the ABP option 8)

njee20

They do ti ABP skewers if you want something lighter, or KCNC do long ones, they fall into the 'that's a bit too light for my liking' category though.

IanTrcp

Aha. I was about to ask a similar question.

I've ordered some Easton Haven wheels from Wiggle http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Easto ... 360052056/

15mm axle for the front so that's fine.

But will there be complications in using the rear wheel because of the ABP setup. I can (sort of) see what this does and it looks worth keeping. Would I have to lose it for some reason in order to fit the Easton's?

Or have I completely misunderstood?

njee20

No complications, you just have to use the ABP skewer. It's only the skewer that's different, the actual dropouts are standard.

matt748

Thanks for the replies.
Am I right in thinking that the skewer is not load bearing?
Also, my wifes bike doesn't have one, so what is the benefit of having one?

Thanks,
Matt

njee20

The skewer stops the wheel falling out, not a vast amount else. It's not load bearing per se, as the dropouts are slightly cowled, so the weight is transferred from the frame to the wheel, but particularly when you lean the bike the skewer is keeping everything together. It's under less stress in an ABP frame as it's threaded through 2 holes, it's not the clamping force keeping the wheel in place.

In the case of ABP it also acts as the pivot, helping to avoid brake jack and making everything work better under braking.

What do you mean your wife's bike doesn't have one? Doesn't have a skewer? In which case the wheel will fall out, unless it has a solid axle with nuts, which just makes wheel removal a bit harder. Or do you mean it doesn't have ABP which just means it's absolutely any bike other than a Top Fuel, Fuel EX or Remedy from 2009/10!

matt748

njee20 wrote:

What do you mean your wife's bike doesn't have one? Doesn't have a skewer? In which case the wheel will fall out, unless it has a solid axle with nuts, which just makes wheel removal a bit harder. Or do you mean it doesn't have ABP which just means it's absolutely any bike other than a Top Fuel, Fuel EX or Remedy from 2009/10!

Sorry ,I didn't explain that very well!
I meant it doesn't have ABP, and you've answered that for me. Great post. Thank you.
Should the skewers (ABP or not) be greased, as my Trek has just been serviced and it's bone dry?

njee20

A smear of grease can stop it seizing, but as it has to come out every time you take the wheel out it's unlikely to seize. A bit of grease on the exposed cam won't hurt though, makes the skewers smoother.