Can I use a thru-axle fork with my quick-release front wheel?
By Crankworthy · Published · Updated
It depends
Only if your front hub can be converted. Many modern hubs take swappable end caps to go from a 9mm quick release to a 15mm or 12mm thru-axle; many older and budget hubs cannot, and then you need a new front wheel or hub.
Why
A quick-release front hub has a thin 9mm axle; a thru-axle fork uses a much thicker 15mm or 12mm axle that passes through the hub. The hub's bore has to be large enough for it.
Hubs designed to be convertible use removable end caps, so the same hub body can take a quick release or a thru-axle. Hubs that are not convertible have a fixed 9mm axle and simply cannot accept a thicker one.
How to check your hub
- Look at the hub model
- It is usually printed on the hub body. Search the model with "end caps" or "conversion" to see whether a thru-axle kit exists.