Most adult bikes today are equipped with quick release (QR) wheel retention devices on both wheels. QR's are very reliable in keeping the wheels securely attached to the bike, provided you know how to use them correctly. And many people don't. Please, do not ride your bike without knowing how to use the quick release.
The QR is not simply a wing-nut to be twisted as tight as possible. If you are using it that way, your wheel could come off your bike while you are riding. I probably do not need to go into any potential gory details at this point.
The QR skewer has four parts (see diagram). A lever (A), a cap that the lever goes into containing either an exposed or concealed CAM mechanism, a shaft, which goes through the hollow center of the hub, and a threaded adjusting nut on the opposite side from the lever (B).
To make sure the QR is properly closed, follow these steps:
- Open (flip) the QR lever A, so that the concave (curved inward) side faces out. Hand tighten the adjusting nut B until just lightly snug.
- Flip the lever A, so that the concave side faces inward. The word CLOSED should be visible on the out-facing side of the lever.
- Closing the lever should require very firm pressure using the heel of your hand. If you can easily close it with a couple of fingers, it is not tight enough. Open the QR lever and tighten the adjusting nut a bit more. Then close the QR lever again.
The same procedure applies to both front and back wheels. Stop by Rapid Transit at any time for a free quick release tutorial, if you wish.
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