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Conference noted::bicycle

Title:	Bicycling
Notice:	Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:	JAMIN::WASSER

Created:	Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	3214
Total number of notes:	31946

1258.0. "Solid vs. Hollow Rear Axle ... ?" by SX4GTO::HOLT (Robert Holt @ UCS) Sun Jul 23 1989 21:11

    
    I recently decided to go to a hollow rear axle on my KHS
    boneshaker. Shortly after deciding to do that, I was lunging
    up Saratoga Gap in 32X22 when the rear axle expired with a loud
    clang. It was a solid axle, but as it was the original one it 
    was punished for three years carrying 200 lbs down the rocky
    trails of Mt Tam. 
    
    What sort of experience have other mt bikers had with solid vs. 
    hollow rear axles?

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
1258.1	hollow is "strong enough"	VERVE::BUCHANAN	Bat	`Tue Jul 25 1989 22:21`	9
	A solid axle would be obviously stronger than a hollow one, however not a whole lot stronger. The hollow axle gives a higher strength/weight ratio and the convenience of quick release makes it more desirable at least IMO. My first mountain bike had solid axels and it was a pain having to carry a 15 mm wrench to get your wheel on and off. Where you on the road or on the trail? Bat also @ UCS.
1258.2		CSCOA3::HOOD_DO		`Wed Jul 26 1989 14:14`	5
	re: basenote What kind of hubs/axles did you have? I've had no problems with either, but I weigh 170 lbs. I DO punish the wheels, though.
1258.3	IF YOU BREAK TOO MANY AXLES	AKOV11::FULLER		`Wed Jul 26 1989 16:43`	8
	For those of you who need to replace axle's. I recommend that they are replaced with a hardened steel axle such as Deore XT. The threads should be interchangeable. Make sure the proper length is purchased, mountain bikes come in 126 and 130 mm. steve
1258.4	Pros....	LACV01::DAVIDSON	Have gun...will travel	`Mon Jul 31 1989 19:07`	4
	Most of the pro off-roaders seem to use the hollows. Don't know if this is for changin' flats or for strength. I go about 170 and am tuff on rear axles, bent two on the rear of my last bike. My CR-7 has hollows.
1258.5		CSC32::T_DAWSON	Tomas Dawson DNT:522-4549	`Mon Jul 31 1989 19:27`	7
	Many times axles are bent due to the drop outs not being aligned correctly. If one drop out slopes down it may stress the axle then a shock will force it to bend. If you are bending axles on a regulare basis have this checked. I race MTBs and use Deore XT hubs and have had no problem with axles, and i hammer the down hills.... :)