Handling of through-axle

Through axles have the advantage that they have a greater diameter than conventional 9 mm axles and are thus much stiffer. They are also screwed into the drop-outs and this makes the entire system that much stiffer. This increases fork stability and the bike is then easier to steer more precisely in the corners. However, the rider pays the price for these advantages with a slightly heavier bike.

Moreover, when using through axles without quick-release you will need an Allen wrench to fit and remove the axles. In addition, you will also require special hubs to accommodate the axles.

The most conventional through axles for the front wheel:

Ø 15mm; width 100mm (e.g. QR 15 Fox / Shimano)
Ø 20mm; width 110mm (e.g. Maxle, Thru-Axle)

The most conventional through axles for the front wheel:

Ø 12mm; width 135mm (e.g.Maxle)
Ø12mm mm; width 135mm (+ 3,5mm on each side), with arrester for easier fitting of the axle (e.g. Syntace X-12)

The systems from Maxle and Syntace X-12 are not compatible.

Fitting through axles with quick-releases

1. Position the wheel into the fork drop-outs. The hub must sit firmly in the drop-outs. Ensure that the brake disc is positioned correctly in the brake caliper and neither the disc nor the hub come into contact with the fork.

2. Open the quick-release lever. The lever must slot into the relevant groove in the axle. Picture 1

3. Push the slightly greased axle through the hub until the thread in the drop-out on the opposite side grips and then tighten the axle up completely. Picture 2 Picture 3

4. Close the lever hand tight.

Do not use any tools to either fit or remove the quick-release levers.

Fitting through axles without quick-releases (Fox F40)

1. Position the wheel in the fork drop-outs. The hub must sit firmly in the drop-outs. Ensure that the brake disc is positioned correctly in the brake caliper and neither the disc nor the hub should come into contact with the fork.

2. Push the slightly greased axle from the right into the hub until the thread grips into the left drop-out. Picture 4

3. Turn the bolts with a 5 mm Allen wrench in a clockwise direction in order to fix the axle. Picture 5

4. Then tighten the two left fixing bolts to a torque of 2-2.5 Nm. Picture 6

5. Then press down several times on the handlebars to center the right-hand drop-out when it is not under tension.

6. Now tighten the right-hand bolts and the axle to 2 – 2.5 Nm.
The procedure for fitting through axles to the rear triangle is identical to that of the front wheel as described above.

The fitting of thru-axles on the rear triangle is carried out as described above. On X12 thru-axles you require a 5mm Allen key to either fit or remove them. picture 7

If you suffer a puncture during a ride, you will need a Minitool in order to change the inner tube.

Canyon consistently strives to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this Technical Support Center. Any repairs or adjustments which you carry out on your bike are entirely at your own risk. If you are in any doubt about what to do, you should send your bike to Canyon or take it to another qualified repair specialist. Canyon gives no guarantee or accepts no liability for the any of the information contained in this Technical Support Center.