How to Use a Thru Axle Wheel on a Thru-Skew Fork

A Simple Solution for an Unusual Front-Wheel Standard

If you own a bike equipped with a Thru-Skew front fork, you may have discovered something frustrating when shopping for a replacement or upgraded wheel: it isn't quite a traditional quick-release setup, but it isn't a conventional thru axle either.

That can make wheel compatibility unnecessarily confusing.

Fortunately, depending on the hub and fork combination, it may be possible to use a thru axle front hub or wheel with a Thru-Skew fork by using the appropriate VeloFuze Thru Axle hub adapter.

In this article, we'll explain what Thru-Skew is, why it creates compatibility questions, and how a VeloFuze hub adapter can provide a simple solution.

What Is Thru-Skew?

Thru-Skew is an unusual front-wheel retention system found on a number of bicycles, particularly some Trek models.

At first glance, it looks similar to a traditional quick-release system because it uses a relatively small skewer through the center of the hub. The important difference is at the fork.

A traditional quick-release fork has open dropouts. Once the quick-release lever is opened and loosened, the wheel can drop out of the fork.

A Thru-Skew fork instead captures the skewer through the fork ends. The skewer has to be withdrawn before the wheel can be removed.

That gives Thru-Skew some characteristics of a thru axle system while still using a much smaller skewer and a hub interface closer to traditional quick release. That's also why looking at one for the first time can be confusing: it isn't a standard QR fork, and it isn't the same thing as a conventional 12mm or 15mm thru axle fork.

The Wheel Compatibility Problem

The problem usually appears when it's time to replace, upgrade, or reuse a front wheel.

You may already own a quality wheel built around a thru axle hub. Or perhaps the wheelset you want to purchase is readily available with a thru axle hub but not in a configuration specifically intended for your Thru-Skew fork.

Buying another wheel or rebuilding an otherwise perfectly good wheel isn't always necessary.

For compatible hub and fork combinations, an adapter can allow the thru axle hub to interface with the Thru-Skew fork.

The photos above show exactly what that conversion looks like. The VeloFuze adapter passes through the thru axle hub and provides the appropriate interface at each side of the Thru-Skew fork.

How the VeloFuze Adapter Works

The concept is pretty simple.

No tools required for installation. Simply insert the Adapter into the thru axle hub. Slide wheel up into the Thru-Skew Fork and secure using the original Thru-Skew hardware. 

Instead of replacing the hub or rebuilding the wheel, the adapter allows you to make use of the wheel you already have.

Once installed, the adapter sits between the fork ends just as shown in these photos.

The original Thru-Skew hardware then secures the wheel through the adapter and hub.

Thru-Skew Is Not the Same as Standard Quick Release

With a conventional QR fork, the fork ends are open and the hub axle rests in the dropouts.

With Thru-Skew, the fork ends capture the skewer. The skewer must pass through the fork, hub and opposite side rather than simply clamping an axle into open dropouts.

If your fork looks like the one shown in these photos, there's a good chance you're dealing with a Thru-Skew-style setup rather than an ordinary quick-release fork.

Installing a Thru Axle Wheel in a Thru-Skew Fork

Installation is straightforward once you've confirmed that your hub, adapter and fork are compatible.

Insert the VeloFuze adapter through the thru axle hub and make sure it is fully seated/flush on each side of the hub. Position the wheel between the fork legs and align the adapter with the Thru-Skew mounting points.

Pass the Thru-Skew through the fork and adapter and secure it according to the bicycle or fork manufacturer's instructions.

Before riding, check that the wheel is fully seated and centered in the fork.

With a disc-brake wheel, also check the position of the brake rotor in the caliper.

Spin the wheel and verify that the rotor is properly aligned and that there is no unexpected rubbing or interference.

Don't Forget Brake Rotor Alignment

Any time you move a wheel between bicycles or change hub configurations, rotor position deserves attention.

Even when the hub spacing is correct, small differences between hubs can change the lateral position of a disc brake rotor.

If the rotor isn't centered in the caliper after installing the wheel, determine the cause before riding. Depending on the setup, brake adjustment or rotor-spacing correction may be required.

VeloFuze also manufactures disc brake rotor shims specifically for fine adjustments to rotor position when appropriate.

Why Use an Adapter Instead of Another Wheel?

For many riders, the answer is simple: you already own the wheel.

A good wheelset can represent a significant investment. An adapter may allow you to use a wheel on more than one bike instead of buying another wheel or rebuilding the existing one around a different hub.

It can also be useful when upgrading wheels. The selection of modern thru axle wheelsets is much larger than the selection of wheels made specifically around less-common standards such as Thru-Skew.

Is Every Thru Axle Wheel Compatible?

Maybe. 

"Thru axle" describes a broad category, not one universal dimension. Hub width, axle diameter, fork spacing, brake configuration and the specific design of the hub all matter.

Before ordering an adapter, verify the specifications of both your front hub and fork.

If you're uncertain, contact VeloFuze with the bicycle model, fork information and hub or wheel model. We'll help determine whether one of our adapters is appropriate for the application.

A Simple Solution to an Odd Compatibility Problem

Bicycle standards have changed considerably over the years, and Thru-Skew sits in an unusual place between traditional quick release and today's larger thru axle systems.

That doesn't necessarily mean you're locked into one specific type of wheel.

With the correct VeloFuze adapter, a compatible thru axle wheel can be used with a Thru-Skew fork—allowing you to keep using a wheel you already own or giving you more choices when shopping for your next wheelset.

Need Help With Compatibility?

Not sure which adapter you need?

Contact VeloFuze Cycling Products with your bike, fork and hub information and we'll help you determine the correct setup.