Budget Bike Wheel Upgrade | How to Adapt a Thru Axle Wheel to Quick Release Frame | Xtrada 6

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

IMPORTANT CORRECTION! PLEASE READ: The rear axle standards are: Boost 148x12 Thru Axle Boost 141x10 QR Non-Boost 142x12 Thru Axle Non-Boost 135x10 QR Non-Boost 135x10 Bolt on (common on dirt jumpers) For some reason I had QR axles listed as 9mm in the video. 9mm is QR on the front. Sorry for any confusion.

[@royah6276]

There is Trek X Caliber 7 2020 , this has Boost 141 x 9 mm QR, i would like to know if there is adapter for 141 x 9 mm ? Thanks

[@jasonrichmond7974]

I did this exact upgrade to my Giant Fathom. I used Bontrager Line 30 Comp wheels. Got a better engagement hub with 108 POE. Boost wheels converted to 141 via endcaps.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Great wheels for the money! Enjoy!

[@doyerdog81]

I have a 2020 Fathom 1 29er. I love everything about the bike except for the rear QR axle. Good to hear I’m not the only one in this predicament. Glad there’s some options for us to upgrade wheels.

[@jurajfurmanek2823]

Hello, I want to make this upgrade on my Trek Xcaliber with the Line Comp 30 wheels. What type and brand of endcaps did you use? Thank you so much. Sorry for my english :)

[@kevinwing9152]

I noticed you commented about doing this on a fathom. I’m in process of doing so now. What hub did you use to make yours work with the fathom.

[@jasonrichmond7974]

@@kevinwing9152 I just bought the bontrager line 30 comp wheels. I used the rapid drive hub that came on it and changed the endcaps to fit the 141 spacing. Also nukeproof horizon v2 wheels are capable of the same thing and they are 50% off on wiggle right now. Great wheels as well

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

I like to think of a wheelset as an investment more than just a mere purchase. It's not uncommon for people to buy a good wheelset and carry it over from bike to bike. Having the ability to change from thru axle to QR and vice versa just sweetens the deal.

[@deeppeacenature265]

So timely! Just minutes ago I was thinking about upgrading the wheelset of my Xtrada 6 and the kerfuffle I should be aware of. Thanks for the vid! 👍

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Awesome! Glad to help. 🙂

[@houstonrockets6707]

Can I do the same thing too the xtrada 5 or is it different everything you show in this video can you give me a list of the product that you using to convert it

[@wormoSTEEZE]

you have such a calming voice. just what I needed today. thanks, and great video.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙏

[@saulfmoran]

Your intro is exactly my situation lol. I own an entry level bike, just ordered wheel upgrades. Old bike comes with quick release and new wheels are they axle

[@davemc3650]

Man now I have more understanding of those axles, qr and thru axle. Trying to change from 29 to 27.5 wheels front I can change fork and all hopefully bearings are same size but rear is going to be problem Thanks for good video

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Glad you found it helpful! Good luck with your project.

[@hawker604]

Great video! This was exactly my train of thought when I bought my budget bike… it has potential over time. I was a bit shocked by the rear hub cost for the brands you mentioned. I know you get what you pay for. Any other brands you know of that offer 148 to 141 QR kits? Thx again for the awesome content.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. There are cheaper 141mm hubs available. Shimano has a few hub and wheel options. MT200, MT500 and SLX come to mind. Halo and WTB also have options. There are some Amazon/Ali Express brands that offer them as well.

[@johnmills837]

12mm 142 to 10mm QR adapters are sold to convert a 142 TA wheel to 10mm QR frames 135mm and 141 OLD

[@Wireman134]

Correct, this guy is new

[@theshedMTB]

Very interesting video, didnt know all those details, filled in alot of gaps in knowledge!

[@shwndh]

Very nice. I actually had an old 135mm rear hub that had a solid, qr axle. It was a Novatec hub and I wondered why there were not more wheels set up like that. Probably weight.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Dirt Jumpers will typically run a bolt on 135 axle. There is definitely added weight.

[@chickensendies]

Very good video with great info here!!!

[@nighttime9539]

Thanks for the vid! I'm rebuilding my old Merida hardtail, and when choosing a fork I realized that there's almost no tapered forks available with quick release option. They all come with thru axle, so I'm about to convert my front wheel to support that option.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Sadly very few with QR and they tend to be lower end forks these days.

[@nighttime9539]

@@AdrenalineIsLife true. I was looking at Manitou Markhor with QR, but then realized the straight steerer does not fit my bike. Meanwhile, 95% of all tapered forks come with thru axle, so it's extra $$$ and extra work to convert my front wheel to match the fork. And I haven't even checked my brakes compatibility with any of those forks. Well, putting a new fork would be a bigger challenge than I expected, but it should be fun too :)

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Always fun to experiment. Look into the Suntour Epixon 9. I believe there is a tapered option with QR dropouts. Also you can adapt a straight steer tube to tapered headtube with an adapter crown race. You have options.

[@nighttime9539]

@@AdrenalineIsLife unfortunately Epixon 9 has a straight steerer. But appreciate your advice!

[@nighttime9539]

@@AdrenalineIsLife oh wait. Are you saying I can adapt a straight steerer fork to my bike? Will def look into it.

[@jesrobles6405]

I have a 2023 marin trail 3 and was hoping convert the QR as well. What adopter is needed? If u have time to direct me. Hope to attempt this very soon. Thanks for the content you create for us to enjoy and learn.

[@GuyonaMoose]

thankyou for this video. i bought a new rig with 10x141qr. now that i know a bit more wish I would have bought a thru axle model. oh well it still rips:) thanks for the great explanation

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

I always tell people to get the thru axle bike if they can afford it. It's just easier and more precise. QR is plenty strong though and you should be able to shred anything the bike is meant for. Enjoy the bike. Thanks for watching!🙏

[@V1nz11]

Hello, great tutorial, I have a 9x135 QR rear rim, can I put the dt swiss adapters on a 12x148 dt swiss rim? thank you for your help

[@JohnKatiku]

Here is a situation I am in. I need to Buy a new Bike(29er used preferably). Issue is the ones am getting are all QR and have a low engagement rear hubs(which i don't like). Now I plan to get a High engagement Hub(DT Swiss or i9 Hub) and rebuild the Rear Wheel on that and also get a new Fork(assuming that the one i get would not be in a Great condition). Would you advise wait to buy the bike or i can Pre-purchase the Hub(148MM) which a friend can bring to be in advance from the US. The main reason i want to pre-buy the hub is coz i have a friend travelling from US back to Africa and thats the more affordable place i can get them Your timely guidance will be highly appreciated.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

If you buy a boost 148mm hub (with a 141mm qr adapter). You will have to make sure to find a bike with a boost frame. If you are confident they're readily available, then by all means, grab the hub now. If not, it might be better to find the bike you want first.

[@Hollywood4Fun]

I'm looking to design a bike frame with a single side rear mount. So rather than the typical wishbone shape it will only attach on one side rather than two. Can you recommend a sturdy hub for such an application? I'm assuming a 20 mm axle would be the best choice. There will be no chain drive as it will be driven by a front wheel hub motor.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Interesting idea! Look into the Cannondale Lefty Hub. That may be what you're looking for.

[@sporkcrx]

Great vid, I have a trek Roscoe that I’d love to replace the rear hub and I’m trying to find a cheaper hub than hope etc

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Thanks. Look for hubs from Shimano. They make some less expensive options. Also check Bontrager they make a nice high engagement hub that's less expensive than Hope and similar brands.

[@sporkcrx]

@@AdrenalineIsLife Been researching all morning, thank you! Another good option might by an adaptor like this to use with boost 148 wheels kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4fSi6SnlLh4esU

[@sporkcrx]

Actually maybe it won’t

[@edsonrozario7252]

Hello. Congrats on the video! I have a doubt. I have a bike whose frame is 135mm in the rear, can I buy a hub that is 12x142 and convert it to use on this bike?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Yes. This is a common conversion. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to make sure they offer an adapter for the hub you want.

[@edsonrozario7252]

@@AdrenalineIsLife Thank you very much Cyclist friend. Helped me a lot. Success for you.

[@danortiz51]

I have the newer version of this bike I find that the rear hub is very unresponsive significant amount of travel before engaging almost feels like it's slipping. This is exactly the upgrade I was hoping for I'm kind of new to all this any suggestions as far as a wheel set or a hub that would fit this factory setup? Or if you have the time maybe a parts list for this upgrade. Thanks again great content

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Most bikes sadly come with low engagement hubs. Even many high end bikes. High engagement wheels can cost as much as this bike but there are a few less expensive options that I know off the top of my head.. Check out the Nukeproof Horizon V2 (3deg), Spank Wheels with Hex Hubs (3 deg), Industry 9 Trail S (4 deg). Nukeproof Neutron (10deg). You will need to make sure to order the Quick Release end caps along with the wheel. With industry nine (the most expensive set listed) you can order them setup QR from the factory. Things to keep in mind if you have an Xtrada. Rear is boost. The front wheel is non boost. Be aware if you're ordering both. Also the Xtrada uses centerlock brake rotors. If you buy a 6 bolt wheel you'll need new brake rotors. I don't remember which are offered in center lock other than Industry 9. Make sure you select the correct freehub as well. For the Xtrada 6 it's Shimano HG. Hope this helps.

[@ApexPursuit4]

Mine haves quick release system it's 9mm axle and my hub is Shimano XT deore 765 old one. Can i upgrade to something that will fit correctly on my bike; Which hub should i buy something that is not to expensive if it's 70-80€ I will buy it

[@KedsBilaya84]

Is this only for polygon bikes?? If not can i have the link for this product please please please and thank you

[@groovymoon]

Hey... Nice vid... Polygon 7's on the way for my spoiled rotten daughters. Very first upgrades is going to be dumping the fat heavy tires for a set of Racing Ralph tubeless (got a good deal on ebay). I see you teased the Polygon 7 upgrade video... you got a link... Peace Out..

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Thanks. Nothing wrong with spoiling them the right way. There are a couple of upgrade videos but no major upgrades yet. I've been focused of keeping upgrades as cheap as possible. I'll be delving into some bigger upgrades soon.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Polygon Xtrada: kzbin.info/aero/PLfq9I5UGh8ixpDsCl5PfeSykFuRJxp1zM

[@JohnKatiku]

You have earaned my Like and Sub. thank you Sir.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Thank you, and welcome! 🙏

[@jacobanghel235]

I have a polygon xtrada 6 2021. I’m trying to upgrade my suspension fork. Would this require me to upgrade my wheel set to a boost through axle. Are there more options with forks for bikes that have boost through axles?

[@jacobanghel235]

Additionally if my theory about upgrading to a boost through axel gives me more options for forks, what budget fork would you recommend? I’m looking to upgrade to an air fork

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

You don't necessarily have to switch to boost wheels up front. There are some Qr non boost options. However, if you want to use a thru axle fork, you will need a new front wheel or swap the hub as you can't convert the stock wheel to a thru axle.

[@jacobanghel235]

@@AdrenalineIsLife In the video did you use the stock wheel set that was boost compatible or did you have a new set of wheels put in?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

@@jacobanghel235 in the video, I took a boost wheel off another bike and replaced the end caps. The Xtrada frame is boost so stock rear wheel on the Xtrada is boost.

[@MrLee008]

Liked and subscribed! I just started and got a Cannondale Trail 5 and dislike the engagement on the rear hub using a WTB SX19, 32h rim with the Shimano FHTX505 rear hub. I want to upgrade the rear hub. Which wheels do you have with the dt swiss hub? Which store/website did you buy the end caps ?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

The rim is a WTB I30 attached to a DTswiss 370 hub. It's a wheel I took off another bike and it's not a high engagement hub. If you want a Dt swiss high engagement hub, consider the 350. The end caps are readily available at most retailers. I bought mine from Worldwide Cyclery. Keep in mind the caps need to be for whatever freehub body you have.(ie. HG, Xd or HG+). It's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer to confirm you have the right one for your hub. Thanks for the sub and like. Hope it was helpful. Good luck with your upgrade. www.worldwidecyclery.com/products/dt-swiss-5mm-qr135-142-endcap-kit-for-2011-rear-hubs-wheels?variant=16700645474426&gclid=CjwKCAiAprGRBhBgEiwANJEY7Jj3QcQMDPRXWz0eNrAiN_4_cMQ4e9oT7J2LuhjQSvwjyoma_HH08BoCltMQAvD_BwE

[@MrLee008]

@@AdrenalineIsLife appreciate you responding so quickly!! Yes, I've been trying to find a wheel set which has a decent high engagement rear hub. I'll check out the dt swiss 350. Then look into getting an end cap to make it work for the QR. Also will call up worldwidecyclery, they have some great videos with information.

[@ExtremeSquared]

Minor note -- boost wheels aren't stronger, they are laterally stiffer. With identical lacing and components, the radial failure load is actually slightly lower on boost.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Appreciate the feedback. Can you elaborate or refer me to somewhere I can learn more about that? My understanding is if you widen the hub, you create a more stiffness, which tracks better but also makes the wheel less prone to tacoing.

[@ExtremeSquared]

​@@AdrenalineIsLife That is true -- they are laterally stiffer. However, people who ride touring bikes or road tandems will break a wheel in a completely different manner than someone who tacos a wheel while bombing downhill, so the term "stronger" should be used carefully when talking about wheels. The simplest method for understanding this is to refer to college physics -- draw a triangle with the rim at the top, and the hub flanges as the base. Then create the force vectors with some fixed and some variable. You'll find that the nipple tension vector goes up with the inverse sine (if my head-math is right) of the angle on a purely vertical load, thus technically reducing max vertical load before failure. As a thought experiment, consider a wacky extreme like a hypothetical meter-wide hub. It will be massively stiff laterally, but too weak vertically to support a person.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

@D P Ah, I see. Thanks for the clarification. That makes total sense.

[@TheArimatheus]

Can you please provide exact part number you used for the end caps? I have been buying different caps to do this exact thing on that exact 370 hub, but they've ALL been just about 0.5 mm too wide to fit inside the driver body, so it gets pinched against the driver body and the wheel won't turn under pedal force (it will only coast).

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

I don't recall the part number. I may have a record of it some. What freehub body do you have? They are specific to the freehub

[@imusiccollection]

Fork upgrade with Thru-axles problem, is an old Large sized frame has a longer steering head tube and new forks steering tubes are much shorter than the old days. 165mm and the new forks are 170mm. Stem is 40mm so I need 210mm minimum. It can have a taper adapter as right size. Any tips, guys? Before I can upgrade my forks?

[@RunWildAdventure]

I have the same bike and would like to do this to it. what are the wheels did you put on yours?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

The wheel in the video was a WTB wheel with a DT Swiss 370 hub. It was a takeoff from a different bike. The Nukeproof Horizon V2 can be converted, any DT Swiss 350 or 370 hub, Industry Nine 1/1 hub, certain Stans wheels, Crank Bros and Raceface wheels. If you find a wheel you like, just search for "QR end caps" for that model.

[@jagoss45]

What are the chances the stock Xtrada 5 X15 wheels could have the ability to convert the hubs to thru axle? Or are they just old school cone and bearings?? I haven’t taken them off to check yet and am wondering if your Xtrada6 wheels are the same.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

They are cup and cone. I'm not aware of a way to convert to thru axle with buying a new hub. The 6 is also cup and cone. There isn't any benefit to converting the stock hub to thru axle since the bike is already a QR frame. The Xtrada 7 is where you'll get a thru axle.

[@brettlowden6752]

I have bike with a thru axle in the front and boost 141 qr in the rear. i'm starting to ride at bike parks more and more and hitting jumps. do i need to be concerned about the rear axle's stability? is there a way to convert the rear to a thru axle through some type of adapter?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

There is no way to turn your frame from QR to thru axle that I'm aware of. Thru axle is a stiffer and stronger setup but lots of riders jump QR bikes. Just make sure everything is properly tight and regularly check your bike. Bike parks are hard on equipment in general.

[@joshtromp155]

please read and consider this ! Correct me if I'm wrong but the inside bearing that carries all load on both sides is as big as the trough axle, thus if you change the caps with the small diameter and wherein the QR passes through all load will be carried by the caps and not the inside bearing 🙈😱 is this correct? You will have the QR going in the new end caps yet inside the hub the QR passes far from any load carrying bearing. Pls let me know if this is right.and if there is a solution for this.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

It does not fit the way you described. The axle is actually built into the hub. Many hub manufacturers will engineer a hub to accommodate both standards. The axle itself is snug against the bearings. The QR caps protrude less than a thru axle cap (ie. 141mm qr vs 148mm thru axle) and are mostly wrapped around the axle. The QR skewer just squeezes the frame to secure the wheel. These are engineered conversions avaliable from the manufacturers are not a home modification.

[@howladerrahman9495]

Is there a way to convert a quick release wheel into a thru axle frame?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Unfortunately, wheels with the cup and cone loose bearings system, its not possible. It's possible with some higher end wheels that were purchased as QR could be converted by changing end caps.

[@BenMJacobs1975]

Is there a way to use a QR Wheel on a Thru axel bike?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Unfortunately not. Most QR bikes are spec'd with hubs that use a cup and cone system.

[@KedsBilaya84]

Is your frame dropouts is thru axle pr quick release??

[@Smegma_pirate]

What kind of wheel set did you upgrade to? Wondering for future needs as my Xtradas rear hub is absolutely garbage and will need to upgrade soon

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

The wheel used for the conversion is a WTB i30 with a DT swiss 370 hub. Most major wheel and hub manufacturers will offer QR end caps for their wheels. I'm still using the stock wheelset.

[@bobkin611]

What about the rear frame? I have a Grant Talon 2 29er (hard tail) and it uses a QR for the rear, how do I use a thru axel on the rear? what does it thread into?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

You can't use a thru axle on a qr frame.

[@jedisentinel1499]

I’m still learning but can I convert a quick release to a through axle on my Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11. 29”? The rear hub is Shimano MT200 Center Lock 10 x 141 mm quick-release

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Your bike is designed for quick release, so thru axle is not at option.

[@jedisentinel1499]

@@AdrenalineIsLife thanks!

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

@@jedisentinel1499 you're welcome!

[@carterstraub]

What adapter did you use for the rear hub? I have an xtrada and want to upgrade wheels but i need an adapter because the wheels are thru axle but xtrada is quick release. Which adapter did you use?

[@eltondasilva7376]

What if its the other way around? I have been all over the internet, but cant fint a conversion kit. Basically, old qr wheel, into a thru axle frame. Any ideas?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

A lot of older or cheaper QR wheels are cup and cone, so they are not convertible to a thru axle.

[@testdirver]

wait how to put the nut into the frame, never see that

[@groovylu1]

I'm still a bit confused, they make adapter end caps for Boost to QR conversion as you showed, yet a boost wheel will not fit a QR equipped bike frame? For example I have a Kona Honzo (Boost 148×12) and Lava Dome (QR 135×10). I couldn't purchase some DT Swiss adapters and put the Honzo wheels on the Lava Dome? take

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

You cannot convert boost wheels to fit non boost bikes. Boost 148 wheels can be converted to boost 141. Non boost 142 can be converted to 135.

[@lewisaustin222]

Can both wheels be converted to thru axel?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Converting the front wheel to a quick release is similar. It just uses a different type of adapter. If you're talking about turning a QR hub to thru axle, they do make adapters for that.

[@zk3079]

will iit fit on a 12x135 ck hubs?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

I know that Chris King hubs can be converted to different standards. I suggest checking directly with Chris King to confirm. They are pricey hubs.

[@alpgirayaykut]

Isn’t this weaker than through axle? It could bend and damage the hub.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

No, that's not an issue here. Hubs that can be converted are designed for both setups.

[@rohankalsi4829]

Is there a size for road bikes?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

For disc brake wheels, the standard is the same. 135mm QR/142mm Thru Axle. Front wheel typically 100mm width with either 9mm QR or 12mm thru axle. There can be some exceptions to that with road bikes.

[@wynamagno869]

We're can I buys 141mm caps. Pls help

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Availablility depends on your specific wheel. You need to contact the wheel manufacturer.

[@vicentereyes6028]

Does this really take 1-2months to ship?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

If it's in stock, it usually only take a few days to a week. If you are pre-ordering, it could take longer.

[@jonmiles6036]

I suppose i dont understand how this makes the wheel better. Your still relying on the thin QR to clamp down. Seems like its just a money grab for accessory companies. Point of the thicker axle is to add stiffness.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

The skewer is not the axle. The axle is in the hub and still plenty strong. The point of the video is to show that people with QR bikes have options when it comes to upgrading or replacing wheels.

[@SuperDeluxe80]

skewers were universial, thru axle are not. they were made for making money.

[@BrentsJoyride146]

Pahingi ng bike

[@richardtan9163]

Is there something known as 10mm qr? I found a QR adapter for hope pro 4 148. And that Adapter said it’s for 10mm QR. I’m confusing

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Yes, 10MM is the standard for QR in the rear. If your frame is boost 141MM, the adapter will work.

[@selfhelp69]

Informative. Thanks.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

You're welcome!

[@bright_h223]

What size should I get to fit the 9x142. I have Cannondale super six Evo disc 2017. Thanks

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

I'm not familiar with that standard.