How To Convert Bolt On Wheel To Quick Release - Schwinn AL Comp

In this video I demonstrate how to convert a bolt on wheel to quick release. The Schwinn AL Comp is a nice bike for just $248, but there are some components that were apparently used to meet that price point. Among them, the rear wheel has a bolt on axle, even though the front wheel has a quick release. I decided to do something about that, so I bought a quick release conversion kit.
Converting the AL Comp's rear wheel to a quick release setup is really nothing more than an axle swap. The kit include a front and rear axle, and the corresponding skewers. All you need are some basic cone wrenches, a freewheel removal tool, and some grease.
For basically five dollars per wheel, this is a good and affordable alternative to buying a whole new wheelset for well over $100.
For some reason KZbin isn't posting a clickable link, so I added the product link for copying and pasting.
CYSKY Bike Axle Quick Release Skewer Kit, $9.97, Amazon.com
www.amazon.com...

[@africanhistory]

FINALLY, the video I have been looking for. Everyone keeps showing you how to do it without accounting for the fact that some of us have a bolt on.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I'm still using it with no issues.

[@SlowDelSol]

Wow. I had no idea you could change this so easily. Thanks for the video! Why Schwinn didn’t do this from factory is beyond me. It looks virtually the same, cost and assembly wise. Too bad I sold the stock Al comp I had, I would’ve done this immediately.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I started looking around after I repacked the bearings on a bike with a quick release. Turned out there are lots of kits. I may buy a few extras just to have them on hand.

[@icejunki]

Thank you. This was clear and easy to watch and follow. Thanks for taking the time to prepare this.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

You are welcome!

[@Magicmike12345]

Thanks for sharing. Just retuto bike riding after a knee replacement . I got a cheap bike for now. I hate fixed spindles. New friend here, 👍👍👍👍

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Welcome back!

[@dm7646]

Happy Sunday, Jim! Great video and great upgrade! You’ve also improved the value of the wheels and the bike!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks! I can't help but wonder why Schwinn cheaped out on the rear wheel. 😀

[@dm7646]

I’m going to do this on the stock rear wheel of the Mongoose Ledge X1. I’ve since replaced the stock wheels but this upgrade is a no-brainer.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Just make sure you get the right length skewer unlike me, lol.

[@dm7646]

However, finally got it right on the Dolomite ALX!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I really like my ALX.

[@Tony-v9c7s]

That 98 buck kent bike sold out so fast. Everyone wanted one.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

All too true!

[@darrylwillhite7880]

Does the kit that you have linked this to have the proper length skewer?

[@scotscub76]

How do you convert quick release to bolt on!?

[@burns1210]

Let me see if I understand, when you do remove the wheel, you have to use the quick disconnect and pull out the entire axle/skewer?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

no, I replaced the solid axle with a conventional quick release unit. It's just like any other QR, you just loosen the lever and remove the wheel.

[@burns1210]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder beautiful, thanks. I'll be attempting this soon

[@meshark_t]

How to measure what length needs to be the skewer.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

measure the distance from each end of the axle, and choose the closest match, but not shorter.

[@Dainslaif]

I'm looking into making the switch so I can use some other accessories that necessitate quick releases (new forks and a disc brake frame adapter), but some of the reviews said the axles had a tendency to bend. How have these been holding up for you?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi, I've seen the comments. But honestly, I have had no problems at all.

[@sk-uy4xo]

Hey Jim, nice video. I'm planning to do this on my Al Comp as well. I don't have the tools to pull off the wheel to determine which freewheel remover tool I need, as I will be ordering them all at once. Anyway you can point me in the right direction for the freewheel remover tool? Much thanks.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi. I have Park Tools FR-1.3, 12 spline that I got a few years ago on Amazon.

[@sk-uy4xo]

Awesome. Thank you very much :)

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

My pleasure.

[@greatvedas]

Need advise. Can I replace an existing wheel with Bold on axle, with another spare wheel that has QR? Both wheels are 700c and has same number of gears on the cassette? Thanks in advance.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi. Usually, yes. Once in a while I ran into QR setups that were wider than the bolt on one.

[@CarloPingul]

How does it go for front wheel? Im getting 8.5 mm drop out to drop out but the axle is 10.5

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

The kit included both front and rear units. Just be sure to order the right size for your wheel.

[@secretariatgirl4249]

Do you have to do all this if you want to put the bike on a bike stand...it comes with a skewer...I imagine you would have to..

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

If you mean a display or storage stand, I would think not. If you mean a trainer, probably yes. I just did this because it makes wheel removal a lot easier.

[@smb7647]

Im a bit confused, the parts diagram lists the rear axle as 14.5 cm which is 145mm and the skewer at 19cm or 190mm..did you get the 2 dim mixed up or am i missing something

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I got them mixed up. The axle was OK but the skewer was short.. Luckily I had a spare longer skewer in my parts boxes.

[@smb7647]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder thanks..was just doing some pre measuring before placing an order for my new AL comp..bike seems to have a slight rear bearing knock..ive adjusted the bearings several times making sure nothing moved when tightening the axle but knock returns after approximately 3mls..i will give everything a good grease when changing the parts out as i noticed factory grease was on the thin side🤞🏻

[@weebnoob4973]

@@smb7647what size should I order for my Al comp?.. newer to mtb and want quick release on my rear wheel

[@luigiprovencher]

Is each side supposed to have the same number of bearings or do they ever have a different amount?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi. Each side should be the same, typically an odd number. My more modern bikes have 9, but a couple really old ones had 11 slightly smaller ball bearings.

[@Dainslaif]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder I second this. I haven't taken apart these wheels specifically, but the 27.5" ones I have disassembled all had 9 on each side.

[@BokehLyfe]

I have that kent will this work for that. Mines is a 700c

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I believe so. Just be sure to get the right length.

[@garywright5112]

I have an AL Comp but the front axel isn't long enough to reach the fork... Any suggestions?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I'm a bit confused. Do you mean the stock QR axle does not fit the stock fork?

[@garywright5112]

Yes and I'm new to all of this so I'm not sure what size axle I should get to replace it. Idk...

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi. I could not find my calipers but using a tape measure it looks like about 100mm end to end. Add about 10mm for the skewer.

[@garywright5112]

Ok thank you!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

@@garywright5112 you are welcome.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Got a kit, don't got a *freewheel tool lol. Apollo Phaze, oh well, beer solution it is then 😂

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Good luck. :)

[@OldNavajoTricks]

​@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder I took it to a mate at the local Motorcycle/bike shop I've known a good few years, he took it off for me so I bought the correct sockety thing as a thanks. All done now on the QR front so I just need to sort my front rackframe (Another mad project haha.) and refit the grill rack panniers to the back. 🤘😁

[@midas3749]

bolt on or allen key skewers.better option.is much harder to steal wheels

[@bazil4146]

But they make it Is harder to clean the bike properly.

[@snip_king428]

My mongoose grit came with tourney derailleurs, instead of Microshift....!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Bummer.

[@CarlosSanchez-hs4hk]

Qr conversions tend to not last long before they bend on a freewheel

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Perhaps, but it's still going strong. I suspect the quality of the kit plays a part.

[@toadstl]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder They may have changed the quality since you purchased yours. I ordered the one from your description and it bent on my first ride which was only 6 miles on pavement. You have a great video and it helped my try out a QR on my Schwinn Al Comp but I think I will go back to a solid axle for durability. Thanks and take care!!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

@@toadstl Oh geez, that stinks!

[@xtangent1846]

What is the date code on your bike? Lost my sticker and need to order a derailleur hanger for mine. Thanks

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi, Mine is XDS0425BA. I hope it helps.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi, Mine is XDS0425BA. I hope it helps.

[@VictoriaAlfredSmythe]

thank you from manhattan ©2024

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

You're welcome!

[@raylaux8295]

Typical China mfg.cone and cup assembly. Many of them short on bearing. 9 are required per side. Lots only have 8 on one side.

[@CoachJimJacobsen]

I have noticed that on a few bikes.

[@duckman12569]

4:35 DELICIOUS

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

LOL!