Skewers
Used MTB skewers and thru-axles from UK sellers. Quick-release skewers for older hubs and thru-axles for modern frames — match the axle standard and hub spacing to your frame and fork, because the wrong size simply won't fit.
Thru-axle or quick release?
Skewers clamp your wheels into the frame and fork, and the correct axle standard is non-negotiable — the wrong size simply won't fit. Modern MTBs use thru-axles almost universally, but quick-release skewers are still found on older and budget bikes. QR is lighter and faster to use yet significantly less stiff, because a thru-axle threads directly into the fork or frame dropout to create a rigid connection between hub and frame.
How does a quick-release skewer work?
QR skewers use a 5mm (front) or 5mm (rear) rod with a cam lever that tensions against the dropout, with standard spacing of 100mm front and 135mm rear. If your bike uses QR you're limited to QR-compatible hubs — there's no adapter to convert QR dropouts to thru-axle. QR skewers are universal within their spacing, so any 100mm QR fits any 100mm QR fork.
What thru-axle size do I need?
Standard MTB sizes are 15x100mm and 15x110mm (Boost) front, and 12x142mm and 12x148mm (Boost) rear, while DH bikes may use 20x110mm front. The axle diameter and hub spacing must match your frame — a 148mm rear hub won't fit a 142mm frame. Thread pitch also varies by frame brand, so carry the correct axle for your specific frame.
Which replacement axle fits my frame?
Thru-axles are more frame-specific than QR because of thread pitch, length and lever design. RockShox Maxle and Fox Kabolt are fork-specific, and rear thru-axles vary by frame manufacturer. Aftermarket options from Robert Axle Project and Wolf Tooth cover most frames and offer lighter weight or different lever styles. If you've lost your thru-axle, the frame manufacturer's replacement is the safe bet, and aftermarket options work if you can confirm the thread spec.