Q: How do I find the right thru axle?

Three measurements have to match: the diameter (usually 12mm rear, 15mm or 20mm front), the hub spacing of frame or fork (142mm, 148mm Boost, 157mm Super Boost, 100mm or 110mm Boost up front) and the thread pitch , 1.0mm or 1.75mm for example. Get one of them wrong and the axle either will not thread in or will not clamp the wheel safely.

Q: What is the difference to a quick release?

Thru Axle A continuous axle threaded through the hub and the closed dropouts . Far stiffer and today's standard on disc brake MTBs. Quick Release (QR) A thin skewer in open dropouts. Quicker to swap, but much less stiff. Modern suspension forks do not use it any more.

A thru axle holds wheel, frame and fork together, and it is almost never universal. Diameter, hub spacing and thread pitch have to match your frame or fork. Here you find replacement and upgrade thru axles for the common standards: 12mm rear, 15mm and 20mm front, Boost 148, Super Boost 157, non-Boost 142. Not sure which axle you need? Just ask us, we are happy to help.

MTB Thru Axles FAQ

How do I find the right thru axle?

Three measurements have to match: the diameter (usually 12mm rear, 15mm or 20mm front), the hub spacing of frame or fork (142mm, 148mm Boost, 157mm Super Boost, 100mm or 110mm Boost up front) and the thread pitch, 1.0mm or 1.75mm for example. Get one of them wrong and the axle either will not thread in or will not clamp the wheel safely.

What is the difference to a quick release?

Thru Axle: A continuous axle threaded through the hub and the closed dropouts. Far stiffer and today's standard on disc brake MTBs.
Quick Release (QR): A thin skewer in open dropouts. Quicker to swap, but much less stiff. Modern suspension forks do not use it any more.

Does the axle have to match the frame brand?

No. The measurements have to match, the brand does not. Most manufacturers state the overall length; when in doubt, remove the old axle and measure it: overall length, thread length and pitch.