The wheel quick release uses a cam action to clamp the bike’s wheel in place (see fig. 6). Because of its adjustable nature, it is critical that you understand how
it works, how to use it properly, and how much force you need to apply to secure the wheel.
!
WARNING
: The full force of the cam action is needed to clamp the wheel securely. Holding the nut with one hand and turning the lever like a
wing nut with the other hand until everything is as tight as you can get it will not clamp the wheel safely in the dropouts.
a. Adjusting the quick release mechanism
The wheel hub is clamped in place by the force of the quick release cam pushing against one dropout and pulling the tension adjusting nut, by way of the
skewer, against the other dropout. The amount of clamping force is controlled by the tension adjusting nut. Turning the tension adjusting nut clockwise while
keeping the cam lever from rotating increases clamping force; turning it counterclockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating reduces clamping force.
Less than half a turn of the tension adjusting nut can make the difference between safe clamping force and unsafe clamping force.
b. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices
Most bicycles have front forks which utilize a secondary wheel retention device to keep the wheel from disengaging if the quick release is incorrectly adjusted.
Secondary retention devices are not a substitute for correct quick release adjustment.
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