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• Do not tighten the quick-release wheel retention mechanism
by turning the lever like a wing nut (Figure 35); it will not result
in sufficient force to hold the wheel in place.
5. If the lever is moved to the CLOSE position with little or no
resistance, clamping strength is insufficient. Return the lever
to the OPEN position, tighten the adjusting nut further, close
the lever, and again test for resistance. For further information
on correct adjustment of the quick-release tension, read
Figure 38.
6. Orient the quick-release levers so they do not interfere with
any other bicycle part or accessory part (such as rack or
fenders), and so obstacles in the path of the bicycle cannot
snag the levers.
7. Test that you have properly adjusted and closed the quick-
release. If the quick-release fails any test, either repeat these
adjustment procedures, including these tests, or take your
bicycle to your dealer for service.
8. Test for proper quick-release adjustment:
• Pick up the bike, and sharply hit the top of the tire (Figure
39). The wheel must not come off, be loose, or move from side
to side.
• Make sure the quick-release lever
cannot be rotated parallel to the wheel
(Figure 40).
NOTE: If it requires more than 45 pounds (200
Newton) force to completely close the quick-release
lever, open the lever and slightly loosen the quick-
release adjusting nut.
If it requires less than 12 pounds (53.4 Newton) force
to begin to open the lever from the fully closed
position, open the lever and slightly tighten the quick-release adjusting nut.
Repeat the adjustment if necessary.
• When the quick-release is properly tightened and clamped by
the lever in the closed position, the clamping force is adequate
to cause metal-into-metal engagement (embossing) of the
dropout surfaces.
• See Figure 38.
To install an axle-nut wheel
Some wheels are attached by nuts threaded onto the axle. The front wheel may require
a toothed washer to be placed between the nut and fork tip. Some bicycles also have
pegs, tubular axle extension.
1. Tighten the axle nuts:
• Tighten a regular front wheel to 180-240 lb•in (20.3-27.1 N•m).