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As its name implies, it serves as a back up for a critical adjustment. If the quick release is not
adjusted correctly, the secondary retention device can reduce the risk of the wheel
disengaging from the fork. Removing or disabling the secondary retention device may also
void the warranty.
Secondary retention devices are not a substitute for correct quick release adjustment. Failure
to properly adjust the quick release mechanism can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage,
which could cause you to loose control and fall, resulting in serious injury or death.
2. Removing and Installing Quick Release Wheels
a. Removing a Quick Release Rear Wheel
(1) If your bike has rim brakes, disengage the brake’s quick-release mechanism to open the
clearance between the tire and the brake pads (See Section 4.C fig. 11 through 15).
(2) Move the wheel’s quick-release lever from the locked or CLOSED position to the OPEN position.
(3) If your rear fork does not have secondary retention devices go to step (5).
(4) If your rear fork has a clip-on type secondary retention device, disengage it and go to step (5). If
your front fork has an integral secondary retention device, loosen the tension-adjusting nut enough to
allow removing the wheel; then go to the next step.
(5) Raise the rear wheel a few inches off the ground and tap the top of the wheel with the palm of
your hand to knock the wheel out of the front fork.
b. Installing a Quick Release Rear Wheel
CAUTION
: If your bike is equipped with disk brakes, be careful not to damage the disk,
caliper or brake pads when re-inserting the disk into the caliper. Never activate a disk brake’s
control lever unless the disk is correctly inserted in the caliper. See also Section 8.C.
(1) Move the quick-release lever so that it curves away from the wheel. This is the OPEN position.
(2) Insert the rear wheel between the dropouts of the rear triangle so that the axle seats firmly at the
top of the slots. The quick-release lever should be on the left side of the bicycle. If your bike has a
clip-on type secondary retention device, engage it.
(3) Holding the quick-release lever in the OPEN position with your right hand, tighten the tension
adjusting nut with your left hand until it is finger tight against the dropout.
(4) While pushing the wheel firmly to the top of the slots in the dropouts, and at the same time
centering the wheel rim in the fork, move the quick-release lever upwards and swing it into the
CLOSED position. The lever should now be parallel to one of the triangles tubes and curved toward
the wheel. To apply enough clamping force, you should have to wrap your fingers around the tube for
leverage, and the lever should leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand.
WARNING
: Securely clamping the wheel takes considerable force.
If you can fully close the quick release without wrapping your fingers around the tube for
leverage, and the lever does not leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand, the tension is
insufficient. Open the lever; turn the tension-adjusting nut clockwise a quarter turn; then try
again.
(5) If the lever cannot be pushed all the way to a position parallel to the fork blade, return the lever to
the OPEN position. Then turn the tension-adjusting nut counterclockwise one-quarter turn and try
tightening the lever again.
(6) Re-engage the brake quick-release mechanism to restore correct brake pad-to-rim clearance;
spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake pads; then squeeze
the brake lever and make sure that the brakes are operating correctly.
