[Poops McDougal]

Silly question - I'm going to be building up a Steelhead for street riding using my old Shimano XT hubs. Am a better off converting to a 10mm axle, or am I ok with the QR skewer? I'm going SS, and I'll be using a tensioner (tugnut).

Thanks in advance...

 

[Frankenschwinn]

Your better off with a solid axle and track nuts.

 

[sittingduck]

I found that solid axles bent rather quickly, while the hollow QR axles just broke.
Go with what you have, and try to migrate to 20mm for the front, and maybe 12mm slotted, or an SS hub (Nashbar!) for the rear. I never really had much trouble with rear axles, mostly just fronts.

 

[1453]

convert to 10mm axle and add a tuggnut for extra stability's sake.

 

[Poops McDougal]

I should have clarified - I was wondering specifically about the rear hub - looks like 10mm's the way to go. A 20mm front is definitely down the road..

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.

 

[sanjuro]

I am no Aaron Chase, but I do a little bit on QR XT hubs, without a failure (yet).

 

[WestCoastHucker]

you will be fine with a qr if you run a tug...

 

[brandonbmx1]

I have xt qr hubs on my steelhead. They have held up fine for dj/4x/slalom. I have always wanted to do the conversion to a standard through axle though. Apparently it is really easy and cheap.

 

[1453]

my Tuggnut works great as a bottle opener as well.

yay for opened bottles of Mexican coke(the ones with real sugar and real cap that requires an opener).