Chapter 3: inspection, adjustment, and lubrication

Traditional Quick-release
adjustment and closure

For proper and safe adjustment of a quick-release, read and follow these instructions carefully. A traditional quick-release can be found on a front wheel, rear wheel, or both (Figure 1).

The quick-release axle passes through the hub. To make wheel installation easier, the quick-release is kept centered in the hub by two cone-shaped springs. The springs are positioned with the smaller end of the cone facing the center of the bike. There is a lever, or quick-release lever, on one end of the quick-release, and an adjusting nut on the other end.

To adjust the tension and close a quick-release

1. Move the quick-release lever to the OPEN position (Figure 2) and set the wheel so it firmly touches the inside of the fork ends.

2. With the lever about halfway between the OPEN position and the CLOSE position, tighten the quick-release adjusting nut (Figure 3) until finger-tight.

3. Place the lever in the palm of your hand and throw the lever as shown in Figure 4 to the CLOSE position (Figures 7-8).

At the half-closed position of the lever, there should be some resistance.

• Do not tighten the quick-release wheel retention mechanism by turning the lever like a wing nut (Figure 4); this will not result in sufficient force to hold the wheel in place.

4. 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 quick-release adjusting nut further and close the lever, and again test for resistance.

For further information on correct adjustment of the quick-release tension, read the actual measurements.

5. Orient the quick-release levers so they do not interfere with any other bicycle part or accessory part (such as rack or fenders) or touch any part of the bicycle (Figure 5), and so obstacles in the path of the bicycle cannot snag the levers (Figures 6-7).

If necessary, re-install the wheel with the quick-release lever on the other side of the bicycle, or speak to your dealer about a quick-release that closes correctly and does not touch the bicycle (Figure 6).

6. Test that you have properly adjusted and closed the quick-release.

If the quick-release does not pass any test, either repeat these adjustment procedures, including the tests, or take your bicycle to your Trek dealer for service.

If that wasn't clear, watch the movie.